Detention of European citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

In their resolution, MEPs condemn Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus for 51 years and denounce a serious violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability and relations between the European Union and Türkiye.

The detention since July 2025 of five Greek Cypriot citizens – Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou – after visiting their properties in the village of Galatia is “illegal and politically motivated”, say MEPs. Even if three of them were released under conditions on 10 September, they remain in the occupied territory and cannot go back to their homes, MEPs added.

The Turkish military occupation regime is trying, through abduction and hostage-taking, to intensify intimidation, the resolution states. According to MEPs, it targets and influences people who attempt to visit their ancestral properties or appeal to…