EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule has pointed out that Cyprus has the right to delimit its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and conclude agreements with third countries for hydrocarbon exploration.

Replying to a question posed during Question Time at the European Parliament on Tuesday, by Cypriot MEP Eleni Theocharous on the matter, Fule said: “Needless to say we follow the developments in and around Cyprus indeed very closely”, noting at the same time that the European Commission considers reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue a priority.

“We also made it absolutely clear that it is Cyprus’ right to delimit its EEZ and to conclude treaties with third countries if they are in accordance with the acquis and international treaties,” he added.

He further said that the European Commission has taken a number of steps to calm down the situation, adding that “because of that we have not seen some of the threats coming from Turkey being actually delivered”.