MED9 leaders demand Turkish cooperation for Cyprus negotiations at Split summit

At the MED9 summit held in Split, Croatia, on October 7, 2026, the leaders of the nine Mediterranean EU member states issued a joint declaration calling on Turkey to make a concrete contribution to the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem. The leaders emphasized that the Cyprus issue is a European concern and that Turkey's active participation is a prerequisite for progress in its relations with the European Union. They expressed support for a comprehensive settlement within the UN framework, consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions and EU values.

The summit declaration explicitly welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s intention to convene an enlarged meeting with all involved parties to restart negotiations based on existing convergences. Additionally, the leaders commended the European Commission's appointment of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the Special Representative for Cyprus. The declaration also urged the avoidance of unilateral actions in Varosha and along the ceasefire line, while expressing support for Cyprus’s ongoing progress toward full integration into the Schengen Area.

This collective stance serves as a reaffirmation of the EU's commitment to the UN-led process. While the declaration sets a clear path for future diplomatic efforts, the resumption of formal talks remains contingent on the cooperation of the stakeholders and the success of the planned UN meeting.