Christodoulides Says EU Preparing New Cyprus Envoy Appointment

Speaking on the sidelines of the European Council summit in Brussels, Christodoulides said he had discussed several possible names with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding that an official announcement is expected soon once internal procedures are completed.

He noted that the current EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, had previously announced his resignation, effective March 2026.

According to Christodoulides, the issue was also discussed during his meeting with European Council President António Costa, where three main topics were addressed.

The first was Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council presidency, with Christodoulides stating that Costa congratulated Cyprus and highlighted that even a small member state can achieve significant results.

The second issue was the Schengen process. Christodoulides said Cyprus had completed all technical preparations and was expecting a political decision soon that would allow full accession to the Schengen Area.

The third topic was the Cyprus problem. He said Costa had informed him of recent contacts with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and conveyed a clear message that progress in EU–Turkey relations depends on turkey fulfilling its obligations toward the European Union, including issues linked to Cyprus.

Christodoulides added that the EU’s willingness to advance relations with turkey depends entirely on Ankara, stating that “the starting point is the Cyprus issue.”

He also welcomed ongoing contacts between the United Nations and the European Union, noting that the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy is expected to visit Brussels at the end of June.

Christodoulides said efforts are continuing to create conditions for an expanded international conference, with the aim that negotiations could resume if appropriate circumstances are met.

He concluded that the European Union is present and ready to play a leading role in resolving the Cyprus issue.