Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, in a written answer on 17 June 2026, condemned allegations of exhumations and desecration of cemeteries in occupied Kyrenia, while noting the Commission's inability to independently verify the reports. Fitto stressed the importance of protecting cultural and religious sites and highlighted EU funding for the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH), which has restored over 200 monuments and cleaned around 70 cemeteries across Cyprus.
The answer responds to a parliamentary question from Costas Mavrides (S&D, Cyprus), who raised concerns about graves being destroyed, religious symbols removed, and foreign individuals buried in existing grave spaces in occupied Kyrenia. Mavrides described the acts as reminiscent of jihadist behaviour and a violation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Fitto's response contains no concrete new measures or commitments beyond reiterating the Commission's condemnation and existing support. It references the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, which has provided EUR 35 million to the TCCH since 2012, covering about 80% of its budget. The restoration of cemeteries was part of confidence-building measures agreed by Cypriot community leaders with the UN Secretary-General in 2025.
The answer signals a declaratory stance rather than new policy action. The Commission does not announce any investigation, sanctions, or additional funding. The institutional follow-up remains unclear, though the TCCH's ongoing work may continue to address cemetery restoration. The response impacts stakeholders including the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, the TCCH, and the EU as a funder of cultural heritage protection.