Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission

The Commission is aware of the situation raised by the Honourable Members and views with grave concern any attempts to undermine the freedom and pluralism of the media in the Turkish Cypriot community.

Freedom of expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority, is guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Commission is firmly attached to the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, which are key values on which the European Union is founded. These are also core principles which Turkey has committed to observe as a candidate country to the EU, and also as a long-standing member of the Council of Europe.

As stated on 11 December 2020[1], the European Council supports the speedy resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), and remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the EU acquis. It expects the same of Turkey.

The Commission will continue to monitor the issue and to underline the paramount importance of freedom of expression and freedom of the media. At the same time, the Commission will continue to endeavour to support initiatives aiming at fostering reconciliation in Cyprus and improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU.

• [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/47296/1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en.pdf