The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, met today 19 March 2025 in Brussels with the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola. In statements to the press, following their meeting, Ms Metsola welcomed President Christodoulides to the European Parliament and stated the following:
“The President just arrived from Geneva and briefed me on the latest state of play of the peace talks that were held there. There is hope on the horizon. In fact, the European Union and I reaffirm it to stand steadfast in supporting the United Nations (UN) led settlement process as the only way to find a lasting solution. I am encouraged by the fact that this is the closest we have come so far since the Crans Montana. The first thing that I said when I was first elected President of this institution was that Europe will never be complete as long as Cyprus remains divided, and these words remain just as true today. The only way to reunify the island of Cyprus and its people is via communication, diplomacy and negotiation. And that is why the Geneva talks and its continuation was so important.
The European Parliament remains committed to supporting you, dear President, and Cyprus in any way necessary. So, let us seize this moment to transform division into unity and conflict into cooperation, because this is truly an opportunity to turn hope into history. We also use these few minutes together as an opportunity to discuss tomorrow's European Council meeting, where we have so many important topics on the agenda, from defence to competitiveness to migration. On all of these, our citizens expect concrete results, which is essentially the message I give in every speech I present to the European Council. They expect also unity, and they expect resolute action to keep them safe. This is what tomorrow and the day after will be about. And ultimately, it is about how we can deliver and how fast we can deliver it. Europe has to step up, and I am very confident that we will.”
In his remarks, Christodulides said:
“Our meeting takes place in the aftermath of the Geneva informal meeting on the Cyprus issue convened by the UN Secretary-General. I am very pleased to note that for the first time since Crans Montana since 2017, the Cyprus issue is on a positive trajectory as a result of our relentless efforts, with the invaluable support of the European Union and the European Parliament.
On behalf of the people of Cyprus, I want to express our deepest appreciation for the steadfast support of the European Union, in particular of the European Parliament, the EU’s democratically elected and representative body, for the reunification of my country, the last divided, and under occupation member state. And as Roberta very correctly mentioned, European integration cannot be truly completed as long as Cyprus remains divided.
The position of the European Parliament and the position of the international community on the Cyprus issue could not be any clearer. There is only one basis for a solution, and that is the relevant Security Council resolutions for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with full respect of the principles, values, and the acquis of the European Union.
As I continue exerting all efforts for the full resumption of negotiations, we are thankful for the European Union's support, for the European Parliament's support, for Roberta’s support and active engagement, which is both vital and tangible. With Roberta, we also discussed other issues on our common European agenda. Tomorrow, we have a very important European Council with touch, of course, on Ukraine, Middle East, competitiveness and defence. In these very challenging times we live in, I welcome 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.
Today, we also had the opportunity to exchange views for the upcoming Presidency of Cyprus for the Council of the European Union, starting in January 2026. 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.”
Asked on the outcome of the talks, whether any practical achievements have been made which will facilitate for a feasible agreement to be reached, and the role of the European Union during the talks, President Christodoulides stated:
“As I mentioned before, and as the UN Secretary General mentioned yesterday, it is the first time since 2017 that we have positive developments. We agree that the Secretary-General will appoint a Personal Envoy for the next steps in order to achieve the resumption of talks. We agree that we are going to have a new meeting by the end of July. And of course, we agree on certain areas for Confidence- building measures in the island. If I can touch on the role of the European Union: 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 of the European Union.
The European Union has a leading role to play − I will say, always under the UN auspices − in order to find a solution of the Cyprus problem. Let me remind you that Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004. The whole territory of the island is part of the European Union. The aquis was suspended in the areas that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not have effective control. So, the Cyprus problem is a European problem.
Adding to President Christodoulides’ statements, the President of the European Parliament, added: “This is not just a Cyprus question, but a European one. And in my talks − quite extensive actually − this afternoon with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, this was also held against the background of what the European Union could do. This is a position that we have held, that any possible solution should be done within the UN framework and we will support it. 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 are talking about a single sovereign European state.
This is what we had in mind when Cyprus joined the European Union already 21 years ago, and this is a position that we will hold. And therefore, we will welcome any measures aimed at building trust, at moving forward, and we will look forward also towards the July meetings, where progress will definitely be made.”
Asked on whether split decisions with the EU 26 and especially on Ukraine are expected during the European Council Summit of 20th March and what does that say of European unity in this crucial moment, President Christodoulides noted: “In these very challenging times as a European Union, we need to be united. With full respect to possible different approaches, different ideas, we need to sit down and find a common 27 member states approach. Otherwise, we are sending a very negative message abroad. We do not play the role that we would like to play at international affairs if, as a European Union, we are not united. So, we need to find a way and have a common position tomorrow.
This is the approach of Cyprus; that is what we are going to try to do through the discussions with full respect, I repeat this, on possible different approaches. International law is not a la carte. Occupation is occupation, I really believe that all 27 we can agree on respect of the sovereignty of the territorial integrity of the member states.
President Metsola further added: “I would also start by focusing on the many times we have had unanimous decisions over the past three years, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. And I say this, because it is not a given that so many decisions are taken by unanimity at 27, whether it is a success of European Council's decisions, on admitting Ukraine, for example, to be a candidate for enlargement and then becoming an accession country.
Already until a few days ago, sanction package after another that are adopted at unanimity at 27. The reality is, of course, what we saw a week and a half ago, where for the first time we have conclusions that are adopted at 26. We would not as a Parliament advocate for that to become a habit. We also see the precedent and its dangers of countries, let us say, walking away from the practice of having consensus. But we are also living in unprecedented times. So, if what it takes is for 26 to go ahead with the most strong and common text, then we will push for that. But, of course, we will always ask that we have a level of unity as high as possible.”
EP Press Point / Cyprus Government (με υπότιτλους στα ελληνικά)
© PIO - European Union
