The European Union is considering appointing an envoy to engage in the Cyprus problem, following the informal trilateral meeting in New York.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted at this intention during talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Brussels last week.
The timing of the appointment remains unclear, with Nicosia understanding that no action is expected before the conclusion of European Parliament hearings.
Any developments are likely to occur in early December, after the new European Commission is confirmed and officially assumes its duties.
President Christodoulides, arriving at the European Council last Thursday, noted, “The EU, as aptly stated by the EU representative, considers the Cyprus issue a European problem, and the European Union has a role to play.”
He added that announcements demonstrating the EU’s increased interest in restarting negotiations should be expected soon, potentially in 2024.
The United Nations is also expected to make moves through Rosemary DiCarlo, who is returning to the forefront of the Cyprus issue. Nicosia awaits the UN’s next steps based on agreements reached at the informal trilateral meeting in New York.
Turkey’s approach to the Cyprus issue remains of particular interest.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appears to place significant importance on Turkey’s role, wanting them at the negotiating table, even in informal meetings.
The Turkish side attempted to suggest that the expanded informal meeting would include only four parties (Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greece, and Turkey), excluding Britain.
However, Nicosia insists on five participants – the two communities and the three guarantor powers.
