Greek MEP Yannis Maniatis (S&D) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission regarding the alleged harassment of aircraft carrying defence ministers from the Netherlands, France, and Greece during their approach to Cyprus for an informal EU defence ministers' meeting. Maniatis claims that radio interference from the illegal Tymbou airport in the Turkish-occupied area of Cyprus and the takeoff of Turkish F-16 fighter jets from the occupied territories constituted a provocation and a violation of Cyprus's sovereign rights.
The question, dated 8 June 2026, was raised in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. Maniatis also references Turkey's recent exclusion of Cyprus from preliminary negotiations ahead of COP31 in Antalya. The MEP asks the Commission whether it is aware of the incident, how it will ensure aviation safety in the face of such harassment, and what assurances it has received from Turkey and the United Nations that Cyprus will participate in all relevant meetings and negotiations, including COP31.
the Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the EU's stance on the matter. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between EU member state Cyprus and Turkey, with implications for aviation safety, diplomatic protocol, and the EU's relationship with Turkey. Stakeholders impacted include EU defence ministers and their travel security, Cyprus's sovereign rights, Turkey's relations with the EU, and the broader EU foreign policy framework.