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Johannes Hahn Resigns as EU Special Envoy for Cyprus – Will be the New Governor of the Austrian Central Bank

Published March 23, 2026, 14:20
Johannes Hahn Resigns as EU Special Envoy for Cyprus – Will be the New Governor of the Austrian Central Bank

Johannes Hahn, the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, has resigned from his position due to taking on new duties as Governor of the Austrian Central Bank. The European Commission announced his resignation, while President Ursula von der Leyen will decide on his successor. Hahn has already been appointed as the new President of the General Council of the Austrian National Bank, with a term starting on January 1, 2026. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis stated that the European Commission has already begun procedures to appoint a new Special Envoy for Cyprus. Hahn informed the President of the Republic of his decision, expressing his regret and emphasizing the importance of resolving the Cyprus issue. In his letter to the President, Hahn stated that taking on his new duties entails increased obligations and limited availability, making it difficult to effectively fulfill his duties as Special Envoy. The issue was also discussed during the recent meeting between the President and the President of the European Commission. Hahn's resignation creates a gap in the effort to resolve the Cyprus issue, while the EU is expected to move quickly to appoint a new envoy to continue negotiations.