Toros: EU Will Not Be A Party To The Negotiating Table, But Will Play A Critical Role

Speaking on the "Agenda" programme hosted by Ulaş Barış on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Toros said the appointment was an important indication that the UN Secretary-General's latest initiative on Cyprus was gradually taking form.

He argued that global and regional developments have brought the Cyprus issue back to the forefront, noting that the emerging security and energy architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, EU-Turkey relations, and Europe's evolving security framework are all directly influencing the process. He added that Europe's efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy have further increased Cyprus' strategic importance.

Appointment Represents Both Political And Technical Preparation

Toros recalled that Raffaele Fitto, appointed by the European Commission, is responsible for cohesion and reforms, including EU financial assistance programmes for the Turkish Cypriot community and preparations related to the adoption of the EU acquis.

For that reason, he said the appointment should not be viewed solely as a political decision. According to Toros, preparations for aligning the north of the island with EU legislation and integrating it into the eurozone will begin after a settlement, requiring substantial financial and technical support.

He said the European Commission was already preparing for that process and described Fitto's appointment as part of those preparations.

EU Will Not Sit At The Negotiating Table

Toros stressed that the European Union would not become a party to comprehensive settlement negotiations, saying claims suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.

He said the Cyprus issue could only be resolved through negotiations conducted under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, while the EU would naturally be involved in areas such as implementing the acquis, the single market, eurozone integration and post-settlement financial assistance.

EU's Role Will Be Critical

Toros argued that the European Union would nevertheless play a critical role, particularly in regional security and energy cooperation.

He said a settlement in Cyprus is regarded as an important prerequisite for implementing a new security and energy architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Within that framework, he said a normalisation of relations between Turkey and the European Union had become increasingly necessary, adding that there appeared to be mutual willingness for Turkey to become more closely integrated into Europe's emerging security mechanisms.

Turkish Cypriot Side Should Strengthen Ties With The EU

Toros underlined the importance of the Turkish Cypriot side establishing closer diplomatic relations with the European Union, saying this would be essential both during settlement negotiations and throughout the post-settlement harmonisation process.

He described Fitto's appointment as an appropriate choice, noting that his portfolio covers the financial and technical instruments that will be required after a settlement.

Recalling that a similar mechanism had been established within the European Union before the Crans-Montana talks, Toros said the new representative would not replace the role of the United Nations at this stage. However, he added that the office could gradually expand its responsibilities and become more influential as the process moves forward.