President Nikos Christodoulides held a bilateral meeting with Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, covering foot-and-mouth disease, EU policy issues, and regional crises.
In statements following the meeting, Christodoulides thanked the Commission for its substantial financial support to address the outbreak and to reactivate the livestock sector, highlighting the importance of future measures to protect Cyprus from similar diseases. He noted that the EU’s engagement with third countries is crucial to preventing cross-border risks.
Cyprus problem
The two leaders discussed the prospect of resuming Cyprus reunification talks, with Christodoulides emphasising that neither the Cypriot Presidency nor upcoming parliamentary elections would affect his readiness to restart negotiations within the agreed framework, utilising the existing negotiating acquis.
"It is very important to make use of the window of opportunity that exists until the end of the year, while Mr. Guterres remains Secretary-General of the United Nations," he said.
Progress towards full membership of the Schengen Area was also addressed, with Christodoulides expressing satisfaction at the “significant and substantial progress” being made.
Hosting talks between Lebanon and Israel
Regional crises were another key focus. Following a Cypriot request, the EU will provide €100 million in support to Lebanon to tackle the country’s humanitarian challenges. Christodoulides also conveyed Cyprus’ readiness to host discussions between Lebanon and Israel should both countries wish to convene talks.
On EU security, the President highlighted the unprecedented response of Member States to the recent crisis, giving practical substance for the first time to Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty, which holds that an attack against one Member State is considered an attack against the Union.
Christodoulides described the discussions as “very substantive,” reinforcing Cyprus’ commitment to EU cooperation and regional stability.