Nicosia, Cyprus. The European Commission on Monday formally appointed Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as its special representative for Cyprus, confirming his role in supporting United Nations-led efforts to reunify the island. Fitto will work closely with UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar.
Settlement process
The Commission said Fitto will contribute to the settlement process under UN auspices and engage with relevant parties and stakeholders to help prepare the ground for the resumption of negotiations.
The appointment reflects the Commission’s commitment to Cyprus’ reunification and to achieving a functional, viable and comprehensive settlement in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and European Union principles, values and legislation, it said.
Confidence-building efforts
Fitto will support efforts toward a comprehensive and lasting settlement, including through confidence-building measures, the Commission said.
It added that he would bring experience in European governance, regional cooperation and institutional dialogue to the role, supporting the Commission’s efforts to facilitate progress on the Cyprus issue.
Existing responsibilities
Fitto’s portfolio already included oversight of Commission policies aimed at facilitating the island’s reunification.
Under a mission letter issued by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on December 1, 2024, he was assigned to oversee measures supporting reunification, including the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implementation of the Green Line Regulation.
Appointment procedure
An EU official told the Cyprus News Agency that the appointment was a personal decision by von der Leyen and that the role of special representative differs from that of a special envoy.
Unlike the appointment of former Commission special envoy for Cyprus Johannes Hahn, which required approval by the College of Commissioners, Fitto’s designation did not require such a decision.
Fitto recently visited remote communities in the Troodos region in his capacity as European Commission Executive Vice-President.