Dialogos

Cyprus in 2025: Diplomacy and Preparation for EU Presidency

Published December 31, 2025, 07:04
Cyprus in 2025: Diplomacy and Preparation for EU Presidency

2025 was a year of significant diplomatic activity for Cyprus, with two expanded conferences on the Cyprus issue held in Geneva and New York. President Christodoulides and the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, expressed their readiness for a new meeting under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. Simultaneously, the UN appointed Maria Angela Holguin as its Personal Envoy for Cyprus, and the EU appointed Johannes Hahn as its Special Envoy. Cyprus strengthened its collaborations with other countries, welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement with France. The trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt was highlighted as an important factor for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the 10th Trilateral Summit held in Cairo and the signing of memoranda of cooperation in various fields. Cyprus is preparing to assume the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026. The government also welcomed the US decision allowing Cyprus access to American defense programs. President Christodoulides submitted a package of eight points on roadblocks and other Confidence-Building Measures to the Turkish Cypriot leader. Despite the challenges, such as the Turkish occupation, Cyprus is committed to strengthening its security and defense shield. The UN Security Council unanimously renewed the UNFICYP mandate until January 2026, supporting efforts to restart negotiations. Additionally, an agreement was signed with Egypt for the development of the "Aphrodite" gas field.