Turkey has occupied part of Cyprus since 1974—territory that now constitutes EU land—Nikos Christodoulides reminded Charles Michel, who had spoken in positive terms, even praising Turkey for its relationship with Europe.

Michel’s post was prompted by von der Leyen’s recent remarks on Turkish influence.

The Cypriot president responded a few hours later:
“Dear Charles, as you speak about double standards, allow me to remind you that Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and continues to occupy European territory.”

It is noted that the President of the European Commission, speaking on Monday at an event in Hamburg marking the 80th anniversary of the newspaper Die Zeit, expressed her support for the enlargement of the European Union. She emphasized that:
“We must manage to complete the European continent so that it is not influenced by Russia, Turkey, or China.”