Cyprus: accession to the European Union and progress in negotiations

The Committee adopted its report on the progress made towards accession by Cyprus. Overall, while the report draws attention to the remaining problems, it welcomes the progress achieved. However, it also stresses that the reforms being made must be accompanied by measures to alleviate social consequences. The rapporteur on Cyprus, Jan Willem BERTENS, ELDR, NL), welcomed the major progress made on adopting the acquis communautaire but was concerned about the problems arising from the continuing occupation of part of the island. The report deplores statements made by some EU Member States to the effect that Cyprus should not join the Union while the island remains divided. The report invites Turkey to withdraw its troops from the northern part of the island and the Turkish-Cypriot side to enter into a genuine direct dialogue in order to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. Lastly, it calls on the Greek Government to help improve relations by lifting its opposition to EU financial aid to Turkey under the EU-Turkey customs union.