European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the Green Line in Nicosia on Thursday, January 15, 2026, where she was accompanied by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides for a symbolic walking tour along the UN-controlled buffer zone dividing the capital.
The visit highlighted the ongoing division of the island and the EU's commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue. Christodoulides shared his reflections on X, describing the "poignant yet powerful silence" of the streets under occupation on European soil and praising the resilience of Cypriots who have endured displacement and hardship.
He emphasized: "As you often remark, our Union is a promise. And for Cyprus and all its people our Union holds the promise of reunification."
Von der Leyen, in her own post on X, called the experience "very moving" and reaffirmed the EU's stance:
"A comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement for Cyprus and for all Cypriots remains an absolute priority for the EU. So I hope that 2026 will bring new momentum towards the reunification of Cyprus."
She also thanked Christodoulides for the hospitality and highlighted Cyprus's role at the crossroads of continents and cultures, noting the country's expertise in dialogue and diplomacy as it leads the EU Council presidency (@CY2026EU) during challenging times.
The tour formed part of a broader visit by the College of European Commissioners to Cyprus, coinciding with the island's rotating EU presidency, which began on January 1, 2026. The leaders ended their walk with coffee near the Faneromeni church in the old city.
This event underscores the EU's view of the Cyprus problem as a European issue and its support for efforts toward a just, lasting solution within the UN framework.
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