EU appoints new special representative for Cyprus

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will appoint a new special representative for Cyprus on Monday, following a phone call with UN Secretary‑General António Guterres. She said, “I had a good call with António Guterres. We can see renewed momentum for the settlement of the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the European Union,” adding that “this opportunity should be seized.” The commission pledged to support the UN‑led process with “all the necessary assistance and the tools at its disposal.”

The post is the first appointment since the position became vacant on 23 March after former EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn resigned to become chairman of the General Council of the Austrian National Bank. Hahn had been named the EU’s special envoy for Cyprus in May 2025. Despite no meeting of the College of Commissioners being scheduled, the successor’s name is expected to be announced on Monday, ahead of an enlarged UN meeting on the Cyprus issue in New York.