The European Council has included a direct reference to Cyprus and the British Bases in paragraph 6 of its conclusions, linking the issue to the wider EU security framework and ongoing developments in the Middle East.
Paragraph 6: Direct reference to Cyprus and UK bases
Paragraph 6 states that “the European Union stands firmly and unequivocally in support of Member States close to the region.”
It adds that it “welcomes the support provided by Member States in this regard, in particular through the deployment of military assets in the Eastern Mediterranean and in support of Cyprus.”
The same paragraph further provides that “the European Council acknowledges the intention of Cyprus to initiate a discussion with the UK on the UK bases in Cyprus and stands ready to provide assistance as needed.”
Legal basis in the Act of Accession
The status of the British Bases is addressed in European Union law through Protocol No. 3 on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus, attached to the Act of Accession of Cyprus.
The protocol states:
“The application of the provisions of Union law to the Sovereign Base Areas shall be limited to what is strictly necessary in order to ensure the implementation of the arrangements set out in the Treaty concerning the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus signed at Nicosia on 16 August 1960.”
Reference to Cyprus in Gaza humanitarian framework
Cyprus is also referenced in paragraph 17 of the conclusions, which states that “the European Council deplores the continuing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls on Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza, including via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to supplement land routes.”
The same paragraph calls on Israel “to enable the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering” and recalls “the need to ensure the protection of civilians at all times.”
Cyprus within European defence and security
In paragraph 48, under European defence and security, the European Council “highlights the situation at the EU’s eastern border, considering the threats posed by Russia and Belarus, as well as the risks faced by the Member States most directly affected by the situation in Iran and the Middle East.”
It also states that “the defence of all EU land, air and maritime borders contributes to the security of Europe as a whole.”