President Nikos Christodoulides told European Parliament President Roberta Metsola that the European Union bears an unfinished duty to end Cyprus’s 51-year division.
Speaking at a dinner held metres from the Nicosia ceasefire line at Kastelliotisa, Christodoulides declared:
“A breath away from the barbed wire, we are reminded that the promise of European reunification remains unfulfilled in Cyprus. The Union can and must heal the wound of occupation and division.”
He praised Cypriots’ “unparalleled resilience” and their unwavering demand for “a future without occupation troops – a reunified Cyprus inside our big European family, enjoying the same rights as every other European”.
Cyprus ready to lead
Christodoulides stressed that after two years of intensive preparation, Cyprus stands fully ready to assume the rotating EU Council Presidency on 1 January 2026.
“Cyprus is determined to deliver results for our European family – with urgency and unity, as honest brokers, with a truly European agenda.”
He pledged to work hand-in-hand with the European Parliament, “the institution that gives voice and shape to Europe’s democratic soul”.
Metsola: “Cyprus will be a lighthouse”
Roberta Metsola praised the “genuine willingness to engage” shown during Monday’s talks and welcomed Cyprus’s presidency themes – a more engaged, secure and autonomous Europe – as fully aligned with Parliament priorities.
“On 1 January we will hit the ground running – because of the hard work so many Cypriots have already done. Your depiction of this country as a lighthouse is one we will carry with us through the next six months.”
She concluded:
“The European Parliament stands alongside you as co-legislator, partner and friend.”
Source: CNA (Cyprus News Agency)
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