Cyprus presidency concludes as EU plans new envoy for the Cyprus problem

On Thursday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the European Commission will soon appoint a new envoy for the Cyprus problem. This position has been vacant since the resignation of Johannes Hahn in March 2026. During the European Council summit in Brussels, which concludes on June 30, Christodoulides met with European Council President Antonio Costa. Discussions included the progress of the Cypriot presidency, which ends on June 30, and the potential inclusion of Cyprus in the Schengen Area. Both parties emphasized the EU's desire for an active role in UN-led peace initiatives. Additionally, Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General's envoy, is expected to visit Brussels in late June to meet with Costa. While the Cypriot government links progress in EU-Turkey relations directly to the Cyprus issue, other European sources noted that Turkey's integration remains subject to additional criteria, such as the rule of law and economic standards.