Dublin:President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides conducted separate talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit. The discussions focused on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI).

According to Cyprus News Agency, it was revealed that the research vessel Abeille Marengo is continuing its operations in international waters despite minor interference from a Turkish radio transmission. The operations are proceeding normally.

In a related development, President Christodoulides had a phone conversation with the European Commission's Executive Vice-President and EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto. It was highlighted that Cyprus is on track to join the Schengen Area by 2027, a process that was also discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Antalya.

Concerning the Cyprus issue, Fitto is expected to communicate with the Turkish Foreign Minister, emphasizing the resumption of negotiations from the point they were halted at Crans-Montana in 2017 as a priority for Europe. If Turkey does not respond positively, discussions on upgrading the Customs Union will not commence.

Ankara has shown interest in EU-Turkey relations concerning visa liberalisation, the SAFE programme, and Customs Union upgrades. While there are objections from Member States regarding the first two issues, unanimity is more attainable on the Customs Union. The initiation of discussions on upgrading the Customs Union could coincide with negotiations on the Cyprus issue, but the process would be reversible if Turkey does not fulfill its commitments.

Sources indicate that diplomatic signals to António Guterres and Ursula von der Leyen suggest Turkey might take the necessary steps regarding the Cyprus issue for Customs Union discussions to begin.