The European Union is ready to strongly support a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, provided it is based on United Nations resolutions and fully aligned with the EU acquis, according to EU Special Envoy for Cyprus Johannes Hahn.

In interviews published in Politis and Yeni Düzen, Hahn outlined the EU’s role, its political red lines, and the economic incentives linked to a potential reunification of the island.

Hahn stressed that the EU is not a mediator in the Cyprus negotiations, a role reserved for the United Nations. The Union’s primary responsibility, he said, is to ensure that the EU acquis communautaire is fully applied in a reunited Cyprus.

“This is not a concession to either side,” Hahn noted, describing EU law as the natural framework for any solution involving an EU member state. He added that Brussels works closely with the UN and remains engaged with both communities through confidence-building initiatives.

A key EU instrument remains the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, averaging €34.4 million per year, aimed at preparing the community for reunification and supporting confidence-building measures such as trade across the Green Line.

Hahn recalled that the EU has already provided €760 million in support and stressed that reunification would bring substantial economic benefits for the entire island, particularly in terms of investment. He also revealed that the European Commission’s proposed 2028–2034 EU budget includes a provision allowing for revision in the event of Cyprus’s reunification, to address additional financial needs.

Reaffirming Brussels’ long-standing position, Hahn said the EU supports only a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by UN Security Council resolutions. He made clear that a two-state solution is incompatible with the EU acquis.

He described the current atmosphere as “positive, European and ready to work for peace, security and prosperity,” urging leaders to seize the moment.

Hahn highlighted the importance of a constructive role by Turkey, noting that improved EU-Turkey relations could positively influence the Cyprus settlement process.

On security and guarantees, he argued that EU membership offers the strongest security framework, making a separate system of external guarantees unnecessary. He stressed that Cyprus is not a peripheral issue, but one tied to EU values, regional stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The EU envoy also praised the stance of Turkish-Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, calling his views “valuable”. He confirmed the EU’s readiness to cooperate on preparations for applying EU law in the north, while underlining that such steps cannot replace a comprehensive settlement.

Hahn concluded by calling on leaders to use the current positive momentum, stressing that compromise should be seen as an investment, not a concession.