Cyprus Reopens Dialogue on Reunification After Years of Stalemate
Cyprus is poised to restart discussions on the reunification of the island, marking a significant shift after the last round of UN-backed negotiations collapsed in 2017. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed readiness to resume talks as early as next week, highlighting the importance of this development just two months before the start of the Cypriot EU presidency.
This renewed interest in dialogue comes following the recent election of Tufan Erhüman as leader of the Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus. Erhüman, representing the pro-EU Social Democrats, campaigned on a platform that includes the reunification of Cyprus under a federal model. His victory has reignited hopes for a fresh attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute between the Greek and Turkish communities.
Christodoulides emphasized that if Erhüman approaches the negotiations with a clear commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, it could pave the way for a solution based on UN Security Council resolutions. However, he firmly rejected the idea of a two-state solution, which has been advocated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The division of Cyprus has persisted since 1974, when Turkish forces intervened following a failed coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece. This led to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, recognized internationally, and the self-declared entity in the north, which is only recognized by Turkey. Despite numerous UN efforts, the division remains unresolved, with EU law not applying in the northern region, where a Turkish military presence continues.
EU Enlargement: A Vital Geopolitical Tool
Christodoulides also spoke about the importance of EU enlargement, a topic that has seen limited progress in recent years. He argued that the EU is losing a crucial geopolitical tool due to unfulfilled promises. Highlighting Montenegro as a key example, Nicosia aims to make positive strides during its EU presidency regarding accession to the union.
Without tangible progress, there is a risk that candidate countries may turn away from the EU, potentially leading them to align with non-EU actors. Christodoulides stressed the need for the EU to maintain its influence in the Western Balkans and other regions.
Strengthening Ties with the Middle East
As Cyprus assumes the rotating EU presidency in January, one of the government’s priorities will be to strengthen ties between the European Union and the Middle East. The Cypriot president believes his country, being the only EU member state in the region, is well-positioned to support the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
Christodoulides outlined a six-point plan to repurpose Cyprus’ ‘Amalthea’ maritime humanitarian corridor to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction. The plan focuses on two main areas: humanitarian aid and security. It includes supporting the delivery of aid, screening “dual-use goods,” and training Palestinian security forces. Cyprus also aims to play a role in Trump’s proposed ‘international stabilisation force,’ involving Arab and international partners.
Each of the six points aligns with eight components of Trump’s broader 20-point plan, covering humanitarian assistance, economic recovery, reconstruction, and future governance.
Pessimism on Ukraine Conflict
Regarding defense and security in Europe, Christodoulides expressed skepticism about the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine during Cyprus’ presidency. He stated that he does not foresee an end to the conflict, but emphasized the importance of continued support for Kyiv and a clear stance against the illegal Russian invasion and occupation.
In this context, Christodoulides announced plans to visit Ukraine in early December, just weeks before the start of the Cypriot EU presidency. This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining a strong EU position on the matter.