The European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, with President Ursula von der Leyen highlighting the issue as a top priority during a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides in Paris on Tuesday.
The meeting followed the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU’s Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem, a move von der Leyen said underscores the Union’s strong interest in advancing efforts toward a settlement.
According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, von der Leyen stressed that the appointment reflects the Commission’s determination to support reunification and confirmed that the EU will deploy all available tools in this direction. She reiterated that any solution must align with EU principles, values, and the acquis communautaire.
President Christodoulides, in a post on X, described the timing of the meeting as “particularly significant” following Fitto’s appointment. He also expressed appreciation for the Commission’s support, especially its role in backing the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to restart negotiations within the agreed framework.
Beyond the Cyprus problem, the two leaders also discussed Cyprus’s bid to join the Schengen Area. Christodoulides noted that the Republic has successfully completed all required technical preparations, with only the political decision pending.
Antoniou said both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made, while von der Leyen voiced support for Cyprus’s full accession to Schengen “as soon as possible.”
The meeting took place in Paris, where both leaders were attending France’s National Day celebrations at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
