The MED9 leaders reaffirm their commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue in the Split Joint Declaration, at the summit taking place in Croatia, which is also attended by the President of the Republic. At the same time, they send a clear message to Turkey regarding the Cyprus issue, describing its contribution as “key” to the solution and calling on it to avoid unilateral actions.
“The Cyprus problem is a European one,” the Declaration emphasizes, adding that “we reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of the UN, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the EU acquis, principles, and values.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At the same time, the MED9 leaders express their appreciation for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, including his recent visit to Cyprus, and welcome his intention to convene an expanded meeting with all parties, with the aim of resuming negotiations within the agreed framework, building on existing areas of convergence.
At the same time, they welcome the European Commission’s appointment of Executive Vice President Rafał Fito as Special Representative for Cyprus, as well as the joint letter from the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission in March 2025, to the UN Secretary-General, in which they reiterate the EU’s position and readiness to actively support the UN-led process.
“Turkey’s concrete contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains of critical importance and is key to progress in EU-Turkey relations, according to the European Council Conclusions of April 2024. We also maintain that avoiding unilateral actions —including those in the Varosha area and along the ceasefire line—is essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of talks.”
They also underscore the EU’s strategic interests in ensuring a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey in accordance with the conditions that have been set.
“Turkey’s constructive engagement remains important in advancing various areas of cooperation. In this context, it is essential to avoid unilateral actions that violate international law and to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states. Issues must be resolved by peaceful means and with full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States must be upheld, and their sovereign rights must be fully respected. De-escalation of tensions, full respect for international law, and the promotion of good-neighborly relations are essential for regional stability and cooperation in areas of common interest.”.
At the same time, reference is made to Cyprus’s full integration into the Schengen Area.
“Reiterating the importance of further strengthening the Schengen Area, in view of Cyprus’s full integration, we welcome the positive outcome of the Commission’s 2025/2026 report on Cyprus and the start of discussions in the Council of the EU. We look forward to the timely completion of the remaining steps, recognizing that Cyprus’s full participation will strengthen the collective capacity and security of the Schengen Area.”
While the leaders welcome the establishment of the Cyprus Regional Firefighting Station (CRAFS) as an important first step at the regional level toward strengthening preparedness to address the increasing number of catastrophic wildfires in the Mediterranean.
