Costas Mavrides
Member of the European Parliament · S&D · CY
“Η ευθύνη ανήκει αποκλειστικά στους θύτες και σε όσους επέτρεψαν να επικρατήσει η σιωπή. Η αναγνώριση αυτή αποτελεί ηθική δικαίωση για τις επιζήσασες, αλλά και ένα ισχυρό μήνυμα ότι η αλήθεια δεν παραγράφεται. Η κατονομασία της Τουρκίας και η απαίτηση για λογοδοσία και αποζημιώσεις αποτελούν ουσιαστικά βήματα προς τη δικαιοσύνη.”
“Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 2-0280-5000 Λουκάς Φουρλάς (PPE), γραπτώς – Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, η σημερινή συζήτηση αφορά την ίδια την αξιοπιστία της Ευρώπης απέναντι στα θύματα πολέμου και τη δέσμευσή της να μην επιτρέπει στη σιωπή να συγκαλύπτει εγκλήματα.”
“Madam President, thank you for allowing me to raise a point of order. I think that the wording being used by some of my colleagues, and also, perhaps in good faith, by the translation, was wrong. In Cyprus, there is no conflict between Greece and Türkiye. It is an invasion by Türkiye against the Republic of Cyprus.”
“Madam President, I wish to draw your attention to the event organised on 24 June 2026 at the European Parliament by our colleague MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, during which representatives of the illegal secessionist entity in the occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus participated as so-called mayors and addressed so.”
“That is why, dear President, I respectfully urge you to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure that activities hosted within the European Parliament remain fully consistent with international law and the European Union's established binding legal positions. 1-0044-0000”
“Madam President, EU enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, while the accession progress depends only on the candidate countries' fulfilment of the Copenhagen political criteria that ensure their commitment to EU values and the rule of law.”
The complete record
Every one of 46 lines we hold for Costas Mavrides, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.
“Η ευθύνη ανήκει αποκλειστικά στους θύτες και σε όσους επέτρεψαν να επικρατήσει η σιωπή. Η αναγνώριση αυτή αποτελεί ηθική δικαίωση για τις επιζήσασες, αλλά και ένα ισχυρό μήνυμα ότι η αλήθεια δεν παραγράφεται. Η κατονομασία της Τουρκίας και η απαίτηση για λογοδοσία και αποζημιώσεις αποτελούν ουσιαστικά βήματα προς τη δικαιοσύνη. Η Ευρώπη οφείλει να υπερασπίζεται τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα με συνέπεια, χωρίς εκπτώσεις και χωρίς δύο μέτρα και δύο σταθμά. Η μνήμη των θυμάτων μάς υποχρεώνει να συνεχίσουμε να αγωνιζόμαστε για αλήθεια, δικαιοσύνη και μια λύση του Κυπριακού που θα εδράζεται πλήρως στο διεθνές δίκαιο, στα ψηφίσματα των Ηνωμένων Εθνών και στο ευρωπαϊκό κεκτημένο. 2-0281-0000 (Die Sitzung wird um 14.47 Uhr unterbrochen.) 2-0283-0000 SĒDI VADA: ROBERTS ZĪLE Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks”
“Schriftliche Erklärungen (Artikel 178) 2-0280-5000 Λουκάς Φουρλάς (PPE), γραπτώς – Αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, η σημερινή συζήτηση αφορά την ίδια την αξιοπιστία της Ευρώπης απέναντι στα θύματα πολέμου και τη δέσμευσή της να μην επιτρέπει στη σιωπή να συγκαλύπτει εγκλήματα. Είμαι περήφανος που σήμερα, έστω και πενήντα δύο χρόνια μετά την τουρκική εισβολή του 1974, το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο έκανε αυτό το ιστορικό βήμα. Για πρώτη φορά αναγνωρίζει ξεκάθαρα ότι οι βιασμοί και οι συστηματικές κακοποιήσεις Ελληνοκύπριων γυναικών από τον τουρκικό στρατό αποτέλεσαν εγκλήματα πολέμου και ότι η σεξουαλική βία χρησιμοποιήθηκε ως όπλο πολέμου. Πίσω από κάθε μαρτυρία υπάρχει μια γυναίκα που κουβαλούσε επί δεκαετίες ένα βάρος που δεν της ανήκε. Η ντροπή δεν ήταν ποτέ δική τους.”
