President Nikos Christodoulides discussed the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron during separate meetings on Thursday, on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Dublin.
According to information reported by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the discussions focused on developments surrounding the electricity interconnection project.
The research vessel Abeille Marengo is continuing its work and is now operating in international waters. The vessel reportedly experienced minor interference over the radio from Turkey, but operations are proceeding normally.
Cyprus's Schengen accession process remains on track
On Thursday, Christodoulides also held a telephone conversation with European Commission Executive Vice-President and EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto.
According to the briefing, Cyprus's progress towards joining the Schengen Area is proceeding according to plan.
The issue had also been discussed on Wednesday in Antalya with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The latest information indicates that the process is progressing as expected in terms of the steps required from the European Commission.
Nicosia continues to pursue Cyprus's accession to the Schengen Area as soon as possible, with the aim of achieving membership within 2027.
EU to press Turkey on resuming Cyprus negotiations
Regarding the Cyprus issue and Turkey, sources indicated that Fitto is expected to convey to the Turkish Foreign Minister that the resumption of negotiations is a key priority for Europe.
The EU position is expected to stress that talks should resume from where they were left off at Crans-Montana in 2017.
According to the same information, should Turkey respond negatively, discussions on upgrading the EU-Turkey Customs Union will not begin.
The sources noted that Ankara's main interests in its relations with the EU are centred on three issues: visa liberalisation, participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme and the modernisation of the Customs Union.
There is opposition from some EU member states to the first two issues, while upgrading the Customs Union is considered more likely to secure unanimous support.
Customs Union discussions could be reversed
The sources said discussions on upgrading the Customs Union could begin in parallel with efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue, provided that Turkey demonstrates a willingness to meet its commitments.
However, the process would remain reversible if Ankara failed to honour its obligations.
Asked whether diplomatic contacts suggested that Turkey might take the expected step on the Cyprus issue in exchange for the launch of discussions on the Customs Union, the sources assessed that the indications available to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and von der Leyen pointed in that direction.
The potential link between progress on the Cyprus issue and closer EU-Turkey economic relations therefore remains an important element of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Source: CNA
