In recent days, efforts have been made to formulate the options document for the European Union's response to the unilateral actions of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership in the enclosed city of Varos, The puzzle of the document is expected to be presented to the permanent representatives in COREPER on Wednesday 8/12, so that it can be discussed by the Foreign Ministers in the Council of Foreign Affairs on 13/12.
According to information from "K", the initial proposal from the services of High Representative Josep Borrell includes the selection of targeted measures against those responsible for the declassification of the "pilot area", as well as restatement of the EU readiness. to use all the tools at its disposal. In the text that was released and about which "K" was informed, there is a reference to the need for MOE and de-escalation in the energy sector, keeping the green transition on the horizon. In fact, it is not excluded that there will be a relevant report in the final selection document.
At the same time, Nicosia is demanding a specific inclusion of the choice of political sanctions against Turkey (such as cuts in funding and reversal of any dialogue effort), in addition to the general reference, which President Anastasiadis after previous European Councils interpreted as a reference to the This effort goes through Sympligades: on the one hand is the perception of the EU diplomatic service. that the issue of Varosia can be resolved in a sustainable way only through the initiation of a process on the Cyprus issue. On the other hand, there are very low expectations for any progress in the Cyprus issue both in Brussels and in the national capitals, due to the attitude of the Turkish side, the absence of any positive rhetorical or conscious effort for progress in the C / C and C / C community. , and the upcoming elections in Turkey and Cyprus.
Draft time
Invited on Tuesday by "K" to comment on the timetable for the drafting of the document by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the responsible representative of the Commission Peter Stano had stated that the document was in the final stages of drafting and that it would be discussed with the members before the next steps. He assured, however, that, as Mr. Borel had promised at the last Foreign Affairs Council, the document would be discussed in December. According to information from "K", on Friday the document was in the second draft.
In relation to the options listed for the European Union, The document suggests to the Council that action (restrictive measures) be taken against individuals directly involved in the ground operations in the declassified area of Varos, in breach of Security Council resolutions. The EU decision is also recorded. last June to enter into a dialogue with Turkey in the well-known "gradual, proportionate and reversible" way, and the EU's determination is reaffirmed. make use of the tools and options at its disposal to defend its interests, those of the Member States and regional stability.
Green carrot?
In the original sentence, as "K" is informed, they are recorded as options the pursuit of a return to negotiations as a de-escalation mechanism, and the creation of incentives to return to a path of cooperation and to avoid a new escalation. On the Brussels side, however, they are listed as future prospects and Confidence Building Measures to de-escalate hydrocarbon tensions, citing proposals made in the past by both sides in Cyprus on the issue. There is also specific reference to how the energy transition can create opportunities for the island and the region, but also reduce tensions over hydrocarbon exploration. Finally, reference is made to the continued support of the Turkish Cypriot community in the context of strengthening the European identity and the prospect of reunification within the EU.
Community sources, however, explained to "K" that The drafting of the options document has been delayed, as Brussels faces a difficult puzzle where the most competent body is the United Nations and the Security Council. This framework is also complicated by the balance that Brussels is trying to maintain between countries that want a tougher stance against Turkey and those that want a softer relationship and dialogue on all issues. Cyprus is currently with Greece, Austria and France, as seen in the inclusion of references to the possible destabilizing role of Turkey in the drafts of the EU Strategic Compass. On the other hand, Germany, Italy and Spain have been more cautious over time due to the many economic and social interests involved.
However, the situation is fluid, with France taking over the presidency of the Council in January and seeking stability in the run-up to its internal elections, while Italy and Spain are said to be more supportive, finally on the Cypriot side. "K"'s interlocutor in Brussels, knowing the extent of EU relations - Turkey, however, pointed out that the High Level Dialogues are now in progress and the technical discussions on the possibility of renewing the Customs Union are going on in the background. However, the same source's expectations for a general review of relations with Turkey, or for a dynamic intervention of Brussels in the Cyprus issue are low, among other things due to the upcoming elections in Cyprus and Turkey. This reference was made in a discussion that took place before the announcement of the Turkish Cypriot elections in January and the announcement of the concession of plot 5 of the Republic of Cyprus to the ExxonMobil / Qatar Petroleum consortium.
These are two developments that together will add new hotbeds of rhetoric from all parts, which will be called to "extinguish" the EU, as happened in the summer. Speaking to a delegation of Cypriot journalists in Brussels last week, Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schoinas said that Turkey will not escape the current context due to the difficult days in its economy and how it will not repeat the high risk game of 2020. Pessimistic voices, however, from diplomatic sources in various countries in Brussels, insist that the election preparations in Turkey may bring new efforts of the Erdogan government to test its limits in the open field that the Cypriot government has left in the Cyprus issue in recent years.
Kathimerini.com.cy