President Nikos Christodoulides held separate talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Dublin, with the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) among the issues discussed.
According to information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the research vessel Abeille Marengo is continuing its work and is now in international waters.
The vessel reportedly experienced minor interference from a Turkish radio transmission, but its operations are proceeding normally.
Cyprus’ Schengen bid progressing as planned
Christodoulides also spoke on Thursday with European Commission Executive Vice-President and EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto.
The discussions indicated that Cyprus’ progress towards joining the Schengen area is proceeding according to schedule.
The issue had also been raised by Christodoulides with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Antalya on Wednesday. According to the same briefing, the process is advancing normally in the areas that fall under the European Commission’s responsibility.
Nicosia’s target remains to secure membership as soon as possible, with a view to joining in 2027.
EU links Turkey’s customs union upgrade to Cyprus talks
Discussions with Fitto also covered the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s position.
According to the information provided, Fitto is expected to convey to Turkey’s Foreign Minister that resuming negotiations on the Cyprus issue is a “key” priority for Europe.
The negotiations, it will be stressed, should resume from where they broke off at Crans-Montana in 2017.
If Turkey responds negatively, discussions on upgrading the EU-Turkey Customs Union will not begin, the briefing indicated.
The same sources said Ankara’s main interests in its relations with the EU revolve around three issues: visa liberalisation, the SAFE defence programme and an upgrade of the Customs Union.
There is resistance among some EU member states to the first two issues. Reaching unanimity on the Customs Union, however, is considered more achievable.
The sources also noted that discussions on upgrading the Customs Union could proceed in parallel with efforts to restart Cyprus negotiations. However, the process would be reversible if Turkey failed to honour its commitments.
Diplomatic indications point towards possible progress
Asked whether ongoing diplomatic contacts suggested that Turkey might take the expected step on the Cyprus issue in exchange for the start of discussions on upgrading the Customs Union, the same sources said the indications available to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and von der Leyen pointed in that direction.
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