The TRNC Presidency announced that the European Commission has responded to a letter sent by President Tufan Erhürman on August 28, 2026, to relevant international interlocutors regarding the "confidence-eroding actions" of the Greek Cypriot leadership.
In the statement issued by the Presidency, it was recalled that Erhürman had sent letters to relevant parties, including the UN and the EU, to draw attention to the increasing confidence-eroding actions of the Greek Cypriot leadership, primarily the obstruction of music festivals and the Barcelona football camp. The Presidency noted that Erhürman’s letter placed particular emphasis on the timing of these obstruction attempts.
In its response to the letter, the European Commission stated that the points raised by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding these actions and the concerns regarding their potential impact on the UN process have been "noted with care." The response recalled the recent visit to the island by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and pointed to the importance of building trust between Turkish and Greek Cypriots and fostering a positive atmosphere for creating a suitable environment.
The Commission's response stated that the goal is to build bridges, improve dialogue, and foster rapprochement between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, as well as between Turkish Cypriots and the EU.
The response also made direct reference to the European Council decision taken in 2004 regarding the end of the isolation of Turkish Cypriots. It was stated that civil society activities and private organizations that contribute to the socio-economic development of Turkish Cypriots, especially the youth, and serve to establish closer relations between Turkish Cypriots and the European Union, are consistent with the goals set out in the aforementioned European Council decision.
Barcelona's camp in the TRNC had stirred the Greek Cypriot side
The "Nicosia Camp" planned to be organized in the TRNC by the academy of the Spanish football club Barcelona had drawn the reaction of the Greek Cypriot side. Following the announcement of the camp location as "Nicosia, Northern Cyprus" on the club's official website, the Greek Cypriot ELAM party called for intervention from the Spanish government and the Greek Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanding the cancellation of the organization.
On August 28, Erhürman took action regarding developments concerning the rights and opportunities of the Turkish Cypriot people in the international arena and sent three separate letters to the UN, the EU, and FC Barcelona regarding the Greek Cypriot side's attempts to obstruct the Turkish Cypriot people in diplomatic, cultural, and sporting fields. The statement from the TRNC Presidency indicated that the letters were sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Barcelona President Joan Laporta.
News Source: İHA
