Cyprus Discussed in Erdoğan–von der Leyen Call

According to the Turkish Presidency, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Erdoğan reportedly said recent regional tensions had once again highlighted the strategic importance of relations between Turkey and the European Union. He also stressed that Turkey’s participation in Europe’s emerging security initiatives would be beneficial and reiterated Ankara’s call for the modernization of the EU-Turkey Customs Union.

Turkey has long sought an update to the Customs Union agreement, which has been in force since 1996 as part of the integration process launched under the 1963 Ankara Agreement. The current arrangement covers industrial and processed agricultural products but excludes traditional agricultural goods.

Regional tensions linked to the Iran-US conflict were also discussed during the call. Erdoğan emphasized the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and said Turkey was working to preserve the ceasefire and support peace efforts in the region.

Von der Leyen, in a post on X, described the conversation as “very good” and called Turkey “a key partner in a turbulent region.”

She said the EU and Turkey shared common interests in keeping trade routes open, ensuring energy flows, and maintaining stable supply chains, adding that the EU appreciated Turkey’s efforts toward de-escalation and a diplomatic solution regarding the Iran conflict.

Von der Leyen also confirmed that the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue were discussed during the conversation.

“We also discussed the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue. We underlined the importance of EU-Turkey relations. The EU stands ready to support the UN-led process at every stage,” she said.