Nicosia: The appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU's Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue reflects the European Union's increased interest and readiness to play 'a leading and more substantive role' in efforts to resume negotiations, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides expressed his satisfaction with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's decision to appoint Fitto. He emphasized that selecting a senior official at such a high level within the Commission demonstrates the EU's commitment to actively engage in the negotiation process within the framework of the United Nations, thereby adding significant political weight to the joint effort.
President Christodoulides described this development as 'another tangible result of the consistent strategy' pursued from the outset at the highest European level. He noted that this strategy was highlighted in the European Council conclusions of April 2024 and further solidified by a joint letter sent in March 2025 by the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council to the UN Secretary-General.
'A leading role for the EU and the appointment of a European envoy, particularly one holding such a senior position within the Commission, had been strategic objectives of the government from the outset,' said President Christodoulides. He acknowledged that this approach faced initial reservations from some quarters but is now 'recognised as positive and substantive'.
The President also highlighted the EU's readiness to utilize its tools amid the ongoing UN Secretary-General's initiative. He emphasized that progress in EU-Turkey relations is closely tied to developments on the Cyprus issue, potentially creating meaningful incentives for a mutually beneficial resolution.
According to President Christodoulides, the 'determination, consistency, and the methodical implementation of our strategy', combined with the UN Secretary-General's steadfast commitment, have fostered new momentum and tangible initiatives. He expressed hope that all parties, particularly Turkey, will demonstrate genuine political will to achieve substantive progress.
President Christodoulides concluded by expressing gratitude to the European Commission President for her decisive role, genuine interest, and close coordination.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive, primarily due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without a conclusive outcome. Informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus, have set the stage for a broader format meeting as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term nears its end, with Mara Angela Holgun engaging with the parties as Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus.