Holguin Postpones EU Contacts Until After NATO Summit

According to reports, Holguin initially planned to carry out contacts with EU institutional leaders on the Cyprus issue, but decided to delay her Brussels visit in order to assess the possible implications of the NATO Summit and the contacts expected between Turkey and European leaders during the summit on the Cyprus issue.

Fileleftheros newspaper, in a report titled “Changes in Holguin’s Schedule Because of NATO”, stated that Holguin wanted to wait for developments at the NATO Summit in Ankara and for the expected meetings between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European leaders during the summit before proceeding with her EU contacts on the Cyprus issue.

Citing Cypriot government sources, the newspaper reported that Holguin preferred to postpone her Brussels visit to 13 July, one week after the NATO Summit, noting that this also implies that her new visit to the island may be pushed further into July. It added that this development also raises questions regarding the timing of the informal expanded meeting.

The report also noted that European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to attend the NATO Summit scheduled for 7–8 July in Ankara. While the programme and participant list have not been finalised, both EU institutional leaders are expected to be invited to Ankara, as was the case in The Hague last year.

According to the newspaper, Cypriot Presidential Commissioner Irene Piki said that the Cypriot administration is investing in the political will of the UN Secretary-General, the EU’s growing involvement, and the clear linkage of Turkey–EU relations to the Cyprus issue.

Piki made the remarks during a memorial service held in the village of Chloraka in Paphos for five Greek Cypriots, four of whom were killed by coup plotters in 1974 and one during the Turkish intervention, stating that the government’s goal is the liberation and reunification of Cyprus and its transformation into a modern state that is an EU and UN member.

She added that resolving the Cyprus issue remains the top priority of President Nikos Christodoulides and his government, describing the Republic of Cyprus as a “force of responsibility and humanitarianism” in the region, and noting that it continues to strengthen its defence capabilities by utilising the opportunities provided by EU membership.

Alithia newspaper also covered the story under the headline: “Cyprus Issue: Developments at NATO Meeting… Holguin Postpones Brussels Contacts… Erdogan–Mitsotakis Meeting in Ankara Creates Expectations”.

The newspaper reported that Holguin postponed her Brussels visit due to expectations that a possible meeting between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the NATO Summit could generate new momentum in the Cyprus issue, as well as to observe the outcomes of the summit.