Press Release
President Tufan Erhürman receives a response from the European Union regarding the obstruction of music festivals and the Barcelona football camp
As will be recalled, on 28 August 2026, I sent letters to the relevant counterparts, primarily the United Nations and the European Union, regarding the increasingly confidence-eroding actions of the Greek Cypriot leadership, including the obstruction of music festivals and the Barcelona football camp, which further exacerbate mistrust between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
In these letters, I drew attention, on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side, to the negative atmosphere created by such counterproductive steps.
In its response to my letter, the European Commission states that it has taken careful note of the points raised by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding these actions, as well as the concerns expressed regarding their impact on the United Nations process.
My letter also drew attention to the timing of these obstructive actions. The response by the European Commission likewise recalls the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to the island and underlines that building trust between the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and fostering a positive atmosphere are important to create the right environment.
The Commission further states in the letter that its aim is to build bridges, promote dialogue and foster closer relations both between the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and between the Turkish Cypriots and the European Union.
In this context, the letter states that, in line with the principles set out in the 2004 Council conclusions, the main objective is to put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and encourage their economic development.
Within this framework, it is further stated that initiatives by civil society and private organisations that contribute to the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriots, particularly young people, and foster closer links between the Turkish Cypriots and the European Union are consistent with the objectives set out in the conclusions of the EU.
Presidency