Geadis Geadi, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the far-right Greek Cypriot National Popular Front (ELAM) in the Republic of Cyprus, has challenged the UK over its bases. In a statement on his social media account, Geadi used the phrase "British bases out of Cyprus," arguing that the UK's military presence should be evaluated in terms of sovereignty and human rights.
Geadi stated that the issue of the British bases cannot be ignored, adding that respect for the sovereignty of European Union member states, human rights, and European values must be upheld.
ELAM describes British bases as a remnant of colonialism
According to reports in the Greek Cypriot press, Geadi also raised the issue of the British bases during discussions in the European Parliament regarding relations between the UK and the European Union. Describing the British bases as a structure remaining from the colonial era, Geadi argued that respect for sovereign rights must be shown in the development of relations with the UK.
ELAM had previously stated in an announcement that it wanted the current status of the British bases to be terminated or re-evaluated within the framework of European defense and security policies.
UK closes the status of the bases to debate
The UK maintains sovereign military bases in the Akrotiri and Dhekelia regions of the Republic of Cyprus under arrangements established in 1960. Following the drone attack on the Akrotiri base in March 2026, the future of the British bases was reopened for debate in Greek Cypriot politics.
Republic of Cyprus leader Nikos Christodoulides had announced that talks had been initiated with the UK regarding the future of the bases and security arrangements.
The UK Ministry of Defence, however, stated that the sovereign status of the bases is not open to negotiation and announced that there are no plans to change the current arrangements.
News Source: 12punto
