Von Der Leyen: Regional Stability Directly Linked To Cyprus Settlement

Von der Leyen gave an interview to the newspaper Kathimerini on the Cyprus issue, the GSI project, and the functioning of the European Union.

According to Kathimerini, she said that finding a lasting, fair, and comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and EU law is a priority.

Von der Leyen stated that prosperity and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean are directly linked to the settlement of the Cyprus issue, arguing that for this reason the matter remains high on the EU agenda.

She also noted that the EU is in the process of appointing a new special envoy for Cyprus following the departure of Johannes Hahn, adding that the new representative will dedicate full efforts to supporting a solution.

Emphasising the importance of resuming negotiations under the United Nations framework, Von der Leyen said the EU stands ready to actively participate in and contribute to the process, and supports contacts, dialogue, confidence-building measures, and mutual understanding.

On energy, she said the EU is facing an energy crisis and must achieve its energy targets, stressing the importance of the transition to renewable energy.

She also underlined the need to complete European electricity interconnections, noting that the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is one of eight projects under the EU’s “Projects of High Strategic Importance” framework, reflecting the EU’s commitment to its implementation.

In response to a question, she also referred to the EU-funded wildfire response centre to be established in Southern Cyprus, saying significant progress has been made and expressing hope that it will open within the year.

She noted that the centre will host six firefighting aircraft, adding that there is also the possibility of deploying additional resources, and said she is in consultation with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on the matter.

Von der Leyen also stated that Southern Cyprus, located on the EU’s southeastern border, serves as a reliable bridge between the EU and its neighbours in the Southern Mediterranean.