Cypriot MEPs criticize European Commission president over Cyprus omission

During the State of the Union debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Cypriot MEPs Loukas Fourlas and Geadis Geadi expressed dissatisfaction regarding European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's annual address. The lawmakers specifically criticized the president for failing to mention the ongoing Cyprus issue and the Turkish occupation of the island in her speech.

Fourlas, representing the EPP, emphasized that the European Union must demonstrate its commitment to protecting the sovereignty and borders of its member states. Alongside broader discussions on European defense, competitiveness, migration, and the conflict in Ukraine, the six Cypriot MEPs highlighted the lack of reference to Cyprus as a point of concern. Thomas Byrne, representing the Irish Presidency of the Council, supported von der Leyen’s focus on European security and strategic autonomy during the session.

While the Commission President addressed various global challenges, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, the exclusion of the Cyprus issue prompted a formal reaction from the Cypriot delegation. This development reflects growing tensions regarding how the EU balances its foreign policy priorities against the specific sovereignty concerns of its member states.