European Parliament passes resolution on 1974 Cyprus invasion victims

On July 8, 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution with 575 votes in favor, 33 against, and 43 abstentions, addressing the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on women and girls in Cyprus. The document formally recognizes sexual violence, rape, forced displacement, and family separation during the conflict as war crimes and violations of international human rights law. Initiated by MEPs Eleonora Meleti and Loukas Fourlas, the resolution also condemns the ongoing occupation of Cypriot territory. In response, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on July 9, 2026, rejecting the resolution as invalid and baseless. Ankara accused the European Parliament of exhibiting a biased approach and defended the Turkish Armed Forces against what it termed slanderous allegations. The Zoi Foundation and other proponents hailed the legislative act as a historic milestone for victim recognition and justice after 52 years of silence.