Turkish AKP official criticizes Greece and the European Union over minority and Cyprus issues

On July 27, 2026, Omer Celik, spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AKP party, issued strong criticism against both Greece and the European Union following a central committee meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Celik accused Greek authorities of infringing upon the rights of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace, specifically condemning the recent decision to close eight minority elementary schools.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Celik rejected the European Union's appointment of a special envoy, asserting that the EU cannot remain neutral. He argued that the bloc lost its impartiality by admitting the Republic of Cyprus as a member state despite the rejection of the Annan Plan by Greek Cypriots in 2004. According to Celik, this historical decision was the root of current problems, rendering the new EU appointment ineffective in facilitating a resolution.