President Nikos Christodoulides told EU leaders on Thursday that the absence of Council Conclusions on European Union enlargement sends the wrong political message, particularly at such a critical juncture.
Addressing the European Council session, Christodoulides said the Cyprus Presidency, which begins on 1 January, will work to ensure political clarity and institutional consistency on enlargement.
The president referenced the General Affairs Council text in his intervention, according to sources, emphasising that Cyprus considers the lack of conclusions on enlargement a mistaken political signal. He said the Cyprus Presidency will proceed based on the Danish Presidency statement of the General Affairs Council, as discussed earlier this week, ensuring continuity, political clarity and institutional consistency.
Christodoulides focused extensively on enlargement, with particular reference to the Western Balkans. He said the Western Balkans constitute a particularly sensitive area and the EU must realise the risk of leaving an influence vacuum to third actors.
On Montenegro and Albania, the president said they prove that when political will and reform commitment exist, progress is feasible within the accession process.
Christodoulides was critical on Serbia, pointing out that the EU failed to convince both the political leadership and society that Serbia truly belongs in the European family, which requires honest self-criticism and a clearer political message. He acknowledged that Serbia has made progress, supported Ukraine and is now on a path of gradual disengagement from Russia regarding interdependence relations, which the EU should use constructively.
Thursday’s discussion showed alignment of views with Greece on the Serbia issue, and the Cyprus Presidency intends to take specific steps to strengthen alignment with Belgrade’s European path, sources said.
On Bosnia and Herzegovina, the basic prerequisite for remaining on the European path is internal stabilisation and the functionality of institutions, Christodoulides said.
Cyprus clearly supports the efforts of Ukraine and Moldova, and the presidency will prioritise progress in their accession negotiations based on a merit-based process. Moldova has committed to substantial progress in the Rule of Law and reforms.
On Turkey, Christodoulides referenced the importance of the wording in the Danish Presidency statement of the General Affairs Council, which included significant references such as the appointment of Johannes Hahn and the April 2024 Conclusions. The text on Turkey was unanimously accepted by all 27 member states.
The president said the Cyprus Presidency will function as an honest broker, fair to all including Turkey, with the objective of a relationship based on principles and reciprocity.
Turkey should be invited to informal European Council in Cyprus
Cyprus’s strategic pursuit is to have a neighbour closer to the EU and its values, Christodoulides said. He repeated that all candidate member states will be invited to the informal General Affairs Council in Cyprus, including Turkey.
Nicosia intends to invite President Erdogan to the informal European Council in Cyprus, within the framework of sincere political dialogue, sources said.
The EU and Cyprus Presidency must be ready to deliver tangible results, provided Turkey responds with actions and substantial compliance, Christodoulides said.
EU-Turkey relations, under the prism of the April 2024 European Council Conclusions, constitute a priority for Cyprus within a strategy that links enlargement with stability, international law and European credibility.