“Madam President, thank you for allowing me to raise a point of order. I think that the wording being used by some of my colleagues, and also, perhaps in good faith, by the translation, was wrong. In Cyprus, there is no conflict between Greece and Türkiye. It is an invasion by Türkiye against the Republic of Cyprus. And I wanted to make sure that there is no such conflict in Cyprus between the two communities. It is a Turkish invasion, a continued occupation of EU territory by Türkiye in Cyprus. 2-0280-0000 Die Präsidentin. – Damit ist die Sitzung nun endgültig unterbrochen und wird in wenigen Minuten fortgesetzt.”
“That is why, dear President, I respectfully urge you to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure that activities hosted within the European Parliament remain fully consistent with international law and the European Union's established binding legal positions. 1-0044-0000”
“Madam President, I wish to draw your attention to the event organised on 24 June 2026 at the European Parliament by our colleague MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, during which representatives of the illegal secessionist entity in the occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus participated as so-called mayors and addressed so. This constitutes a clear violation of EU and international law and undermines the Union's well-established legal position – and I repeat, legal position – on this matter and the credibility of our House. This is not the first occasion of such initiatives by MEP Kyuchyuk.”
“The strong public support, however, for EU accession in Montenegro is an essential element of this progress, and all political actors should intensify their efforts to deliver the necessary reforms. As I said this morning to Montenegro's President, it has my group's support and my personal commitment to it becoming the EU's 28th member by 2028. 2-0422-0000”
“Madam President, EU enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, while the accession progress depends only on the candidate countries' fulfilment of the Copenhagen political criteria that ensure their commitment to EU values and the rule of law. Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate country in accession to the EU, and we fully support its steady progress to join the EU. The establishment of the ad hoc working party on Montenegro's accession treaty under the Cyprus Presidency also marks a key step forward. Further progress remains, though, to be done, especially in electoral reform, media freedom and controversial laws on internal affairs and on the National Security Agency.”
“Instead of sanctions, some Member States continue their high‑tech arms business with Turkey as usual. Aligning with the occupier, illegal violator of EU borders, aggressor, and enemy of EU values is not solidarity; it's unethical, absurd and bad policy. 1-0208-0000”
“Madam President, in the eastern Mediterranean, the neo‑Ottoman Erdoğan regime talks and acts as an enemy of EU and international law. It occupies EU territory of the Republic of Cyprus, keeps a (inaudible) threat against Greece over the exercise of sovereign rights, and now plans to impose its neo‑Ottoman dogma of blue fantasy in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The value of a common European policy, and particularly defence, is centred around solidarity, as stated by the mutual defence clause in Article 42(7). In addition, the Council Common Position governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment (inaudible) where there is a clear risk of aggressive use, force-backs and territorial claims against Member States or the EU.”
“Local regional authorities play a primary role in addressing housing and mobilise the funding needed to increase supply. They need our tools and they know the solutions. Finally, a stronger European economy needs the completion of the banking union. Since my first mandate, I have called for the implementation of the third pillar with a European deposit insurance scheme. 3-0094-0000”
“Madam President, a single market, accessible for people and businesses, is essential for becoming an autonomous and competitive EU. In this process, public services are the backbone of Europe's social market economy. Access to affordable, high‑quality and essential goods and services, such as housing, energy, water and health, for everyone and in every region is non-negotiable. Today, with the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East driving up energy prices, the EU must act swiftly to protect consumers and businesses from bearing the cost of this instability. A competitive Europe must also guarantee access to affordable housing for all. Housing is a fundamental right and the foundation of family security. We need to preserve it to preserve our demography.”
