European Commission Appoints Special Envoy for Cyprus Talks

The European Commission has appointed Austrian politician Johannes Hahn as its special envoy for the Cyprus issue.

The appointment, initiated by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to support efforts toward resolving the long-standing division of the island under the auspices of the United Nations.

According to the official announcement, Hahn will report directly to President von der Leyen and work in close coordination with Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus.

The Commission emphasized that the appointment reflects the European Union’s strong commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the EU’s core principles.

Hahn is expected to visit the island soon, where he will hold meetings with representatives from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Johannes Hahn is a seasoned Austrian politician and a member of the Austrian People’s Party. He served in the European Commission across three consecutive terms, holding key positions including Commissioner for Regional Policy (2010–2014), Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (2014–2019), and Commissioner for Budget and Administration (2019–2024). Before his time in Brussels, Hahn served as Austria’s Minister for Science and Research from 2007 to 2010.