A group of researchers and academics has recommended the adoption of the “Ost-Belgien” model for the peace process in Cyprus, according to the Cyprus Peace Dialogue Center (CPDC). The proposal was presented on Thursday at an event organised by UNFICYP at the Ledra Palace Hotel.
The CPDC highlighted the urgency of updating the peace process “in a time when the world around us is changing rapidly.” The event brought together academics working under the CPDC’s auspices to propose a new framework aimed at making negotiations more inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all communities on the island.
An inclusive process
“Numerous academic studies have shown that, despite disappointments, citizens continue to desire a settlement of the Cyprus problem and support a more inclusive process in overwhelming numbers,” the CPDC noted. The proposal emphasises that any improved negotiation process must be truly participatory, resistant to political influence, sensitive to the concerns of each community and group, and adaptable to local language and other requirements. It should also be informed by academic research examining the perspectives of both communities in Cyprus.
Building on an examination of other systems and the “common understanding” reached by leaders in July 2025 on the creation of a “consultative body for civil society participation,” the research team recommended a two-tiered Advisory Body under the mandate of the political leaders. The model includes a permanent citizens’ advisory council, which would manage the consultation process, and a citizens’ assembly with rotating members randomly selected from the general population using professional selection methods. The advisory council would assign the assembly to submit proposals aimed at informing and improving the design of the negotiation process.
Results-oriented approach
Under the proposal, the Advisory Council would support the Citizens’ Assembly in consultations on negotiation methodology, specifically examining how to ensure that the process remains results-oriented and inclusive. The council could submit recommendations in four areas: the citizen participation consultation process, mechanisms for encouraging parties to enter negotiations through pre-agreed safeguards, mechanisms to overcome deadlocks, and measures to enhance transparency, public trust, and civic engagement.
The researchers indicated that each of these areas would be analysed in greater detail in a forthcoming publication.