Greek Cypriot Administration who filed an official complaint with EU's Transportation and Energy directorates, argued that their share in global maritime transportation declined and their negotiation power in international maritime organizations weakened due to Turkey's refusal to open its sea ports.
Greek Cypriot Administration claimed that weakening of their negotiation power had a negative impact on EU's overall negotiation capacity. It said Turkey's position prevented Greek Cypriot side of the island from becoming a major maritime center.
Greek Cypriots argued that the Greek Cypriot Maritime Industry, "the largest in the world in maritime industry" suffered because of Turkey's refusal to open its ports, which was a violation of free and fair competition in the EU. Greek Cypriot administration claimed Turkey's embargo significantly reduced the volume of cargo transportation in their ports and cost them around 100 million Euro annually.
Greek Cypriots Administration earlier filed a complaint in Brussels against Turkey for not opening air ports to Greek vessels.
Turkey started accession negotiations with the 27-nation bloc in 2005. 13 out of 35 chapters have been opened so far. Eight chapters remain frozen since 2006 due to Turkey's refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels who blames EU of not fulfilling its promise to establish direct trade with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, though the Turkish Cypriots in the north overwhelmingly supported the UN reunification plan in twin referendums in 2004.
