Resolution on the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

The European Parliament adopted by 597 to 0, with 5 abstentions, a resolution on the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and the Left groups.

On 19 July 2025, five Greek Cypriot EU citizens – Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou – were unlawfully detained and illegally charged by the Turkish military occupying regime while visiting their property in the village of Galatia. On 10 September 2025, three out of the five Greek Cypriot citizens were released on bail by the unrecognised “military court”, yet they remain in the occupied areas and cannot return to their homes.

This politically motivated act constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights, undermines the rule of law within the European Union’s own territory and sets a dangerous precedent.

Members condemned:

- Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, now in its 51st year, as a serious breach of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability and EU-Türkiye relations;

- the unlawful and politically motivated detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens by the Turkish military occupying regime and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Türkiye is urged to:

- provide the detainees with access to immediate medical care;

- fully respect human rights enshrined in international law.

As the EU has a moral and legal duty to support Cyprus and its citizens, who are also EU citizens, all necessary measures should be taken, including considering punitive measures, to secure the release of the detainees.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading