EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has reiterated that Turkey is expected to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus, responding to a question concerning a proposed natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the occupied areas.
Kallas said the issue of respecting the sovereign rights of EU member states remains high on the bloc’s agenda and has been raised in contacts with the Turkish authorities.
Cyprus raised pipeline issue at EU level
In a written response to PASOK MEP and Vice-President of the Socialists and Democrats Group Yannis Maniatis, Kallas said Cyprus raised the matter at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July 2026.
“The EU expects Ankara to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all Member States,” Kallas said, according to the response.
She added that the issue had been highlighted during relevant contacts with Turkish authorities, including recent visits to Ankara by herself, the Enlargement Commissioner and the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.
Questions over proposed gas pipeline
Maniatis had asked the EU about the planned construction of a natural gas pipeline from Turkey to the occupied areas of Cyprus, saying the project would primarily transport gas for electricity generation.
According to his written question, the proposed pipeline is designed to operate in both directions, potentially allowing natural gas to flow from the occupied areas towards Turkey as well.
Maniatis also referred to plans announced in January 2026 for an undersea electricity interconnection between Turkey and the occupied areas.
He asked how the EU intended to defend Cyprus’ sovereign rights and whether the Council could consider targeted sanctions against individuals and legal entities involved in the planning and construction of the pipeline.
EU reiterates position on Cyprus settlement
Kallas said the EU remains committed to protecting the interests of the bloc and its member states, as well as regional stability.
She also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN-agreed framework, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council decisions and the principles and acquis of the European Union.
Turkey’s commitment and active contribution to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects, remain crucial, she said.
Sanctions require unanimous Council decision
Addressing Maniatis’ question about possible restrictive measures, Kallas said decisions on sanctions fall exclusively within the competence of the Council of the EU.
Under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union, decisions establishing sanctions regimes must be adopted unanimously by EU member states.
Maniatis said Kallas’ response made clear that the proposed pipeline could not be viewed solely as an energy project when Cyprus’ sovereign rights were at issue.
He said the EU had an obligation to defend the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all its member states in practice.
Source: ANA-MPA
