The year 2025 was marked by significant activity in Cyprus politics, with developments focusing on the Cyprus issue, international diplomacy, regional cooperation and preparations for the country’s upcoming EU Council Presidency.
Developments on the Cyprus issue
Two expanded informal meetings on the Cyprus issue took place during the year, in Geneva and later at UN headquarters in New York. The President of the Republic and the new Turkish Cypriot leader expressed readiness to work toward a further expanded meeting under the UN Secretary-General.
The United Nations appointed a Personal Envoy on Cyprus, while the European Union named a Special Envoy, signalling renewed international engagement. In July, progress was noted on several confidence-building initiatives, with discussions continuing on additional crossing points and renewable energy projects in the buffer zone.
The UN Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of UNFICYP until January 2026, supporting ongoing efforts to restart negotiations.
International diplomacy and bilateral relations
Nicosia intensified its diplomatic outreach across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
Cyprus hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking the first-ever state visit by a UAE head of state. Cyprus and France signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement following talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A landmark state visit also took place in March, when King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited Cyprus- the first since independence in 1960.
President Christodoulides also held meetings with:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Regional cooperation and security challenges
The importance of trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt was reaffirmed during the 10th Trilateral Summit in Cairo. Memoranda of cooperation were signed covering sectors such as education, tourism, health, water management, and nuclear safety.
Agreements were also concluded relating to the development of the Aphrodite natural gas field within Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The United States extended access for Cyprus to key defence programmes and prolonged the lifting of the arms embargo for another year.
Amid regional instability, an extraordinary National Security Council was convened following developments in the Middle East, underlining the emphasis placed on defence and deterrence.
European Union focus and Presidency preparations
Throughout 2025, Cyprus prepared to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026. The President conducted visits to EU member states and candidate countries, including Spain, Portugal, the Western Balkans, and the Baltic states.
EU officials highlighted Cyprus’s growing role within the Union, including plans for the establishment of a European firefighting coordination hub on the island.
Domestic political developments
At the domestic level, Parliament approved legislation providing for automatic voter registration. A cabinet reshuffle resulted in changes across several key ministries, including energy, labour, justice and health.
Cyprus also hosted international parliamentary events and continued efforts to strengthen its institutional and diplomatic profile.
Confidence-building measures and bicommunal contacts
Meetings between the leaders of the two communities continued throughout the year, including discussions on confidence-building measures related to youth, the environment and climate change. A bicommunal Technical Committee on Youth was formally submitted to the United Nations.
Closing outlook
In an address marking the anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, the President stated that there remains a window of opportunity for progress on the Cyprus issue, emphasising the importance of sustained dialogue and international support.
As 2025 concluded, Cyprus positioned itself as an active diplomatic actor, balancing regional challenges, EU responsibilities and renewed efforts toward a comprehensive settlement.
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