President Nikos Christodoulides left the 13th MED9 Summit in Split, Croatia, with strong references to the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) and support from Mediterranean EU member states for Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen area.
Cyprus issue
In their Joint Declaration, the leaders of the nine Mediterranean countries reaffirmed their commitment to a settlement of the Cyprus issue within the United Nations framework.
More specifically, MED9 leaders said Ankara’s practical contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains crucial and constitutes an important element in the progress of EU-Turkey relations.
The declaration also called for the avoidance of unilateral actions, with specific reference to Varosha and areas along the ceasefire line, in order to create the appropriate environment for talks to resume.
MED9 countries reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states, as well as international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
De-escalation, respect for international law and the promotion of good neighbourly relations were described as essential for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Schengen
The declaration also made particular reference to Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen area.
MED9 leaders welcomed the positive outcome of the European Commission’s report on Cyprus for 2025/2026 and the beginning of the relevant discussions within the Council of the EU.
The declaration expressed hope that the remaining steps would be completed in a timely manner, with the leaders recognising that Cyprus’ full participation would strengthen the collective capacity and security of the Schengen area.
On the sidelines of the summit, Christodoulides held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Among the issues discussed were developments concerning the Cyprus issue and the remaining steps towards Cyprus’ full accession to Schengen.
GSI and energy
During his intervention at the summit, Christodoulides also addressed the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, GSI.
According to a written statement by Victor Papadopoulos, director of the President’s Press Office, Christodoulides “stressed the enormous importance of this project, which is of the utmost interest to Europe”.
He highlighted its benefits for EU energy security and adequacy, as well as its significance within the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
US commitment to regional energy projects
The United States also addressed energy and connectivity projects in the Eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday.
Speaking in Athens, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed Washington’s commitment to the implementation of energy projects across the region.
Asked about the issue, Rubio said energy security is directly linked to national security, arguing that countries cannot be left vulnerable to a situation in which the disruption of one part of their energy supply places them under threat.
“The ability of nation states to act in their own best interests is also threatened and compromised by the influence that one country or an unscrupulous regime could exert over them,” Rubio said.
“Therefore, we are very committed to all these corridors and all these efforts. We are committed to seeing these projects succeed.”
