European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday she sees renewed momentum in efforts to reunify Cyprus and announced that the European Commission will appoint a new special representative for the island on Monday, signaling a stronger EU role ahead of UN-led talks this week.
In a social media post after speaking by phone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, von der Leyen said recent developments in the Cyprus process presented an opportunity that should be pursued.
“We can see renewed momentum for the settlement of the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the European Union,” she wrote.
She said “this opportunity should be seized” and expressed hope that the coming months would bring further progress.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission stands ready to support the U.N.-led process “with all the necessary assistance and the tools at its disposal,” adding that a new special representative for Cyprus would be appointed Monday as the EU steps up its engagement in reunification efforts.
