Antonio Costa visits Nicosia to discuss Cyprus issue and EU-Turkey relations

On September 4, 2026, European Council President Antonio Costa visited Nicosia for meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides. The discussions centered on the Cyprus issue and the European Union's multiannual financial framework. Costa reaffirmed the European Union's support for the United Nations Secretary-General's initiative to revive negotiations, emphasizing that Brussels is ready to assist in the process while strengthening bilateral ties between the EU and Turkey.

During the visit, Costa explicitly challenged Ankara by linking the progress of EU-Turkey relations to developments in the Cyprus issue. President Christodoulides stressed that the European Union maintains a legitimate role and voice in the negotiation process for a solution. While the diplomatic landscape remains at a critical juncture due to regional tensions, Nicosia is currently awaiting the return of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin to evaluate the next steps in the peace efforts.