Christodoulides to discuss EU budget, Cyprus problem with Costa

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides will meet European Council President Antonio Costa on Friday to discuss EU finances, enlargement, migration, developments in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the Cyprus problem.

EU budget negotiations

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said particular emphasis would be placed on the Multiannual Financial Framework, which will determine the EU budget for the 2028-2034 period.

He said substantial progress had been made during the Cyprus EU Council presidency and that groundwork had been laid for the final phase of political negotiations, with the aim of reaching an agreement by the end of 2026.

Letymbiotis called for an “ambitious and fair” European budget addressing security and competitiveness, while recognising the particular challenges faced by small island states and providing “substantial support” for development and social cohesion.

Cyprus problem and EU-Turkey relations

Costa will also be briefed on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus problem, including efforts to resume negotiations, the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the role of the EU’s new special representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto.

“Our position is clear. The process is conducted under the auspices of the United Nations, and the European Union can act as a supporter and catalyst, making use of its political weight and the means and incentives at its disposal,” Letymbiotis said.

Referring to Turkey, he said further progress in EU-Turkey relations could provide incentives for Ankara to make a “substantial contribution” towards resuming negotiations and resolving the Cyprus problem within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions.

“The Republic of Cyprus is a member state of the European Union and a reunified Cyprus will continue to be a member state of the Union,” he said.

“The solution, therefore, must ensure a functioning European state, fully compatible with the European acquis and the principles and values of the Union.”

Letymbiotis said the meeting would provide an opportunity for dialogue on major issues facing Europe and matters of particular importance to Cyprus.