“Finally, we do not forget the Armenian genocide and reaffirm our previously stated position on the protection of the rights of Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, including the protection of their property, cultural heritage and identity. 2-0527-0000”
“Madam President, the value of the EU to support democratic resilience in Armenia is critical, but we need to stress that such engagement must be conducted in strict adherence to the principle of political neutrality. Any form of external involvement would undermine the credibility of the electoral process. As far as Azerbaijan, it must show its commitment through concrete, confidence‑building measures, including the unconditional release of the remaining Armenian political prisoners, and for the EU to place the situation of prisoners explicitly on the agenda of its engagement with the Azerbaijani regime. The Armenia‑Azerbaijan normalisation process bears considerable weight for Armenian society, and has a profound impact on the country's democratic and institutional situation.”
“Mr President, due to the war in Iran, there was an attack against the British military bases in Cyprus and that made Cyprus a target as well. Thanks to the swift aerial and naval response of Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Holland and others, Cyprus is fully protected – fully protected. Reacting to this European solidarity, the Erdoğan regime transferred six F-16 fighter jets to the northern occupied part of Cyprus, which is an EU territory. Today we heard no single word about this from President von der Leyen – nothing. Nothing about this new anti-European behaviour of Türkiye that blocks EU energy projects in the eastern Mediterranean and continues to occupy EU territory in Cyprus. Sooner or later, President von der Leyen will go. But we as Europe, we will have to face the feeding of the Turkish monster. 3-0106-0000”
“If we keep silent, once again, about the recent transferring of Türkiye's six air fighters to the occupied area of Cyprus, I am going to say it very bluntly, Commissioner: we are feeding the monster. And keep this date: the new anti‑European ruler, the new Iran will be Erdoğan's Türkiye. 2-0578-0000”
“Madam President, Robert Schuman, a key founding father of the EU, stated: 'Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.' EU defence is the most important project for deepening the EU over the last few decades. Fragmentation of the defence industry is a problem. Political fragmentation, though, is a political mistake – a geopolitical mistake. In the last few years, we have seen the war in Ukraine and now the war in Iran. We need to go beyond national armies. We need EU defence mechanisms to protect Europe, a regional EU defence. Permanent representation of EU forces in Cyprus is the first concrete step.”
“Madam President, it's not your fault, but this is not the first time. I follow the discussion from the very beginning. Many colleagues have the chance to make one, two and sometimes even more blue cards. That is unacceptable. Those of us who stay for all this time waiting until the end, we hope for a chance to have the catch-the-eye. We were denied. I repeat, it's not your fault. But we need to review this procedure. 2-0104-0000”
“EU territory in Cyprus is under illegal occupation and they did nothing because special interests prevail. Madam Commissioner Kos, prove me wrong. 3-0617-0000”
“Mr President, in Türkiye, to be a Christian may be considered a crime and a national security reason to be expelled. To be a journalist may be considered a crime and a national security reason to be expelled. To be a Kurdish politician is certainly a crime and you are considered a terrorist, sentenced to life in prison, just like Demirtaş. To be a democrat, criticising Erdoğan is a crime and you could end up in jail for 2 430 years, just like Mayor İmamoğlu. To be a human rights activist is a crime for imprisonment. Our resolution calls on the High Representative and the Commission to raise this concern systematically with Türkiye and to consider targeted measures should these abuses persist. I'm 100 % certain that they will do nothing.”
“The Kurds and indigenous people of Mesopotamia that sacrificed 12 000 fighters in the fight against the Islamic State, is abandoned again. This is a shameful immorality and a horrible geopolitical mistake. Madam Commissioner, when any EU official will meet the Damascus jihadist regime for funding a collaboration, it is not in my name and most likely not in the name of this House. 2-0324-0000”
“Mr President, Rojava is under attack by an evil alliance: the al-Sharaa jihadist regime, the Islamic State and the Turkish state. The war crimes carried out by this evil alliance are well documented by information from the ground, testimonies and regional reports against specific population groups based on their ethnic and religious identities. War crimes such as targeting of civilian areas, destruction of infrastructure, executions, torture, desecration of cemeteries, burying of the corpses of the dead, killing of children, abductions, forced disappearances, release of ISIS criminals and much more. Türkiye's participation is central and self‑evident: Turkish artillery, Turkish drones, Turkish‑speaking military, the same Turkish tactics as elsewhere.”
