EU, NATO alarmed by Greek Cypriot stance on Türkiye

The Israeli newspaper Maariv, citing Politico, reported that the Greek Cypriot administration’s perceived hostility towards Türkiye is “unnerving the European Union.” The report states that diplomats are seriously troubled by efforts to treat security collaboration with Ankara—a critical NATO ally—as a political lever rather than a strategic necessity.

European officials quoted in the report argue that a European defense framework excluding Türkiye would significantly weaken the continent’s overall security posture. The underlying concern is that prioritizing bilateral political disputes over collective security interests during the EU presidency could jeopardize major agreements and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The reported friction underscores the ongoing tension between the Greek Cypriot administration’s national priorities and the broader strategic interests of both the EU and NATO, which rely on Türkiye’s substantial military capabilities and geopolitical position. This dynamic highlights the complex challenge of balancing member state politics with alliance-wide security imperatives.