Nicosia: The European Commissioners, currently on a two-day visit to Cyprus as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, toured the old town of Nicosia and walked along the Green Line on Friday morning. Commissioners Costas Kadis and Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasized the significance of this walk in understanding the Cyprus issue and the implications of a divided capital within a European country.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commissioners, joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, and other government officials, walked along Lidinis Street, which borders the Green Line. This area hosts the photography exhibition 'The Cyprus Question.' The Green Line is a UN-controlled buffer zone that separates the Republic of Cyprus-controlled areas from the Turkish-occupied regions.
The tour began at the historic Pancyprian Gymnasium and concluded at Dionysiou Street, outside the Centre for Information and Training for Employment and Entrepreneurship. During the visit, the Pancyprian Gymnasium choir performed traditional Cypriot songs. Commissioners were treated to Cyprus coffee, zivania, and local delicacies such as halloumi and anari cheeses, smoked pork, Paphos delights, and dried figs.
Commissioner Costas Kadis, reflecting on the visit, noted that the walk along the Green Line left a lasting impression on his colleagues, illustrating the real-life experience of living in a divided homeland. He mentioned that the photography exhibition provided a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Greek Cypriots and the broader situation in Cyprus.
Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas praised the Cyprus Presidency for organizing the visit, stating it was crucial for sending a strong message about the ongoing efforts to achieve a fair solution for Cyprus. He underscored the importance of recognizing that, even in 2026, an EU Member State remains under occupation, and stressed the necessity for a collective effort to resolve the issue.
Tzitzikostas also highlighted the importance of Cyprus's EU Presidency in bringing attention to the Cyprus problem, expressing confidence in its success. He noted that witnessing the division firsthand would likely encourage the EU to increase pressure for a settlement.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, had visited the Green Line the previous day with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. She described the visit as 'eye opening,' according to Cyprus News Agency sources.
The Commissioners were scheduled to leave Cyprus on Friday. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern part. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive.
Recent efforts include informal meetings in 2025 and ongoing engagements by Mara Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, alongside Johannes Hahn, the European Commission's Special Envoy for Cyprus.