Asked how the European Union could contribute to solving the Cyprus problem, President Nikos Christodoulides said that where there is no convergence between the two sides, the answer lies in the European acquis.
European Council President António Costa visited Cyprus for the third time, part of his contacts with member states ahead of upcoming European Councils. His meeting with Christodoulides covered key European and Cypriot priorities, with particular emphasis on the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework.
Christodoulides publicly thanked Costa for his support during Cyprus’s presidency of the EU Council, saying that without it, Cyprus would not have achieved such positive results.
Goal is agreement on EU budget within 2026
Christodoulides said today’s discussion focused mainly on the new fiscal framework, which he described as critically important. He said the goal was to reach political agreement by the end of 2026, and stressed the need for the new EU budget to take account of the particularities and needs of small member states.
Costa said the EU needed to reach agreement on the budget, adding that “reality calls for a new approach.”
President raised Cyprus problem and Schengen
Christodoulides also raised two national issues at the meeting: Cyprus’s desire for full membership of the Schengen area, and the Cyprus problem.
He updated Costa on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and thanked him for his personal interest, noting that he remains in contact with the United Nations Secretary-General. He said the EU could play the most decisive role in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, expressing hope that Costa’s support would continue.
Costa, asked whether Turkey was showing a more constructive stance, said the EU had told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan it was ready to discuss strengthening EU-Turkey relations in the context of Cyprus problem consultations.
Ukraine and the Middle East also discussed
The two sides also discussed the war in Ukraine and the continuation of European support for the country. Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus fully understands what is at stake in Ukraine and said he favoured continued European support.
Particular reference was also made to developments in the Middle East. Christodoulides congratulated Costa on his summit with Gulf states, underlining the importance Cyprus places on strengthening the European presence and dialogue in the region.
“Costa is the first European Council President to grasp the significance of the Middle East region,” Christodoulides said.
