Brussels: President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, held a meeting on Wednesday with Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, to whom he expressed the “EU’s full support to the ongoing efforts towards a negotiated solution for the reunification of the island”.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Costa shared on ‘X’ that he had a “good exchange” with Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar regarding the current status of the settlement talks. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to a solution grounded in a bizonal and bicommunal federation, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Costa further conveyed his best wishes for the success of the forthcoming meeting in New York, as well as the continuation of the dialogue process. The island of Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern region. Previous UN-led peace negotiations have consistently faced setbacks, mainly attributed to Turkish resistance. The last significant attempt
in July 2017, held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, concluded without a definitive agreement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced an upcoming informal meeting concerning Cyprus, slated for the end of July, following a similar gathering in Geneva in March. Both parties have consented to advance with several initiatives, including the opening of crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth, among other efforts within the buffer zone and the island at large.
Guterres appointed María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus in early May. Her role involves reengaging with the involved parties to strategize the next steps for the Cyprus issue and provide counsel to the Secretary-General. Holguín previously served as the Personal Envoy for Cyprus from January to July 2024.
In addition, the European Commission has tasked Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to assist in the settlement process, working closely with Holg
uín. The next broader format meeting concerning Cyprus is scheduled for this July.