European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Cyprus reunification remains an “absolute priority” for the European Union on Wednesday, drawing a direct parallel between the island’s decades-long division and wider European principles that apply “equally to Greenland“.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Cyprus’s EU Council presidency in Nicosia, von der Leyen said the EU would do everything in its power to ensure the success of the UN-led reunification process, expressing hope that 2026 could bring “renewed momentum towards a reunified Cyprus”.
She reminded the audience of her decision to appoint former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as the EU’s special envoy for Cyprus, underlining the importance Brussels attaches to the issue.
“We meet in a country where the promise of reunification awaits fulfilment,” von der Leyen said.
She noted that few places in the European Union understand as clearly what it means to live with the consequences of division whilst refusing to let division define the future.
“That is why it is so fitting that Cyprus takes the EU presidency at this moment. The European Union itself was born from conflict,” she said, adding that the EU is not perfect but represents a promise: that cooperation is stronger than confrontation and law is stronger than force.
“Principles that apply not only to our European Union, but equally to Greenland,” she said, adding that Cyprus brings unique moral authority to its presidency.
“As a country at the crossroads of continents, civilisations and crises, Cyprus understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighbourhood, the urgent need for security in an uncertain world and the timeless value of international law.”
Von der Leyen described Cyprus as a country embodying “the best of what Europe has to offer”, combining tradition with innovation and drawing strength from history whilst shaping the future. Pointing to Nicosia as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech startup hubs, she noted that AI innovators are developing tomorrow’s technologies “in the shadow of Byzantine churches”.
Addressing President Nikos Christodoulides, she echoed his call for a Europe “united in purpose and grounded in solidarity”, highlighting Cyprus’s regional leadership role. She referenced their recent visit to Larnaca port, noting Cyprus’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and the courage of Cypriot firefighters.
“And with the creation of a regional firefighting hub, Cyprus will play an even greater role in the coming years. We see this through your experience as a frontline member state. And we see it clearly in your presidency’s central priority — to build a more secure and more independent Europe,” she said.
Von der Leyen also stressed that Europe’s security begins with Ukraine, repeating that “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security”, and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace and to Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.
“And yesterday’s meeting in Paris was a very important step in this direction. And we will continue to advance Ukraine and Moldova’s path towards our European Union — because a free and prosperous Ukraine and a united and prosperous Moldova belong in the EU,” she said.
She also underlined the need for a more competitive Union, linking competitiveness with independence. This requires reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, completing the Single Market, removing barriers between economies and promoting the Savings and Investments Union to unlock financing for Europe’s future, she said.
Closing her speech, von der Leyen invoked Zeno of Citium, the Cypriot founder of Stoic philosophy, describing a philosophy rooted in wisdom, justice and courage.
“Stoicism teaches us not to fear challenges, but to face them with clarity and determination,” she said, adding that this is what Cyprus has done throughout its history — and what Europe must now do collectively.
She congratulated Cyprus on assuming the Council presidency and closed with the words, “Long live Europe”.
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