European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reiterated the European Union’s support for the reunification of Cyprus during a visit to the divided capital, Nicosia, describing a settlement as a top priority for the bloc.
Speaking on Thursday, von der Leyen said that a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution for the island and all its citizens remains an “absolute priority” for the EU.
In a post on X, she added that she hopes 2026 “will bring new momentum towards the reunification of Cyprus.”
Her comments came shortly after the Greek Cypriot administration assumed the rotating presidency of the EU Council on January 1. However, von der Leyen’s address at the presidency launch drew criticism for failing to acknowledge Turkish Cypriots.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974.
Efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue have stalled repeatedly over the years, including the collapse of UN-led talks at Crans-Montana in Switzerland in 2017. While the Greek Cypriot side continues to pursue a federal solution, Turkish Cypriots advocate a two-state model based on sovereign equality.
Von der Leyen has previously stated that the EU would “never, ever” accept a two-state solution for the island. The unresolved Cyprus dispute remains one of the major obstacles cited by the EU in Turkey’s long-running bid for EU membership.
Source: Daily Sabah
