Debate at the European Committee of the Regions (ECR) on the "2022 Package of Measures for the Enlargement of the European Union" held on April 18 in Brussels
The members of the Committee on "Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs" of the European Parliament tabled important amendments concerning Turkey, a candidate for membership in the European Union (EU).
In the discussion of the Draft Opinion on the 2022 Package of measures of the European Commission, regarding the EU enlargement policy, the Mayor of Deryneia and a member of the EEtP, supported the amendments submitted by the head of the Cypriot Delegation to the EEtP Ms. Eleni Loukaidou, emphasizing the need to respect human rights in Cyprus, while reminding that Turkey, as a candidate for EU membership. country illegally owns over 35% of the total area of Cyprus. Reference was also made to the UN resolutions. for the city of Famagusta and the efforts made by local authorities to promote communication, contact and dialogue between the two communities.
In conclusion, the Mayor of Deryneia reminded that Turkey does not only threaten Cyprus, but presents obstacles to the application of EU members, such as Finland and Sweden, to join NATO. Andros Karagiannis asked the representatives of the European institutions to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework, since the local authorities alone cannot solve serious political issues and conflicts.
The Draft Opinion on the 2022 EU Enlargement Package concerns the reports for the candidate countries Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo and will put for approval before the Plenary Assembly of the EEtP.