By Filip Polo, reporting from Dublin
The resumption of Cyprus reunification negotiations from the point where they broke down at Crans-Montana in 2017 remains a key condition for meaningful progress in relations between Turkey and the European Union, according to Nicosia.
The issue is expected to feature prominently in discussions during the upcoming visit of European Commission Special Envoy for Cyprus Raffaele Fitto to Ankara on 20 November, where he is scheduled to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The agenda is expected to cover Turkey's three main demands towards the EU, as well as the prospects for restarting negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
According to diplomatic sources, Fitto's visit forms part of broader discussions on matters affecting relations between Ankara and the European Union. Cyprus is expected to be a significant part of those discussions, with the Cypriot government maintaining that progress on Turkey's European demands cannot be pursued independently of its obligations and outstanding issues concerning the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus issue remains central to EU-Turkey progress
Nicosia's position is that the key to advancing the issues of interest to Turkey in its relations with the EU remains the resumption of negotiations from where they were suspended at Crans-Montana in 2017.
According to diplomatic sources, the Cypriot side is seeking meaningful momentum through the next round of contacts, with the aim of convening a trilateral meeting, followed by an expanded 5+1 conference.
The objective is to ensure that the process does not end with another meeting but instead creates the conditions for substantive negotiations to resume.
Diplomatic sources also indicate that the UN Secretary-General's objective is either to secure the resumption of negotiations during his current term or to establish sufficient progress to leave his successor with a process that has genuine prospects of moving forward.
At the same time, Nicosia rejects the idea that Turkey's demands towards the EU should be met first, with discussions on Cyprus taking place afterwards.
The Cypriot position is that the Greek Cypriot side cannot be expected to agree in advance to specific procedures or outcomes as a precondition for restarting negotiations, particularly when Turkey itself has yet to engage in substantive talks on the Cyprus issue.
Turkey's three main demands towards the EU
On the European front, Ankara's three main priorities are the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, visa liberalisation for Turkish citizens and participation in the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing instrument, which aims to strengthen Europe's defence industry and capabilities.
Advancing these demands requires political decisions at EU level, with some matters subject to unanimous approval by member states.
According to diplomatic assessments, both visa liberalisation and Turkey's participation in SAFE face reservations among several member states. Greece has also expressed objections regarding the latter.
Particular importance is attached to the Customs Union issue, as the Republic of Cyprus is one of the EU's 27 member states involved in the decision-making process.
Nicosia believes that the modernisation of the Customs Union cannot move forward without addressing outstanding issues concerning Cyprus.
While the Cyprus issue is not the only obstacle to closer EU-Turkey relations, it remains one of the key factors that must be taken into consideration. Nicosia argues that Turkey cannot seek an upgrade in its relations with the EU while leaving unresolved matters concerning the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus remains on track for Schengen membership in 2027
Regarding Cyprus's accession to the Schengen Area, the target of joining in 2027 remains unchanged, according to diplomatic sources.
The process is progressing according to schedule, with the technical preparations on the Cypriot side reportedly complete.
The remaining steps concern the necessary legal procedures and the political decision that must be taken at the Council of the European Union.
4 December could prove to be an important date in this process, as relevant matters are expected to be considered during the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council.
The European Commission is expected to make efforts to accelerate the procedures falling within its remit. Fitto is also expected to assist in advancing the process as far as his responsibilities allow.
The matter had previously been discussed during contacts with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Despite the progress made at technical level, securing the necessary political decision remains the decisive outstanding step.
Christodoulides speaks with Macron and Mitsotakis over French vessel
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources have also referred to an incident involving the French research vessel Abeille Marengo, which is carrying out surveys as part of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project linking the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus.
According to diplomatic information, the vessel experienced radio interference from the Turkish side while conducting its operations.
French President Emmanuel Macron contacted Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to inform him that the vessel's mission was proceeding normally.
Macron also held a separate conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the same matter, confirming that work on the project was continuing as planned.
