President Christodoulides responds to Charles Michel regarding Turkey's role

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides publicly challenged former European Council President Charles Michel on the X platform following Michel's remarks on Turkey. Michel had published an article via Bloomberg criticizing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom he accused of using double standards. In his commentary, Michel described Turkey as a key NATO ally, an essential partner in migration, a vital energy corridor, and a significant defense factor. He argued that Europe should not simplify reality or apply double standards in its foreign policy. In response, President Christodoulides pointedly reminded Michel that if double standards are to be discussed, one must consider that Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974. He emphasized that Turkey continues to occupy European territory to this day. This exchange followed tensions triggered by Von der Leyen, who had previously grouped Turkey with Russia and China as potential influences to be countered, causing diplomatic friction between Brussels and Ankara.