Nicosia: A solution to the Cyprus issue is a priority, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized during her meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem underscores the European Commission's commitment to the reunification of Cyprus and confirms the EU's vested interest in resolving the issue, according to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides took to 'X' to express that his meeting in Paris with President von der Leyen was significant, particularly in light of Raffaele Fitto's appointment as the EU's Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue. The discussion also covered Cyprus's full accession to the Schengen Area, following the successful completion of all technical preparatory work by the Republic of Cyprus.
Antoniou's statement highlighted that the Cyprus issue and the full integration of the Republic of Cyprus into the Schengen Area were central topics during the meeting in Paris, attended by both leaders at the invitation of the French President for France's National Day celebrations. President Christodoulides expressed gratitude towards von der Leyen for appointing Fitto and acknowledged the European Commission's role in supporting UN efforts to restart negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem based on established frameworks and EU law.
Antoniou further noted that President von der Leyen reiterated the European Commission's dedication to the reunification of Cyprus, emphasizing that the resolution of the Cyprus problem should align with EU principles and values. She assured that the EU would employ all available resources, recognizing that Cyprus will remain an EU member state following the resolution.
Regarding Cyprus's integration into the Schengen Area, Antoniou stated that satisfaction was expressed over Cyprus meeting its technical obligations, with the political decision pending. Von der Leyen expressed support for Cyprus's swift inclusion into the Schengen Area.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed, primarily due to Turkish intransigence, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending without resolution. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term nears its end, plans for a broader meeting are underway following informal meetings in 2025. Mara Angela Holgun, Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is actively engaging with the involved parties.