“2-0479-0000 Costas Mavrides (S&D), blue-card answer. – I have a very good explanation. Some European officials think of using Türkiye or instrumentalising Türkiye against their own agendas. That could be the right thing to do as a foreign policy, if they were in charge of their own Member State. Now they are guardians of the EU Treaties, and they have a duty to protect the EU collectively, from Cyprus to Denmark, and, of course, like us, consistently supporting Ukraine. That's a failure and we all have to accept and acknowledge it. 2-0480-0000”
“(in response to comments from Kaja Kallas off mic) Is that the foreign policy of the EU? Is that what it is – to ignore the occupation of Türkiye in Cyprus? Maybe you should have an open discussion about that. Would you like to, Madam President? (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0478-0000 Malika Sorel (NI), question «carton bleu». – Je suis entièrement d'accord avec votre observation sur Chypre et j'aimerais savoir si vous avez un début d'explication: comment se fait-il que, au niveau de l'Union européenne, alors que nous prétendons donner des leçons au monde entier – et souvent à juste titre d'ailleurs, je ne critique pas –, nul ne se préoccupe du fait que Chypre, pays de l'Union européenne, soit occupé par une puissance étrangère? J'avoue ma perplexité. Avez-vous un début de réponse? Pouvez-vous nous éclairer?”
“Mr President, the strategic autonomy of the European Union, with European defence at its core, for which some of us advocated a long time ago, is a necessity for the Union. We are in a world marked by escalating geopolitical conflicts with the Russian invasion against Ukraine and with an unreliable Trump openly ignoring international law, rendering NATO non-operational. The future of EU depends on our ability to defend and protect our external borders and our citizens, whether in Greenland or Cyprus. High Representative, in your initial statement, you emphasise the importance to be consistent, but you consistently avoid mentioning the occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. I have a very simple question for you: is this consistent with your duty to be the guardian of the EU Treaties and the rule of law? Think about it.”
“We had new discoveries recently, new agreements with the Republic of Cyprus at the centre of all this. So the conclusion is, on one hand, we have bad politics and, on the other hand, we have good politics and a vision for Europe – I think the real choice is very clear. 2-0051-0000”
“Madam President, phasing out Russian natural gas imports is about our energy security and destiny. But the real issue is not just to end direct Russian imports to the EU, but to also close the loopholes through third countries, especially unreliable and autocratic regimes that can play a dirty game at the expense of our vital interests for years. Turkey and Azerbaijan are both a striking example. In fact, just recently, they publicly stated that they will not comply with any sanctions, just like they have done for years. But this regulation is also about diversification of energy resources and pipelines. Some of them have already been mentioned and I will mention one too. As of now, the only potential for a domestic source of energy within the EU is the eastern Mediterranean.”
“Therefore, third countries like Türkiye should have been excluded in advance from any direct or indirect involvement, given its occupation of EU territory in Cyprus and its Neo-Ottoman expansionist policies. The most sacred aspect of sovereignty is the ability to defend the Union against any external threats, from Russia to the Mediterranean. 2-0061-0000”
“Madam President, my congratulations to the rapporteurs. It may have taken long. It may not be as ample as we wished, but this is nevertheless another important step towards Europe's defence. EDIP introduces the first EU-level security-of-supply mechanism to guarantee reliable access to defence equipment development. It sets out a long-term framework for collaboration among Member States by doing more together and buying more European. Unlike the SHAPE programme, EDIP will serve the collective security interests of the Union rather than individual Member States' agendas. And, by the way, Article 1 states that our aim is more sovereignty.”
