Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman sharply criticized Ursula von der Leyen’s Wednesday Cyprus EU Presidency inauguration speech during Thursday’s statement.
Speech contains zero Turkish Cypriot references
Erhurman highlighted complete absence of Turkish Cypriot mentions throughout comprehensive EU agenda coverage.
He specifically mocked von der Leyen’s description of AI innovators developing future technologies “in the shadow of Byzantine churches,” questioning whether island history begins and ends with Byzantium.
Rejects policy of silence
Erhurman rejected “let’s ignore the snub to preserve relations” approach as misguided. He advocates confronting EU omission across every forum to establish proper relationship foundations.
Turkish Cypriot side attends meetings while openly conveying truths, perspectives, and facts.
Calls for EU confidence-building
Erhurman commits to consistently informing EU officials and member states about urgent need for EU-Turkish Cypriot confidence-building measures.
He references extensively communicated political dimensions and Cyprus’s EU status requiring resolution.
Affirms Turkish Cypriot determination
Turkish Cypriot people maintain historical presence and resolve on Cyprus. Beyond dialogue, patience, and restraint exists unyielding determination that EU officials must recognize.
Also read: Von der Leyen: Reunify Cyprus in 2026
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