European People's Party summit supports Cyprus's Schengen accession and security cooperation

At a summit held in Brussels on October 15, 2026, the European People's Party (EPP) reaffirmed its support for the Republic of Cyprus across several key policy areas. The party leaders welcomed the European Commission's positive assessment regarding Cyprus's bid for full integration into the Schengen Area, designating the completion of the remaining technical steps as a priority for the 2026-2027 Schengen cycle.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the EPP expressed support for President Nikos Christodoulides' initiatives to resume negotiations and convene an expanded conference to reach a final resolution. Furthermore, the declaration emphasized the operational application of Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, which mandates mutual assistance and strengthens coordination, intelligence sharing, and military mobility among member states.

In its stance toward Turkey, the EPP advocated for a constructive partnership conditioned on Ankara's respect for democracy, the rule of law, and good neighborly relations. The summit concluded by reaffirming full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus in their respective dialogues with Turkey, as European leaders prepare for the upcoming European Council summit.