“Specifically, a European project of common interest ending the energy isolation of Cyprus, connecting it with the European energy grid and strengthening the EU's autonomy by accessing its own energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean is blocked by Turkey against EU interests, and the Commission considers Turkey a reliable partner for Euro defence. This is not just hypocrisy, this is bad politics for Europe. 3-0533-0000”
“Mr President, this draft legislation to ban Putin's oil and gas imports is not only about the EU, but finally to close the loopholes through third countries towards an energy-independent and stronger Europe. Regarding third countries, Turkey is a striking scandal. Even recently, Turkish officials stated that they will not comply with any sanctions, just like they do for years. The Commission, particularly the High Representative, pretend they know nothing. They are supposed to be the guardian of our collective EU interests.”
“This complementary plan received a very warm welcome by the midnight conference yesterday, and I strongly believe that it deserves more attention and support from the European Commission. 2-0068-0000 SĒDI VADA: ROBERTS ZĪLE Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks 2-0069-0000”
“Madam President, the recent peace conference for the Middle East brought hope for peace, but took place without the European Union. If the EU wants to be a global player, we cannot be absent from shaping peace and stability in a region that lies in our immediate neighbourhood and is of strategic importance, as confessed by the Commissioner. Strengthening our geopolitical role is essential for our future. With challenges ahead we should support and invest in this agreement as a long-due chance for stability and prosperity for the Middle East. Cyprus was at the conference – as the EU Member State closest to the region with traditional external relations with key countries there – and stands ready once again to contribute by presenting a complementary plan directed towards security, humanitarian aid and reconstruction.”
“Madam President, here is a sample of wording from Ms von der Leyen's initial statement regarding the recent Russian drone incursion against our eastern borders: 'hybrid warfare', 'deliberate campaign against Europe', 'we want to respond with unity, with the drone wall and other actions.' We fully agree with united actions to defend the EU. However, hundreds and hundreds of air, naval and terrain violations are happening by Türkiye against our borders in the eastern Mediterranean. Right now, two Turkish armed drones are violating the Cyprus FIR, not to mention the continued occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. The Commission is supposed to be the guardian of EU Treaties and values, not to divide us by silence, double standards or hypocrisies. 3-0124-0000”
“Mr President, of course, I'd like to thank the Commissioner for what he has already said about the Cyprus and Turkish responsibility towards EU. However, I want everyone to note that the appropriate person for tonight's discussion and debate was supposed to be the High Representative, and I have noticed that since the inception of her term, she never attended and never participated in any debate about Cyprus. I leave everyone to answer the question: why? 3-0560-0000”
“The EU is strongly engaged with international partners in the anti‑Daesh coalition and will intensify its support in this regard. International cooperation with the new Syrian authorities on the fight against terror groups is increasing and should continue to be a priority. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected, protected and fulfilled for everyone in Syria, without discrimination of any kind. Let this Parliament's voice today be one of solidarity, vigilance and commitment. 3-0564-0000”
“We acknowledge the commitments and some positive steps taken by the transitional authorities to move toward an inclusive and peaceful transition, and we will continue to support, in every way we can, security and the protection of all Syrians with no distinction, and the rule of law must be tangible for every Syrian. We will continue to press for human rights, accountability and inclusive governance in Syria. We call on all actors inside and outside the country to unite in the fight against terrorism. This requires moving towards integration of all armed groups into national security forces as part of a wider security‑sector reform, and a swift and comprehensive implementation of the agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces.”
“It seeks to inflame fear, create division and derail the fragile hopes of peace that have begun to take root since the fall of the brutal Assad regime. Let us be clear: terrorism in all its forms should have no place in Syria's future. We are reminded today of the long road still ahead. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to the Syrian people, to their dignity and to their universal human rights. This includes the right of every Syrian to worship freely their own belief, alone or with their communities, to live without fear and to participate in a national life that is inclusive and just.”
