MED9 leaders call for progress on the Cyprus issue at Split summit

At the MED9 summit held on October 7, 2026, in Split, Croatia, leaders of the nine Mediterranean EU member states issued a joint declaration emphasizing the urgent need for Turkey to contribute effectively to the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem. The summit participants underscored that progress in Turkey's relations with the European Union is intrinsically linked to advancements in settling the Cyprus issue, which they described as a European problem.

The leaders reiterated their full commitment to a comprehensive settlement within the United Nations framework, adhering to relevant Security Council resolutions, the EU acquis, and European values. They expressed appreciation for the UN Secretary-General’s recent visit to the island and welcomed his initiative to convene an enlarged meeting with all involved parties. Furthermore, the participants officially supported the European Commission's appointment of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the Special Representative for Cyprus.

This declaration follows a joint letter sent by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, coordinating efforts to restart peace talks based on existing convergences. The move signals a unified regional push to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts under the UN umbrella, aiming for a swift return to the negotiating table to resolve the long-standing status of the island.