European integration and a comprehensive European security framework remain incomplete while part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation, the European People’s Party (EPP) said in a statement after the Party’s summit in Brussels.
‘We reiterate the need to find a solution for the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with EU law, values and principles,’ it said.
The leaders of the EPP met in Brussels on Thursday, with the main objective of preparing the European Council taking place today and tomorrow in the Belgian capital.
The meeting was hosted by EPP President Manfred Weber and was attended, among others, by Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, as well as heads of state and government of other European Union countries, including Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, Austria and Poland.
In a statement after the summit, the EPP said that the European Union ‘must evolve into a stronger geopolitical actor if it is to effectively defend its interests, values, and security in an increasingly contested global environment’. This requires moving towards greater political cohesion to advance common priorities in the areas of defence and enlargement, as well as being more assertive on the international stage against unfair market practices of third countries hindering its competitiveness, it said.
Regarding Defence, and Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, the political group referred to the outcome of the EPP Retreat in Zagreb in January 2026, noting that it is ‘committed to taking further steps’ on the application of Article 42(7).
It noted that Europe must further increase its responsibility for its own security and defence to become sovereign. It suggested the establishment of clear activation and consultation mechanisms among member states, the creation of a toolbox of commitments that can be provided – including cyber defence support and airspace protection -, and the introduction of a framework for exercises, strategic communication and for scenario-based forward planning.
‘Building on the progress achieved in the Council on SAFE, EDIP, military mobility and the Defence Readiness Omnibus, we call for the continued strengthening of the Union’s defence readiness’, it also said.
It also declared that they ‘strongly support’ the swift completion of the omnibus on defence, among other things.
The EPP also noted that European integration and a comprehensive European security framework ‘remain incomplete while part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation’. ‘We reiterate the need to find a solution for the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with EU law, values and principles’, they said among other things.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.