The European Union is seeking a stronger role in efforts to resolve the long-running Cyprus division, according to EU envoy Raffaele Fitto during his first official visit to the island after taking up his new position.
Fitto said the EU wants to actively participate in the United Nations-led peace process and make a meaningful contribution to future negotiations. He made the comments after meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.
During his visit, Fitto also met with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman as part of efforts to hear the views of all sides involved in the long-running dispute.
The EU envoy said the bloc is sending a clear message that it wants to support the UN process and play an important role in helping create conditions for progress.
Fitto explained that his first visit focused on listening to the positions of the different parties. He said he plans to return to Cyprus in the coming months and expressed hope that important progress could be achieved during that period.
The Cyprus issue has remained unresolved for decades, with the island divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Cypriot administration in the north. The United Nations has continued to support negotiations aimed at finding a lasting solution.
Fitto said the EU remains committed to supporting the UN framework and wants to use its available tools to contribute positively to the process.
Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos described his meeting with Fitto as useful and constructive. He said discussions focused on practical next steps and future contacts between the EU envoy and the parties involved.
Kombos highlighted the importance of Fitto’s visit, noting that it came shortly after UN Secretary-General António Guterres held discussions in Cyprus about possible future negotiations.
The Cypriot government believes EU-Turkey relations could help encourage new momentum in the peace process. Kombos said relations between Brussels and Ankara could provide an opportunity to support further discussions and cooperation.
He also pointed to Fitto’s position as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission as an advantage because of his existing communication channels with Turkish officials.
Kombos said the Cypriot side has developed ideas and proposals that are being reviewed as part of efforts to speed up discussions. He added that there may be opportunities for progress before Guterres completes his term as UN chief in December.
However, he stressed that major decisions will depend on Ankara’s position and willingness to move forward.
Following his meeting with Christodoulides, Fitto also held talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. The discussions were part of his broader mission to engage with all sides connected to the Cyprus settlement process.
The European Commission said Fitto’s role is to support UN-led efforts while working closely with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín.
The Commission has said it is ready to provide active support through its available resources and expertise. The EU continues to back a solution based on a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation, following UN Security Council resolutions and European Union principles.
Fitto’s visit comes at a key moment as international efforts continue to explore ways to restart meaningful negotiations. The EU believes its involvement can help support dialogue and encourage cooperation between the communities.
The envoy’s upcoming return visit is expected to continue discussions with political leaders and stakeholders as efforts continue to identify possible steps toward a long-term settlement.
While challenges remain, EU officials say stronger engagement and cooperation among all sides could create new opportunities for progress in the Cyprus peace process.
