Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said any future progress in relations between Turkey and the European Union must be tied to tangible developments on the Cyprus issue. He said European incentives remain the only effective means of encouraging movement towards a settlement.
Strategy on Turkey-EU relations
In an interview with Kathimerini, Christodoulides said his government had pursued a deliberate strategy aimed at connecting the Cyprus problem with Ankara’s relationship with the EU.
He said Cyprus had worked to ensure that the link between Euro-Turkish affairs and the Cyprus problem is reflected in European Council conclusions and EU policy.
Basis for renewed negotiations
Christodoulides expressed what he described as cautious optimism regarding ongoing efforts to restart substantive negotiations. He said existing convergences achieved during previous rounds of talks should form the basis of any future process.
He said Turkey would not proceed with resolving the Cyprus issue unless it sees a benefit from a solution, adding that the European Union is the only factor that can offer such benefits.
EU incentives and conditions
The president pointed to visa liberalisation, the modernisation of the EU-Turkey customs union and wider cooperation with Brussels as issues of significant importance to Ankara.
Referring to European Council decisions adopted in 2024, Christodoulides said any advancement in relations with Ankara would follow a gradual, proportionate and reversible approach.
He said Turkey would not receive anything without compensation and that any concession to Ankara must be preceded by tangible progress on the Cyprus issue.
Talks with the United Nations
Christodoulides declined to provide details regarding discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the next phase of the process, citing the sensitivity of ongoing efforts.
