European People's Party summit supports Cyprus's Schengen accession and diplomatic initiatives

At a meeting held in Brussels on October 15, 2026, ahead of the European Council Summit, leaders of the European People's Party (EPP) expressed strong support for the Republic of Cyprus. The EPP welcomed the European Commission’s positive assessment regarding Cyprus's bid for full integration into the Schengen Area, designating the completion of remaining requirements as a priority for the 2026-2027 Schengen cycle.

Furthermore, the EPP expressed full solidarity with Cyprus and Greece regarding their relations with Turkey. The party reaffirmed its commitment to a constructive partnership with Ankara, conditioned upon the respect for democracy, the rule of law, and good neighborly relations. The summit participants also praised the efforts of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to resume substantive negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue, while welcoming the UN Secretary-General's initiative to convene an expanded meeting of all involved parties.

In terms of security, the leaders committed to the operational implementation of Article 42, paragraph 7, of the Treaty on European Union. This move is intended to enhance mutual assistance, information exchange, and military mobility across the member states, reinforcing the security framework surrounding Cyprus's European integration process.