European Parliament to vote on Turkey progress report amid Cyprus objections

The European Parliament is set to vote on an annual progress report regarding Turkey's EU accession process, authored by rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor. While the report acknowledges Turkey’s obligations regarding the Cyprus issue, including references to the withdrawal of troops and respect for sovereignty, it continues to label Turkey as a strategic partner. Most Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have stated they will abstain or vote against the document. Specifically, Loukas Fourlas, Michalis Hadjipantela, Giorgos Georgiou, and Costas Mavrides have announced they will abstain. MEPs Geadis Geadi and Fidias Panayiotou are also expected to abstain or oppose the report. Cypriot MEPs criticized the EU's perceived inconsistency, arguing that the report pushes for upgrading the Customs Union and strengthening cooperation without demanding direct fulfillment of Turkey's obligations toward Cyprus. The rapporteur maintains that the EU must distinguish between the Turkish government and its citizens while keeping the European perspective open through dialogue.