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Allegations of Turkish Propaganda by EU Official on Cyprus Issue

Published January 17, 2026, 19:11
Allegations of Turkish Propaganda by EU Official on Cyprus Issue

MEP Geadis Geadi has accused Julia Bertelsol, head of the European Commission's team on the Cyprus issue, of promoting Turkish propaganda. Specifically, Bertelsol referred to the Turkish invasion of 1974 as a 'Turkish operation' in a presentation she gave in Brussels. Mr. Geadi contacted Bertelsol by phone and requested an explanation, but she refused to send him the presentation. The MEP threatened to seek her removal from office if she does not take action. Bertelsol is the person who represented the EU at the Geneva pentapartite conference on Cyprus and has promoted increased European involvement in the negotiations. Mr. Geadi's accusation concerns the promotion of the Turkish narrative for a two-state solution and sovereign equality. Mr. Geadi also expressed his opposition to the financial support of Turkish Cypriots by the EU, considering it unacceptable for Greek Cypriots and European citizens to bear the cost.