BRUSSELS — The European Council criticized Turkey for its "unilateral and provocative actions" in the East Mediterranean on Friday, in the conclusions of the two-day meeting it held in Brussels.

"The European Council reaffirms its conclusions of 1-2 October 2020 and deplores renewed unilateral and provocative actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, including recent exploratory activities," its conclusions paper said. It also said it "urges respect for UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789, underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and reiterates its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus."

The Council also urged Turkey to "reverse these actions and work for the easing of tensions in a consistent and sustained manner." It said it will "remain seized of the matter in order to follow-up on its conclusions of 1-2 October 2020."

European Council head Michel: Issue with Turkey to be raised again in Dec. meeting

The issue of the East Mediterranean will be raised again in December's summit meeting, European Council President Charles Michel said on Friday, following the conclusion of a two-day Council meeting.

Asked at a press conference to comment on Turkey's illegal behavior in the region, Michel noted that the EU will be following developments "very closely, day by day, week by week, in collaboration with member states affected the most."