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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union will designate a special representative for Cyprus as the bloc prepares to increase its engagement in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
Von der Leyen announced the move after a phone call with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, saying there was renewed momentum in the process.
“Good call with Antonio Guterres,” von der Leyen said in a post on the U.S.-based social media platform X.
“We can sense a renewed momentum to solve the Cyprus issue within the U.N. framework and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the EU,” she added.
Von der Leyen said the current opportunity in the Cyprus process should not be missed.
“The opportunity should be seized,” she said.
“We look forward to progress over the months to come,” she added.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission is ready to support the effort with the necessary assistance and tools at its disposal.
“The Commission stands ready to support this effort with all the necessary assistance and tools at its disposal,” she said.
She said the special representative would be designated in anticipation of intensified EU engagement on the issue.
“Tomorrow we will designate our special representative for Cyprus in anticipation of an intensification of our engagement,” von der Leyen said.
The EU appointed Raffaele Fitto, a vice-president at the bloc's executive arm, as its special representative for Cyprus.
Reports in the Greek Cyprus media outlets said Brussels’ decision to appoint a special representative is being viewed as a sign that the EU is preparing to take a more visible and direct role in the Cyprus file.
The step points to the possibility that the EU dimension could be added more clearly to the diplomatic process led through the U.N. track in the coming period.
Von der Leyen’s announcement came as she said the Cyprus issue should be resolved within the U.N. framework and in line with EU principles, values and legislation.
The European Commission also signaled that it is ready to contribute to the process with support and tools available to the institution.
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