Cypriot politicians criticize lack of mention of Cyprus problem in State of the Union address

On September 21, 2026, Cypriot members of the European Parliament and several political parties expressed strong dissatisfaction following the annual State of the Union address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The criticism stems from the total absence of any reference to the Cyprus problem within her speech, an omission described by local observers as a deliberate signal that the matter remains a low priority for the European Union.

The debate has highlighted a broader domestic frustration regarding the EU's engagement with the issue. Critics, including DISY party officials such as Averof Neofytou, have argued that this silence reflects a long-standing reality where the Cyprus issue is marginalized by European leadership unless an immediate crisis occurs. Furthermore, internal political discussions within Cyprus have raised questions about the local commitment to the issue, with some officials noting that domestic political parties often prioritize internal popularity polls over the national cause during critical diplomatic moments.

There are no specific actions or upcoming legislative proceedings mentioned in the sources regarding this diplomatic slight. The situation remains a point of contention in the local political discourse, serving as a reminder of the perceived disconnect between the priorities of the European Commission and the specific national interests of Cyprus.