ENERGY: EU will do what needs to be done over Turkey’s illegal Cyprus drilling

Brussels has reassured Cyprus the European Commission will do what needs to be done in the form of concrete action against Turkey`s continued illegal drilling activities in Cypriot waters.

---

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic in his speech on behalf of President Juncker stated the following: "Firstly, I want to reaffirm our full support for Cyprus in light of Turkey’s continued illegal drilling activities.”

"President Juncker was the first one to say that “on this issue I am Cypriot,” Sefcovic told the European Parliament on Thursday.

“I was delighted that at the European Council every Member State spoke in unison and said: ‘We are all Cypriots’,”.

"The Commission is now backing up that spirit of solidarity: we are working on concrete actions we can take. I can assure the people of Cyprus that we will do what we have to do. Europe stands in full solidarity with Cyprus.”

Brussels has agreed to take targeted sanctions against Turkey for violating Cyprus’ EEZ, but Ankara has insisted it will continue to drill in the area.

Sefcovic offered his sincere condolences to the family of former President Demetris Christofias.

"I cannot mention Cyprus without once again offering my sincere condolences to the family of former President Demetris Christofias – a man who shared his love for Europe and Cyprus in the same way as we do.”