Christodoulides, Metsola: Cyprus must remain a functional, predictable, single member state

Cyprus will continue to be a member state of the EU after a possible solution, and it needs “to continue to be a functional, predictable member state”, President Christodoulides said after a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels.

Metsola said that the EU will support efforts for a solution within the UN framework “both with regards to our political statements, but also with regards to making sure that when we talk about the path forward, we're talking about a single sovereign European state”. She also added that the role of the EU also featured in her conversation earlier today in Brussels with UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

Responding to a question on the outcome of Geneva as well as what the EU should do with regards to the Cyprus Problem, President Christodoulides said that this is the first time since 2017 that there are positive developments, and explained that “we agreed that the Secretary General will appoint a personal envoy for the next steps, in order to achieve the resumption of talks,” that “we are going to have a new meeting by the end of July,” and that there is a discussion on confidence building measures.

Importance of EU membership

Referring to the role of the EU, the President underlined that “Cyprus is a member state of the European Union and will continue to be following a possible solution of the Cyprus problem, and we need to continue to be a functional, predictable member state.”

The EU, he continued, “has a leading role, I will say, always under the UN auspices, to play in order to find a solution”, recalling that Cyprus joined the union in 2004 and that the whole territory of the island is part of the EU with the acquis “suspended in the areas that the government of the Republic of Cyprus doesn't have effective control”, which means “the Cyprus problem is a European problem.”

Responding to the same question, Metsola noted that “in my talks, quite extensive actually, this afternoon with the Secretary General of the United Nations”, Cyprus came up “against the background of what the European Union could do.”

She added that the position that the EU has held is that “any possible solution should be done within the UN framework and we will support it with all means necessary, both with regards to our political statements, but also with regards to making sure that when we talk about the path forward, we're talking about a single sovereign European state.”

“This is what we had in mind when Cyprus joined the European Union already 21 years ago” she added, noting that “we will welcome any measures aimed at building trust”, and that “we will look forward also towards the July meetings where progress will definitely be made.”

Hope on the horizon

In her opening statements, Metsola said that the President briefed her on what happened in Geneva and added that “there is hope on the horizon”. The EU, she said, “stands steadfast in supporting the UN led settlement process as the only way to find a lasting solution” and added that she was “encouraged by the fact that this is the closest we have come so far since Crans Montana.”

She recalled when of her first statements as President that “Europe will never be complete as long as Cyprus remains divided” and added that “the only way to reunify the island of Cyprus and its people is via communication, is via diplomacy and negotiation.”

“Let's seize this moment to transform division into unity and conflict into cooperation, because this is truly an opportunity to turn hope into history,” she underlined.

Regarding their discussion on the upcoming European Council, focusing among other issues on defence, competitiveness and migration, Metsola said that citizens expect results, unity and resolute action.

In his own opening remarks, President Christodoulides said that he is pleased that for the first time since 2017 “the Cyprus issue is on a positive, I would say, trajectory,” both as a result of the efforts of the Greek Cypriot side as well as the support of the European Union and the European Parliament.

He thanked the EU and the EP, as the EU’s “democratically elected and representative body” for its support to reunification, he stressed that their position “couldn’t be any clearer.”

“There is only one basis for a solution and that is the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, bizonal, bicommunal federation, with full respect of the principles, values and the acquis of the European Union,” he stressed.

EUCO agenda

Regarding the agenda of Thursday’s EUCO, the President said that it includes Ukraine, the Middle east, competitiveness and defence “in these very challenging times we live in” and welcomed “the renewed focus of the European Union on defence and security.”

“In particular, Cyprus is a very strong supporter of the European Union's strategic autonomy, including, of course, in the field of defence,” he said.

Finally, he said that he exchanged views with Metsola on the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins in January 2026 and will last for six months.

“We will work very closely with the European Parliament to deliver a presidency that will contribute to Europe's prosperity, resilience and of course, more integration,” he stressed.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary General announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18. Antonio Guterres also announced that he will appoint a new personal envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, while the two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.

(Source: CNA)