The EU imposed sanctions against Turkey due to drilling on the Cyprus shelf

The EU Council approved the imposition of sanctions against Turkey due to offshore drilling in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus.

The EU will suspend negotiations on an air services agreement and cancel a number of high-level meetings within the framework of the EU-Turkey dialogue, as well as reduce the amount of assistance to the country in preparation for joining the union. The European Investment Bank has been asked to review its lending activities in Turkey, especially in the area of ​​government-backed lending.

• There are large deposits of oil and gas offshore in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. Türkiye has disputed the boundaries of this zone for many years.
• In May, Turkey sent a drilling ship to the shelf area to conduct geological exploration work, saying it would last four months. Despite subsequent calls from the EU and the US to abandon drilling, Ankara sent another ship to the region in early July.