A French appeal court has approved the extradition of a Lithuanian national to Cyprus under a European Arrest Warrant in a case linked to the alleged unlawful exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas. The ruling is being described by the Cyprus Law Office as a significant legal development because it reverses the reasoning adopted by the same court in a previous case.
The decision was issued on 1 July by the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal and concerns a 53-year-old Lithuanian woman sought by Cypriot authorities in connection with alleged criminal offences relating to Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories. The suspect was arrested in France on 16 May 2026.
Court overturns previous position
According to the Law Office of the Republic, the ruling marks a departure from a decision issued by the same court on 10 December 2025.
In that earlier case, the court rejected the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by Cypriot authorities against an Iranian national who was also under investigation for alleged offences linked to Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas.
Findings on EU law and jurisdiction
The Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal held that the fact the alleged offences were committed in areas of the Republic of Cyprus that are not under the government's effective control does not prevent the application of European Union law.
The court further found that this circumstance does not obstruct the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by a competent court of the Republic of Cyprus.
Interpretation of Protocol No. 10
The court also ruled that the suspension of the application of the EU acquis in the occupied areas under Protocol No. 10 of Cyprus' Act of Accession to the European Union must be interpreted narrowly.
According to the ruling, that suspension does not prevent the application of EU law in matters concerning decisions of Cypriot courts relating to offences against immovable property in the occupied territories.
References to international law
The Law Office said the French court also emphasised that the so-called "TRNC" is the result of a serious breach of international law, which prohibits the use of force and the acquisition of territory through force.
The court stated that there is an obligation not to recognise the unlawful situation and to refrain from actions that could contribute to its maintenance.
Cyprus participated in proceedings
The Republic of Cyprus obtained permission to participate in the appeal proceedings through lawyers appointed by the Attorney General.
During the case, legal arguments were presented concerning the interpretation of Protocol No. 10, relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the application of the European Arrest Warrant framework to offences allegedly committed in the occupied areas.
Law Office welcomes ruling
The Law Office attributed the outcome to coordinated efforts involving officials from its International Law, Criminal Law and Fugitives divisions under the guidance of the Attorney General and Assistant Attorney General.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the relevant French prosecutorial authorities also participated in the process.
According to the Law Office, the ruling confirms the jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus over offences committed in the occupied territories and upholds the application of EU law while respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognised jurisdiction of the Republic.
