Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ursula von der Leyen voiced her support for Cyprus on account of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish attack on the island on a post on platform X.
What Support Did Von Der Leyen Promise Cyprus?
President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her solidarity with Cyprus as it observed 50 years of occupation. “Cypriots deserve to live in a reunited country in conditions of peace, co-existence, stability and prosperity,” she noted on X.
Von der Leyen explained the Cyprus question as a European one, where she promised to firmly back Cyprus in the measures to reunify the last divided EU member state. Von der Leyen stated the EU would continue its actions in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
How Does Von Der Leyen Highlight EU Solidarity with Cyprus?
Particularly, she expressed: “Today, on this tragic 50th anniversary, and every day, we stand with Cyprus. We stand in the backing of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Cypriots deserve to live in a reunited country in situations of peace, co-existence, stability and prosperity. The Cyprus question is a European one. We will persist to firmly support Cyprus in the steps to reunify the last divided EU member state, in line with the applicable UN Security Council Resolutions.”
What Are the Benefits of the 2004 EU Enlargement?
Earlier, in a recent interview marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the EU, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed unyielding support for Cyprus in its ongoing issues, highlighting the EU’s solidarity with the country. Von der Leyen stressed Cyprus’ pivotal role in EU-Turkey relations, noting its influence in recent European Council conclusions and establishing the EU’s backing for Cyprus in negotiations with Turkey.
What Role Does Cyprus Play in Regional Stability?
Additionally, she hailed Cyprus for its significant assistance to the EU, particularly its in-depth understanding of the Middle East and its humanitarian actions, such as establishing a sea corridor for providing aid to the Gaza Strip. Von der Leyen declared her upcoming visit to Lebanon with President Christodoulides, highlighting Cyprus’ importance in the region.
How Is the EU Committed to Cyprus’ Sovereignty?
Addressing apprehensions about EU involvement in the Cyprus problem, von der Leyen emphasized the improvement made and the EU’s commitment to sustaining Cyprus in negotiations with Turkey. She emphasised the importance of unity within the EU to support Cyprus’ position and stressed the EU’s extensive relations with Turkey, which supply opportunities for cooperation.
Meditating on the 2004 enlargement, von der Leyen praised its success in fostering interconnectedness and solidarity among member states. She emphasised the economic benefits and increased options for citizens, particularly through programs like Erasmus. Furthermore, she recognised the enlargement’s geopolitical significance, noting lessons learned from Eastern European countries’ experiences with the Soviet Union.
