Turkey must make a concrete contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations on the Cyprus problem if its relations with the European Union are to progress, the leaders of the EU’s nine Mediterranean member states said in Split, Croatia.
The joint declaration of the MED9 summit contains significant references to the Cyprus problem. The leaders reiterate their commitment “to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions, in line with the EU acquis, principles and values. The Cyprus problem is a European problem. We express our appreciation for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, including his recent visit to Cyprus, and welcome his intention to convene an enlarged meeting with all parties, with the aim of resuming negotiations within the agreed framework and on the basis of existing convergences.”
They also welcome “the appointment by the European Commission of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as Special Representative for Cyprus, as well as the joint letter of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General in March 2025, reiterating the EU’s position and readiness to actively support the UN-led process.”
Message to Ankara
In the declaration, the leaders send Ankara very specific messages on the Cyprus problem: “Turkey’s concrete contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains crucial and is key to progress in EU-Turkey relations, in line with the European Council Conclusions of April 2024. We also maintain that refraining from unilateral actions, including those in Varosha and along the ceasefire line, is decisive in creating a favourable environment for the resumption of talks.”
The nine leaders add: “We underline the EU’s strategic interests in ensuring a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with Turkey, in line with the conditions set. Turkey’s constructive engagement remains important for advancing various areas of cooperation. In this context, refraining from unilateral actions that violate international law and respecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states are essential. Issues must be resolved by peaceful means and in full respect of international law, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states must be safeguarded and their sovereign rights fully respected. De-escalating tensions, upholding international law and promoting good neighbourly relations are essential for regional stability and cooperation in areas of common interest.”
Schengen and CRAFS
The Split declaration again stresses the importance of further strengthening the Schengen area. On Cyprus’s accession, it says: “We welcome the positive findings of the Commission’s 2025/2026 report on Cyprus and the start of relevant discussions in the Council of the EU. We look forward to the timely completion of the remaining steps, recognising that Cyprus’s full participation will strengthen the collective capacity and security of the Schengen area.”
Finally, the leaders of the EU’s Mediterranean states express satisfaction at “the establishment of the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station (CRAFS), as an important first contribution at regional level to strengthening preparedness to tackle the increasingly frequent destructive wildfires in the Mediterranean.”
