MEP Geadis Geadi (ECR) has called on the European Commission to condemn recent statements by Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, who expressed a desire to become 'Jerusalem's Governor' and suggested the city would return to Ottoman rule. In a parliamentary question submitted on 16 June 2026, Geadi also urged the Commission to consider whether such revisionist rhetoric should affect EU financial assistance and political engagement with Türkiye.
The question cites Çiftçi's remarks as part of a broader pattern of neo-Ottoman and revisionist statements by senior Turkish officials, which Geadi argues challenge the sovereignty of neighbouring states and fuel instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. The MEP specifically links these statements to Türkiye's continued military occupation of part of Cyprus and threats against EU Member States' sovereign rights.
first, that the Commission publicly condemn the minister's statements; second, that it examine whether repeated revisionist claims and threats to third-state sovereignty should have consequences for EU funding and political ties with Ankara. The question does not specify numerical targets or deadlines but implies a reassessment of the EU-Türkiye relationship.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether Brussels views the rhetoric as a breach of EU-Türkiye commitments and whether financial instruments—such as pre-accession funds or migration-related aid—could be leveraged.
Stakeholder impact - EU foreign policy institutions: A strong condemnation could strain EU-Türkiye relations but reinforce credibility with Israel and other regional partners. - Turkish government: Potential funding cuts or political distancing would increase diplomatic isolation and economic pressure. - EU taxpayers: Their funds support Türkiye; linking aid to behaviour may improve accountability but risks destabilising a key NATO ally. - Cyprus and Greece: Directly affected by Turkish revisionism; a tougher EU line would support their sovereignty claims.