The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani sent a strong message to Turkey after the country announced it would be undertaking drilling activities within the Cypriot.
A few days after the warning expressed by Federica Maria Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the President of the European Parliament urged Turkey to end the illegal operations and immediately withdraw its ships from the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone.

As Antonio Tagiani said in his announcement: “I am very worried about Turkey’s plans to drill in a sea area within Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). I call on the Turkish authorities to show restraint and act in accordance with international law by terminating their activities and by immediately withdrawing supporting vessels from the EEZ of Cyprus. To this end, I would like to recall the European Parliament’s resolution of 13 November 2014 on Turkish action that is causing tension in the EEZ of Cyprus. Turkey’s intention to drill in the EEZ of Cyprus is a violation of international law. Only the Republic of Cyprus has the sovereign right to explore and exploit natural resources within its EEZ. On behalf of the European Parliament, I repeat our full solidarity with the government and the people of Cyprus. We stand by the side of Cyprus to safeguard its rights as guaranteed by international and European law.”

France

Meanwhile, France also called on Ankara to avoid provocative actions and reiterated its support for the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

In a statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry on the occasion of the visit to Paris by Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides France reiterates its unwavering commitment to the respect of international maritime law and the sovereignty of Cyprus at a moment Turkey announced that it will conduct drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, part of which covers the Republic of Cyprus EEZ.
France urged the Turkish authorities to avoid provocative actions, clearly contrary to international law, which can only increase tensions in an area that needs stability.