Targeted measures against individuals and legal entities responsible for the violations that took place in connection with the besieged city of Varos, cuts in EU pre-accession financial assistance to Turkey and restriction of the activities of the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions in Turkey , are the main options included in the final draft of the EU Selection Document, according to secure information.
The draft, to be discussed by the Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, could be the Council guide (at the level of foreign ministers or even leaders) on how the EU can respond to Turkey's actions. .
The text stresses that Turkey's actions in Varos are illegal, and that co-operation in EU-Turkey relations depends on whether Ankara takes a constructive stance or returns to unilateral action. In this case, it is stressed, the EU is determined to use the means and tools at its disposal (thus referring to the possibility of political measures).
The document also contains extensive references to the EU's focus on the need to resume talks, and also mentions the possibility of discussing MOUs already proposed by the parties on the island in relation to gas, or new areas of cooperation in the context of the energy transition. It is also stressed that the EU will continue to support the Turkish Cypriot community in the context of encouraging a solution.
The document refers to the positions of the June European Council, which calls for full respect for the UN Security Council resolutions, as well as to the position of the UN Security Council on 23 July regarding the Varosha regime, condemning any attempt to further open and settle it. area by anyone other than its legal residents and the call for a reversal of those actions that violate previous resolutions.
Reference is also made to the statement of the High Representative Josep Borel on July 27, 2021 condemning the unilateral actions of Turkey and the announcements of the Turkish President and the Turkish Cypriot leader, and requesting the reversal of these actions.
Options
The EU's main goal remains to support the United Nations in respecting Security Council resolutions and preventing new actions that could escalate tensions and damage the prospects for a solution.
It is also recalled that in June 2021, the European Council reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with Turkey in a gradual, proportionate and reversible way in a number of areas of common interest. As the European Council stated that if Turkey does not cooperate with the EU but returns to unilateral action in the interests of the EU and Member States, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and the island of Cyprus, the EU is determined to use all the tools and options at its disposal to defend its interests and the interests of the Member States and to support regional stability.
As noted, the Council may consider in a targeted, proportionate and reversible manner:
- taking action against natural and legal persons directly involved in natural and administrative actions on the ground in the enclave of Varos after 20 July 2021 which are contrary to the resolutions of the SA, with the possibility of an autonomous targeted sanctions regime.
- further cuts in EU pre-accession assistance to Turkey
- cuts in the activities of the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions in Turkey.
Need to restart conversations
It is noted that the EU remains fully in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and that the issue of Varos can be dealt with effectively in Brussels only in accordance with these resolutions and in the context of a comprehensive solution. This is the only way to make progress and no change should be made to the Varosha regime which is not in line with the resolutions or is for a comprehensive solution.
The need for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue as soon as possible is also underlined, and it is noted that the coming months may be crucial for the future of the process, while it is stressed that the EU is ready to contribute by supporting the UN Secretary General's efforts. representative in the Office of Good Services.
It is also stressed that the EU will continue its efforts to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus through the strengthening of the economic development of the Turkish Cypriots (such as the targeted support of halloumi producers in the Turkish Cypriot community), while it is added that the EU and the Republic of Cyprus must continue to demonstrate a policy of inclusion of the Turkish Cypriots.
Prospects and MOE
As for the future, the document acknowledges that any provocative actions and violations of international law could damage the whole range of EU-Turkey relations.
In relation to the Cyprus issue, the need to have incentives to return to the trajectory of cooperation and avoid negative escalation is underlined, but also to have diplomatic actions towards the resumption of talks and to make efforts by all parties so that all Cypriots understand a bi-zonal bi-communal federation remains feasible.
It is also stated that the EU remains committed to developing a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, which, however, requires the same commitment on the part of Turkey towards co-operation and de-escalation based on the March 2021 conclusions.
The text also notes that potential MOEs can bring hope and reduce divisive tendencies between communities and that dialogue should be strengthened. In particular, it is stated that tensions should be eased in relation to hydrocarbon exploration, and it is recalled that there have been proposals for relevant MOEs in the past, including in relation to the management of natural resources.
It is also stressed that the energy transition provides opportunities for the island and the region that can reduce tensions, while aligning the situation with the EU's environmental goals through the Green Agreement. The EU is ready to provide technical assistance, he stressed.
The text reiterates that the EU will continue to step up its assistance to the Turkish Cypriots, and that the program in support of a future solution must continue through, inter alia, the support of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage and co-operation efforts to tackle the pandemic; the recovery.
KYPE