European Union–Turkey relations

Foreign Ministry calls on Ankara to respect Cyprus’ sovereign rights

On the first day that incoming Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias assumed his duties, Greece has called on Ankara to respect the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and desist from plans for gas and oil drilling off the Karpas peninsula, which has been under Turkish military occupation since 1974.

Tsipras tells Erdogan ‘We are not alone’ as war of words flares up

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has lashed back after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan dismissed his declaration that Greece is prepared for all scenarios in defending its sovereign rights under international law and that Greece and Cyprus enjoy the support of their European partners and the international community in confronting Ankara's bellicose behaviour.

EU Council 'deplores' lack of response from Ankara over calls to cease Cyprus drilling

The Council of the European Union has expressed "serious concerns over Turkey's current illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and deplores that Turkey has not yet responded to the European Union's repeated calls to cease such activities."

EU Council tough on Ankara, seeks measures on violations of Cyprus’ EEZ

The EU General Affairs Council (GAC) today decided to call on the Commission to propose appropriate measures against Turkey over its continuing illegal drilling in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told a news conference today.

The GAC reiterated that the EU has «frozen» talks with Turkey on accession and the customs union.

First time EU pushes for measures against Turkey, say sources

A decision by the European Union on Tuesday to consider taking measures against Turkey over its gas drilling activities in Cyprus' offshore maritime zone is the first time action has been decided to deter Ankara, according to diplomatic sources cited by state-run news agency ANA-MPA.

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