**Fitto Will Engage with Both Communities in Cyprus**
The European Commission's newly appointed envoy for the Cyprus problem, Raffaele Fitto, is set to engage with both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities as part of efforts to prepare for the resumption of negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing division of the island. This announcement was made by commission spokeswoman Louise Bogey on Tuesday.
Fitto's mandate includes engaging with all relevant stakeholders to foster trust among the parties involved. Bogey emphasized that the European Union (EU) remains "strongly committed to the reunification of Cyprus," highlighting Fitto's role in contributing to the solution process in close collaboration with the United Nations envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.
Olof Gill, the commission's deputy chief spokesman, described Fitto as a highly experienced senior politician with a wealth of expertise in governance, regional cooperation, and institutional dialogue. Gill noted that Fitto was appointed for a specific purpose, believing he possesses the necessary skills to advance the peace process in Cyprus.
Unlike his predecessor, Johannes Hahn, who was an Austrian diplomat, Fitto is currently a member of the EU's college of commissioners. He was appointed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the executive vice president for cohesion in 2024. In this role, he oversees the commission's directorate-general for regional and urban policy (DG-Regio), which operates the Cyprus settlement support unit.
In a previous address to the European Parliament, Fitto reaffirmed the EU's position on Cyprus, stating, "the EU has always been clear: we recognize only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law." He reiterated that the only viable solution for Cyprus is its reunification.
Fitto has also expressed optimism regarding the potential for progress in the peace process, particularly following the change in leadership within the Turkish Cypriot community. He praised Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, suggesting that his leadership could create a new opportunity to advance negotiations.
In addition to diplomatic engagement, Fitto emphasized the EU's commitment to creating conditions conducive to future reunification on the ground. He stated that the commission aims to foster engagement, cooperation, and inclusion between both communities, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the complexities of the Cyprus issue.
As Fitto embarks on this crucial role, the EU's ongoing commitment to the reunification of Cyprus underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The success of these efforts will depend on the ability of all parties to engage constructively and work towards a sustainable resolution to the division of the island.