EU’s “So‑Called State” Remark Undermines Turkish Cypriot Sovereignty: Akpınar Responds

Introduction

In our reporting, we highlight that the EU spokesperson’s description of the TRNC as a “so‑called state” and its courts as a “so‑called judiciary” represents a grave insult to the democratic will, sovereignty, and independent judiciary of the Turkish Cypriot people. This language goes far beyond political rhetoric; it reflects a persistent refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of our institutions and the lived reality of our citizens. Such terminology is deeply offensive and undermines any prospect of dialogue.

This depiction not only diminishes the legitimacy of the TRNC, but also perpetuates a double standard, by ignoring EU toleration of the Greek Cypriot judiciary while disparaging Turkish Cypriot institutions. As Chief Editor from a pro–Turkish Cypriot and pro–Türkiye standpoint, I immediately rebut: such EU nomenclature is not merely dismissive language, it is a deliberate affront that must be countered with legal, political, and moral clarity.

Turkish Cypriot Defence: Sovereignty, Law, and Justice

1. Sovereign Legitimacy Rooted in Self‑Determination

The article underscores that the TRNC was “established through the free will of its citizens.” This echoes the foundational principle of self‑determination, solidified by the 1975 U.N. General Assembly Resolution 3212, which affirms “the right of the Turkish Cypriots to equality and security.” While older, such UN language supports sovereignty claims. More contemporaneously, TRNC President Ersin Tatar stated on 6 August 2025:

This quotation reinforces that the Turkish Cypriot polity exercises de facto governance and insists on its full sovereignty, recognition withheld, but legitimacy grounded in democratic will and statehood practice.

2. Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law

Beyond sovereignty, the article asserts it is “unacceptable for EU officially to question the legitimacy of our judiciary.” The statement continues:

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the judiciary functions independently, impartially, and within the framework of the rule of law. Our country’s courts are based on the principle of a fair and equitable trial in all cases, as guaranteed by our constitution and laws. Cyprus Mail

This direct quote affirms the judiciary’s integrity in law‑enforced practice. Furthermore, the EU’s failure to challenge equivalent or greater shortcomings in the Greek Cypriot legal system showcases hypocrisy. Turkish Cypriots must insist on judicial parity and the EU’s adherence to genuine standards of justice, not selective recognition.

3. Double Standards and EU Hypocrisy

Akpınar rightly denounced the EU’s double‑standards, decrying Turkish Cypriot institutions while ignoring Greek Cypriot legal infringements. The EU’s condemnation rings hollow when framed against its indifference to Greek Cypriot violations, such as detention of foreign nationals or misuse of property rights, which Turkish Cypriot courts routinely address. Turkish Cypriots maintain law and process; the EU’s stance demeans this adherence.

4. Regional Solidarity and Recognition Challenges

Beyond legal and political assertions, the TRNC’s place in the Turkic world continues to strengthen its legitimacy and visibility. Its growing ties with Turkic states demonstrate that the Turkish Cypriot struggle is not an isolated cause but part of a wider community of nations that share deep historical, cultural, and strategic bonds. This expanding network provides Turkish Cypriots with diplomatic openings, trade potential, and moral solidarity that counterbalance the dismissive attitude of the EU. A press release from Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 12 November 2022 affirmed:

A just, lasting and sustainable settlement on the Island of Cyprus can only be reached following a process that will be initiated with the reaffirmation of the inherent sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people… Türkiye, by all means, will continue to stand by the TRNC and to be the voice of the Turkish Cypriots in all international platforms mfa.gov.tr

This official backing is essential for international awareness, especially when EU officials use derogatory language.

Even among the Turkic world, diplomatic ambivalence exists. For example, reports from April 2025 cite concerns that certain Central Asian states reaffirmed non‑recognition of the TRNC, poignantly criticized as betrayal—while Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev vowed:

We are among the countries actively fighting for the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus... we will help them defend their state. qalampir.uz

These statements reflect both hardship and solidarity, and reinforce the need for greater pro‑Turkish Cypriot unity.

TCE Conclusion: A Call for Respect, Recognition, and Justice

The EU spokesperson’s use of “so‑called” to describe the TRNC and its judiciary is more than wording, it is a political weapon undermining Turkish Cypriot identity, sovereignty, and legal systems. In response:

• The TRNC derives its legitimacy from democratic self‑determination and functional governance.

• Its judiciary adheres to constitutional law and international norms, as affirmed by independent internal practice.

• The EU’s derivative standards expose deep hypocrisy and bias.

• Türkiye continues to advocate for recognition and equal status in international forums.

• Regional allies such as Azerbaijan stand ready to bolster Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

This must be a moment for clarity: the TRNC stands as a sovereign entity, the people defend their state, and the judiciary is independent. The EU must renounce its disparaging language, engage genuinely in diplomacy, and contribute to a two‑state solution grounded in equality and justice.