President Nikos Christodoulides has presented a proposal for easing tensions with Turkey, using Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU as a political window to restart engagement. Speaking to Politico, he linked potential Turkish consent for Cyprus to join the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme to a gradual lifting of Cypriot objections to closer EU–Turkey cooperation.
“We can imagine a step-by-step approach, with steps from Turkey for Cyprus’s participation in PfP and, in parallel, positive steps in EU–Turkey relations, always combined with the resumption of talks for a Cyprus settlement within the agreed framework,” the President said.
He added that he has already discussed the idea with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
On Cyprus’s possible accession to NATO, Christodoulides described it as a “natural evolution,” noting that political conditions have so far prevented it.
SAFE programme and Turkey’s exclusion
Addressing the SAFE defence initiative, from which Turkey is excluded, the President stressed that “it is Turkey that has excluded itself,” explaining that participation requires meeting specific criteria, just like in the EU accession process. “It is not à la carte,” he said.
Invitation to Erdoğan during Cyprus EU Presidency
On the upcoming EU Presidency, Christodoulides said Cyprus is fully aware of its institutional role and confirmed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be invited to the informal Council meeting scheduled to take place in Cyprus on 23–24 April.
Reflections on the US peace proposal for Ukraine
Commenting on the US-led peace initiative for Ukraine promoted by President Donald Trump, Christodoulides said the proposal is not perfect but emphasised the importance of having a plan on the table.
He added that Trump’s election sends a message to the EU “that America cannot be taken for granted,” arguing that Europe must enhance its own capabilities and internal cooperation. “This makes you more useful to the Americans,” he said.
Defence alignment with the United States
Christodoulides also underlined ongoing cooperation with the United States to align the National Guard with NATO standards. Cyprus is working with Washington “so that its weapons systems and the organisation of the National Guard meet NATO standards, until the political situation allows accession.”
Prospects for restarting Cyprus talks
On the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides referred to his meeting on Wednesday with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, held in the presence of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín. He said the first step is to reaffirm convergences achieved up to 2017 and then move directly to negotiations. “If there is real political will, I believe a solution to the Cyprus problem is achievable.”
Schengen accession timeline
The President reiterated the government’s intention to complete technical evaluations by the end of 2025 so that Cyprus may receive a recommendation for entry into the Schengen area in 2026. “The goal is to be technically ready by the end of the year, and for the Commission to make a recommendation to member states in 2026,” he said.
Responding to concerns about a potential “hard border,” he assured that “the free movement of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots across the ceasefire line will not be affected in any way.”