# Turkey-EU diplomatic tension over Cyprus monument

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-eu-diplomatic-tension-over-cyprus-monument
> Updated: 2026-09-10T12:08:21.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated between Turkey and the European Parliament following a recommendation by the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality to allocate EU funds for a monument in Nicosia. The proposed monument is intended to honor women and girls who were victims of sexual violence during the 1974 Turkish military intervention in Cyprus.

Turkey has condemned the move, accusing EU institutions of acting as ‘tools of Greek Cypriot propaganda’ and attempting to defame the Turkish Armed Forces. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has issued a strong response, rejecting claims against the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation as ‘baseless.’

The MSB criticized the European Parliament for recommending funding for a memorial project by the Greek Cypriot Administration that targets the Turkish military. The Ministry accused EU institutions of ignoring systematic attacks against Turkish Cypriots and the actions of the EOKA terrorist organization between 1963 and 1974, urging third parties to maintain an impartial stance based on historical facts.

Conversely, Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas defended the initiative, stating it aims to honor victims and break a ‘52-year silence’ regarding the 1974 events, maintaining that the EU decision is not subject to Turkish approval.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Turkish Ministry of National Defense rejects European Parliament Cyprus decision

Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense rejected European Parliament decisions regarding Cyprus, calling them biased, and urged the Syrian Democratic Forces to hand weapons to the Syrian Army.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-ministry-of-national-defense-rejects-european-parliament-cyprus-decision

### 2026-09-03: Turkey condemns European Parliament over Cyprus monument funding

Turkey has condemned the European Parliament, calling it a ‘tool of Greek Cypriot propaganda’ following a proposal to fund a monument in Cyprus dedicated to victims of sexual violence during the 1974 invasion.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-accuses-european-parliament-of-being-a-tool-for-greek-cypriot-propaganda

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Cite as: Turkey-EU diplomatic tension over Cyprus monument. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-eu-diplomatic-tension-over-cyprus-monument