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- The declaration backed renewed Cyprus negotiations, EU support for the UN-led process, and the appointment of Raffaele Fitto as Special Representative for Cyprus.
- MED9 urged Turkey to contribute to a rapid resumption of talks and called for an end to unilateral actions, including in Varosha and along the ceasefire line.
- The nine EU Mediterranean states supported Cyprus’ Schengen bid, welcoming the European Commission’s positive evaluation and the start of EU Council discussions.
- President Christodoulides highlighted energy security, the Great Sea Interconnector, wildfire cooperation through CRAFS, and Cyprus’ humanitarian role in the Middle East.
The MED9 countries have reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue within the United Nations framework, while highlighting Cyprus’ European role and supporting its bid for full Schengen membership.
In their joint declaration at the 13th MED9 Summit in Split, Croatia, the nine Mediterranean EU member states welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s efforts and his intention to convene an expanded meeting with all parties involved.
Support for renewed Cyprus talks
The MED9 leaders said the Cyprus issue remains a European matter and expressed support for efforts to resume negotiations on the basis of the agreed framework and existing convergences.
They also welcomed the European Commission’s appointment of Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as Special Representative for Cyprus and the EU’s readiness to actively support the UN-led process.
The declaration stressed the importance of Turkey’s practical contribution to the rapid resumption and successful conduct of negotiations, describing this as key to progress in EU-Turkey relations.
The MED9 also called for unilateral actions to be avoided, including actions in Varosha and along the ceasefire line, in order to create a favourable climate for the resumption of talks.
Message to Turkey on the Eastern Mediterranean
The nine Mediterranean EU states underlined the EU’s strategic interest in a stable and secure Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, based on the conditions already established.
The MED9 stressed that avoiding unilateral actions that violate international law and fully respecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of EU member states are essential conditions.
They also called for disputes to be resolved through peaceful means and with full respect for international law, including the Law of the Sea.
The declaration said de-escalation and the promotion of good-neighbourly relations are key conditions for regional stability and closer cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
MED9 backs Cyprus’ Schengen bid
The declaration also expressed support for Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen Area.
The MED9 welcomed the positive outcome of the European Commission’s 2025–2026 evaluation of Cyprus and the start of discussions within the EU Council.
The countries expressed hope that the remaining steps would be completed in a timely manner, noting that Cyprus’ full participation would strengthen the collective capacity and security of the Schengen Area.
Christodoulides highlights energy security
During the summit, President Nikos Christodoulides also highlighted energy security, connectivity, stability and security in the Mediterranean and Europe.
He stressed the role Cyprus can play in Europe’s energy security and the importance of connecting the island with the rest of Europe, with particular emphasis on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI).
Christodoulides described the project as being of “huge importance” and said it could contribute to EU energy security and adequacy, while also highlighting its significance in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The President also called for adequate EU funding for issues affecting Mediterranean member states, including migration, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, connectivity and infrastructure.
Regional firefighting cooperation
During the “Sustainable Mediterranean” session, Christodoulides presented Cyprus’ EMME-CCI regional initiative to address the effects of climate change.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Cyprus Regional Firefighting Centre (CRAFS), supported by the European Commission, as an example of regional cooperation.
The MED9 declaration welcomed the creation of CRAFS, describing it as an important first regional contribution to strengthening preparedness against increasingly destructive wildfires in the Mediterranean.
Middle East and Lebanon
During a working lunch attended by Jordan’s Crown Prince, the leaders also discussed developments in the Middle East.
Christodoulides stressed the importance of supporting Jordan and Egypt, describing both countries as crucial to regional stability. He also called for EU action to prevent the creation of a security vacuum in Lebanon.
The President highlighted Cyprus’ role in humanitarian operations, including the Amalthea maritime corridor and the country’s contribution to evacuating civilians from conflict zones.
On the sidelines of the summit, Christodoulides held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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