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From Cypriot Presidency to Mercosur and Borrell: A Week in the European Parliament

Published January 24, 2026, 10:07
From Cypriot Presidency to Mercosur and Borrell: A Week in the European Parliament

The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, presented the priorities of the Cypriot presidency to the European Parliament, focusing on the EU's strategic autonomy in various fields. MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis, representing his political group, praised the approach but raised two critical questions: why similar sanctions have not been imposed on Turkey for the occupation of Cyprus, as in Ukraine, and how the increase in energy dependence from outside the EU will be reconciled with the pursuit of autonomy. Meanwhile, the European Parliament narrowly voted (334 in favor, 324 against) to refer the Mercosur trade agreement to the EU Court of Justice to determine its compatibility with the Treaties. The European Commission has the option of temporarily applying the agreement, but this would provoke a strong reaction from the European Parliament. Finally, a verbal altercation occurred between Dimitris Papadimoulis and the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell, regarding the omission of any reference to the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Papadimoulis criticized Borrell for this omission, while Borrell responded that it was not part of foreign policy, prompting a reaction from the MEP. The discussion highlighted the challenges facing the EU in terms of security, economy, and social cohesion, as well as the need for consistency in principles and solidarity among member states.

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