Year-end target for Cyprus talks: Customs Union message on agenda

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is reportedly aiming to restart Cyprus talks during his term, which ends in 2026. At diplomatic meetings in Antalya, linking a return to negotiations with EU–Turkey Customs Union talks was also raised; however, no official agreement has been announced and no decision has been taken on the matter.

According to a report by RIK, citing government sources, Guterres met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the COP31 Climate Summit in Antalya. They discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, and Guterres conveyed his intention to resume the negotiation process.

Meeting in Ankara planned for 20 November

Von der Leyen is said to have briefed Guterres on the planned visit to Türkiye by the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto. Fitto is scheduled to meet Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara on 20 November.

According to the same sources, Fitto is expected to convey that they are ready to discuss the Customs Union with Türkiye, on condition that Cyprus negotiations resume. This message is not yet an officially announced proposal or a decision to update the Customs Union. Türkiye’s response to any such message is also unknown.

No date announced for negotiations

The meetings took place after the trilateral meeting on 9 November between President Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis. At that meeting, the leaders agreed to open two new crossing points but did not announce a date for the resumption of comprehensive settlement negotiations.

RIK also reported that von der Leyen met Hristodulidis again before leaving Antalya. No further details of the meeting were shared.