Discussions on Relations with Turkey, the Cyprus Issue, and Sanctions against Iran at the EU Summit in Brussels

A two-day summit of the European Union (EU) kicked off in Brussels yesterday. European leaders are discussing relations with Turkey, the situation in the Middle East, and have touched upon the Cyprus issue.

In particular, the concluding declaration of the EU summit in Brussels noted that the European Union (EU) is "strategically interested in developing cooperative and mutually beneficial relations with Turkey" and attaches great importance to the "resumption and progress of Cyprus negotiations, which can also improve cooperation between the EU and Turkey."

The declaration emphasized that the process of resolving the Cyprus issue should take place under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).

"The EU is strategically interested in the development of a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as in addressing issues and mutually beneficial relations with Turkey," the statement said.

The statement also mentioned that the EU will continue to work on the recommendations included in the joint report presented by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, in November 2023.

"Turkey's constructive engagement will contribute to advancing various areas of cooperation identified in the report," the statement said.

The report also stated that high-level dialogues between the EU and Turkey on economics, energy, and transportation, suspended in 2019, will be resumed provided that Turkey continues to refrain from any illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Another topic for discussion was the situation in the Middle East. In particular, during the meeting, the European Council promised to impose new sanctions against Iran in connection with strikes against Israel.

"The European Union will take further restrictive measures against Iran, especially regarding unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles," the conclusions at the end of the first day of the summit stated.

The document also stated that "the European Union remains fully committed to promoting de-escalation and security in the region."

The European Council called on all parties to "exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region."