Nicosia: The European Union has expressed its full support for the UN-led process concerning Cyprus and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy, as stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas during a press briefing on Wednesday. This announcement followed her meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, this visit marks Kallas’ first official trip to Cyprus ahead of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026. During a joint press conference with Kombos, Kallas addressed several topics, including EU-Turkey relations and Cyprus’s role as a neighboring EU member-state to the Middle East. She emphasized that Ukraine remains a priority for the EU, given the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kallas highlighted that the Cyprus issue is fundamental to EU-Turkey relations and the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean. She reiterated the EU’s backing of the UN-led discussions aimed at a res
olution, emphasizing that the future governance of Cyprus should be determined by its people-both Greek and Turkish Cypriots-living together and addressing shared challenges.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Various rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to achieve results, and the last negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without conclusion. In 2025, the UN Secretary-General facilitated two informal meetings on Cyprus, with another meeting expected later this year.
Kallas noted the EU’s positive engagement with Turkey on common interests, despite Turkey’s EU accession process being stalled since 2018 due to concerns over democratic standards and judicial independence. She expressed confidence in continued cooperation for Europe’s stability and security.
Discussions also covered the situation in the Middle East, with Kallas noting Cyprus’s proximity to Gaza and the importance of Gaza’s stability to both Cyprus and Europe. She ac
knowledged the EU as a major contributor to aid delivery, thanking Cyprus for its role in this effort and highlighting the EU’s support for the Palestinian Authority and the prospect of a two-state solution.
The dialogue also touched on Syria, with Kallas stressing the importance of supporting the country for regional stability, a topic significant to Cyprus and prioritized in discussions among EU foreign ministers.
On Ukraine, Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s position as Ukraine’s largest supporter, emphasizing the need to continue pressuring Russia. She mentioned recent sanctions targeting key sectors such as energy and finance.
Kombos focused on Cyprus’s priorities for its 2026 EU Presidency and reiterated solidarity with Ukraine, drawing parallels to Cyprus’s own experiences with Turkish occupation. He highlighted the potential within EU-Turkey relations, contingent on Turkey’s decisions regarding its future with the EU.
Regarding the illegal arrest of five Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cy
prus, Kombos called for EU support in addressing the issue. He also discussed the need for EU involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction and Syria’s recovery.
Kallas left a note in the visitors’ book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledging Cyprus’s role in the EU’s future and expressing anticipation for collaborative efforts.