“However, as long as the mastermind and the promoter of all these atrocities, the Erdoğan regime, is considered a strategic partner by some of our representatives and offices in the EU, unfortunately the deadly attack on Mar Elias will not be the last one. 3-0562-0000 (End of catch-the-eye procedure) 3-0563-0000 Jozef Síkela, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members of the European Parliament, as we close today's debate I wish to reiterate our firm and unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack perpetrated on 22 June against the Mar Elias Church in Damascus. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all Syrians who face sorrow once again. This heinous act is not only an attack on Christians, it is an attack on the very fabric of Syria's society.”
“Mr President, the recent attack against the Mar Elias Orthodox Church is one more atrocity taking place under the new jihadist regime in Syria. From the very beginning, the new rulers, according to credible reports, the same organisations that serve as our sources of information for the crimes committed during the Assad regime, hundreds of people were murdered in their homes, thousands were tortured and abducted, including children, women and men, and even more were forcibly displaced by the new jihadist regime. All of these individuals were targeted solely because of their identity or religion. And they were Alawites, Druze, Christians and Kurds. We condemn the atrocities committed against members of ethnic and religious communities and ask for action by the High Representative.”
“We acknowledge, though, the positive impact of the RRF on society and the economy, while we are concerned about the gap in public investments. We call for the continuation of EU support for public investment without diverting resources from existing programmes and, moreover, to create a common, permanent long-term investment instrument. 2-0227-0000”
“Madam President, RRF has been an unprecedented instrument aiming to help the recovery and resilience in the EU after the Covid pandemic. As a group, we have always stood for the full use of the opportunities it offers for the benefit of our societies. In this specific report, we call for an 18-month extension for the implementation of mature projects, with the possibility for the finalisation of ongoing projects also through other funding schemes. Protecting these projects is a matter of economic and social responsibility, and flexibility and consistency are required from the Commission. Also, due to our group's leading role, the need to tackle the housing crisis is included, urging the Member States to accelerate investments in affordable housing for all using RRF funds.”
“Regarding Member States with a long record of abusive practices and terms in banking contracts, resulting in legal charges at the expense of consumers and businesses, an effective out-of-court settlement mechanism is required. The absence for decades of such mechanisms, such as in Cyprus, led people and businesses to bankruptcy and other social damages. 3-0438-0000”
“Madam President, it has been more than 10 years since the banking union was agreed upon with a European deposit insurance scheme. However, it has not been implemented. Banking union without EDIS means banking union without fair competition, as the burden of deposit insurance falls on the Member States. In fact, larger states have a competitive advantage over smaller ones due to their size, as demonstrated by the brutal haircut of deposits in Cyprus. However, given the current confidence and profitability in the banking sector, while the risks remain, this may be a favourable time for action, conditional on political will of those Member States that impose it.”
“In fact, the Presidents of the Council and of the Commission had a teleconference the day after the conclusions to brief our partners, including Erdoğan, about European defence. Mr Commissioner, this is hypocrisy in action. It divides us, and I strongly believe that it will not fool this House, neither the EU citizens. 2-0421-0000”
“Mr President, for years, very few of us were arguing in favour of European defence as a necessary step towards European autonomy. Today, almost everyone supports it, and we recently reached European conclusions with reference to the defence of all EU borders, from the northeast down to the south and eastern Mediterranean. But these EU borders are violated by the neo-Ottoman Turkey that occupies part of Cyprus. Currently, neo-Ottoman Turkey occupies also part of Syria and Iraq, it has a military presence in Libya and beyond. This neo-Ottoman Turkey has illegally intervened in the eastern Mediterranean, violating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea against two EU Member States. Paradoxically, though, the neo-Ottoman Turkey is considered an ally more than a threat.”
“Madam President, I will be quite short because the subject has already been mentioned by some of my colleagues. It is with regard to the situation in Syria. Based on reports by agencies that were our sources of information during the Assad regime, hundreds of people have been murdered in their homes, thousands were tortured and kidnapped, including kids and women and men. Much more were expelled by the new jihadist regime simply because the victims are Alawites, Druze or Christians. For this reason, I will kindly ask the following: let's show our conscience by observing a one-minute silence. 1-0027-0000”