17 August 2026

 

His Excellency Aleksandar Vučić

President of the Republic of Serbia

 

Subject: Organisation of a Music Festival at Kyrenia Castle – Appeal for Immediate Intervention

 

Your Excellency,

I am writing to you with the utmost respect, but also with deep concern, regarding the upcoming organisation of a music festival by the Serbian company EXIT Festival on 18 September 2026, at Kyrenia Castle, in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus under Turkish occupation.

In view of the longstanding and fraternal ties between Cyprus and Serbia, I consider it both my duty and my responsibility, in my capacity as Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, to bring this particularly serious matter to your attention.

Kyrenia is an integral part of the Republic of Cyprus and has remained under illegal Turkish military occupation since 1974. Kyrenia Castle is a monument of immense historical and cultural significance to the entire Cypriot people.

The holding of a major music event at this particular site, in cooperation with the illegal structures of the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” operating in the occupied areas, creates a serious risk of indirectly legitimising and normalising the illegal status quo.

The Republic of Cyprus has never opposed cultural or artistic exchanges between our people. On the contrary, we regard culture as a bridge of friendship, understanding and cooperation. Culture, however, must never be used as a mean of recognising, legitimising or strengthening any illegal secessionist structures.

Serbia’s position in support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus is well known and is deeply appreciated by the Cypriot people. For this reason, we look to your personal contribution to ensure that Serbia’s principled position is reflected in practice as well.

I therefore respectfully urge you to take the necessary steps with EXIT Festival and any relevant Serbian authorities or institutions, with a view to preventing the organisation of this event at Kyrenia Castle and ensuring that no Serbian company or organisation contributes, directly or indirectly, to the legitimisation of the illegal structures operating in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

I am confident that Serbia, as a country that knows firsthand the importance of safeguarding territorial integrity and upholding international law, will respond positively to this appeal.

We trust that the friendship between Cyprus and Serbia is strong enough for us to address such matters with sincerity and determination, I look forward to your personal intervention and to the actions of the Serbian Government.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Loucas Fourlas

Member of the European Parliament

Democratic Rally (DISY) & European People’s Party (EPP)

Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee