Real EU engagement in the Cyprus problem

Opinion cyprusCyprus problemEuropean UnionturkeyUrsula Von der Leyen Real EU engagement in the Cyprus problem Image 218 Relevant News Police constable driving without insurance, over alcohol limit, in Nicosia crash that burned two cars (video) 16 July 2026 Real EU engagement in the Cyprus problem 16 July 2026 He chose to stay, and did not run 16 July 2026 Phileleftheros Editorial 16 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The choice of Raffaele Fitto as the European Commission’s special representative on the Cyprus problem confirms just how seriously the Union takes Cyprus. Brussels’ decision to appoint Mr Fitto is a welcome development. It is also, we believe, a move the EU had no real alternative to making. And that’s precisely the point: the Union could not have acted otherwise, given that this is a matter concerning one of its own member states. Brussels has a stake in ending the realities of occupation and in Cyprus’s future, a future that is, in practical terms, bound up with how functional the Cypriot state can be within the EU. At the same time, it’s plain that the choice of Raffaele Fitto sends a message of its own. This appointment carries both political and institutional weight. A sitting executive vice-president of the Commission has now been assigned to the Cyprus problem. And, worth noting in passing, he is an official who already has, within his own portfolio, oversight of the Commission’s processes for facilitating Cyprus’s reunification. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose initiative this was, said that “the appointment reflects the Commission’s strong commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, with the objective of achieving a functional and viable comprehensive settlement in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the European Union.” Her message on the substance of any solution could not be clearer. But Nicosia, too, which pushed, persisted and worked systematically to secure this appointment, has sent a clear message of its own. According to President Nikos Christodoulides, Fitto’s appointment as the EU’s special envoy on the Cyprus problem demonstrates the Union’s heightened interest and its readiness for “a leading and more substantive role” in efforts to restart negotiations. EU involvement is a guarantee for the content of any solution. That, in our view, is exactly what our goal and our aim should be. On the other side of the divide, the occupying side reacted just as one would expect. Ankara wants closer ties with the EU, yet won’t accept the EU having any role in the Cyprus problem. The Turkish Cypriot side, the Turkish Cypriots, want the privileges of Europe, yet refuse to cooperate with the EU on the Cyprus problem. That is Turkish logic and Turkish approach, in a nutshell. Our assessment is that, in the end, the Turks will work with Mr Raffaele Fitto. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Police constable driving without insurance, over alcohol limit, in Nicosia crash that burned two cars (video) He chose to stay, and did not run FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals – England vs Argentina Kuwait says its army is confronting Iranian drones Things to do on Thursday, July 16 Airbnb and hotel licensing chaos in Cyprus prompts calls for reform Cyprus, Lebanon agree study into electricity interconnection Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.