A high-level Polish diplomat has publicly stated that Turkey and groups in northern Cyprus are running a detailed disinformation campaign. The goal, according to the official, is to weaken the Republic of Cyprus. These comments were made during a private meeting with journalists in Nicosia. They show how social media is now a key tool in the long-running conflict over the divided island.
The discussion took place at an event organized by the Polish Embassy, which focused on the problem of false information. The diplomat, who was not named in reports, argued that the campaigns are carefully planned to create division. Their aims are said to be wide-ranging: to spread fear and distrust among Cypriots, damage the country's international reputation, break social unity, and change how other countries view the situation. A major goal is reportedly to gain acceptance for Turkey's military presence in the north, which only Turkey recognizes.
The campaign is said to focus heavily on social media. The official referred to a study showing that more than 70% of Cypriots get their news mainly from these platforms. This is much higher than in Poland and makes the public very open to influence operations. Examples given included spreading anti-migrant feelings mixed with messages against Greek Orthodox culture. The campaigns also share misleading content about the war in Ukraine, especially about sanctions and international alliances.
A common tactic is to describe the Cypriot government as controlled by foreign powers. "They try to describe the Republic of Cyprus as a state which relies on external forces," the official said. The Polish representative compared this to Poland's own experiences with digital falsehoods, noting it is a shared challenge for Europe.
These accusations add a new, digital layer to the old Cyprus conflict. They suggest that alongside traditional disputes, a hidden war for public opinion is happening online. The situation is important for the European Union, as one member state says it is being targeted by a NATO ally. While Turkey usually denies such claims, the public statement by a European diplomat shows growing EU worry about hybrid threats. It highlights the urgent need for better public media literacy and strong fact-checking, especially where social media is the main news source.