The European Commission announced the appointment of the new EU Special Representative for the Cyprus Issue, officially conferring the title of Special Representative for the Cyprus Issue on Raffaele Fito, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reforms.

The announcement notes that “in this capacity, he will contribute to the settlement process within the framework of the United Nations, in close cooperation with the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, María Ángela Olguín Cuellar.”

“This appointment reflects the Commission’s strong commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, with the aim of achieving a functional and sustainable comprehensive settlement in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles, values, and legislation of the European Union,” the statement adds, noting that “Executive Vice President Fito will work with all stakeholders and interlocutors to lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations and to support a comprehensive and lasting solution, including through confidence-building among all stakeholders and negotiating partners.”

Fito “will bring his long-standing experience in European governance, regional cooperation, and institutional dialogue. He will support the Commission’s efforts to facilitate progress toward a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue,” the statement concludes.

It should be noted that even prior to Monday’s announcement, Vice President Fito was already responsible for overseeing the Commission’s procedures aimed at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus.

According to the letter of appointment he received from von der Leyen on December 1, 2024, the Vice President was already tasked with monitoring, with a view to facilitating the reunification of Cyprus and through the Assistance Program, to continue “strengthening the social and economic conditions of the Turkish Cypriot community,” as well as to monitor “the implementation of the Green Line Regulation.”

A European official explained to CNA that the appointment of this individual was a personal choice of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, noting that the role of spokesperson is distinct from that of a special envoy. In the case of an envoy—such as the appointment of the Commission’s former Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue, Johannes Hahn, a decision by the College of Commissioners was required.