Cyprus: Former Commissioner Johannes Hahn appointed by Ursula von der Leyen as her special envoy on Cyprus

The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn as the special envoy to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Cyprus.

As stated by the Commission, Mr. Hahn will report directly to President Ursula von der Leyen and will play a key role in the settlement process under the UN framework, working closely with the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Olegin Quayar.

The special envoy will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to pave the way for renewed negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable resolution, including fostering confidence-building measures.

This decision reflects the Commission’s commitment to the reunification of Cyprus and to achieving a viable and sustainable settlement consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aligned with EU principles, values, and legislation.

Previously, Mr. Hahn held multiple roles, including Commissioner for Regional Policy (2010 – 2014) during the Barroso Commission, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (2014 – 2019) in the Juncker Commission, and Commissioner for Budget and Administration (2019 – 2024) in the first von der Leyen term. He also served as Austria’s Minister of Science and Research from 2007 to 2010 and was a member of the Vienna regional government for four years.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his gratitude on X, stating that the appointment demonstrates the EU’s steadfast support for Cyprus and its people.

Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letibiotis remarked that the appointment of the EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue is the result of persistence and a focused strategy to actively facilitate the resumption of negotiations within the UN framework.

According to Mr. Letibiotis, this development is part of a coordinated diplomatic effort that aligns with the European Council Conclusions from June 2023 and April 2024, as well as the joint letter from the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council to the UN Secretary General in March 2025.