The Green Line in Cyprus, which separates the island’s two sides, was the focal point of a visit by the European Union’s 26 commissioners on Friday. The tour provided the commissioners with a firsthand experience of the realities of life in a divided capital.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Green line: Guided Tour by Cypriot Officials
The commissioners were guided through the area by European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, along with other government ministers. The tour concluded with the group enjoying traditional Cypriot hospitality, including coffee and zivania, a local spirit.
Personal Insights from Fisheries Commissioner
Costas Kadis, the Fisheries Commissioner and a Cypriot national, expressed that his colleagues were profoundly impacted by what they witnessed. “They are seeing in practice what is happening in Cyprus, what it means to live in a divided homeland,” he noted. Kadis remarked that many of the commissioners were surprised by the intensity of the experiences shared by the local population.
A Strong Message on the Cyprus Issue
Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikkostas praised the Cypriot government for the initiative to show the commissioners the Green Line. He stated that this visit conveyed a “loud and strong message” about the ongoing challenges Cyprus faces. Tzitzikkostas emphasised that the visit would help others understand that, even in 2026, a member state of the European Union remains under occupation.
Commitment to a Just Solution
“This is unacceptable and we all must fight with all our might to achieve a just and sustainable solution,” Tzitzikkostas stated. He underscored the importance of Cyprus’ six-month term as the holder of the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency, viewing it as an opportunity to highlight the island’s situation.
Impact of the Visit on EU Perspectives
When asked if the tour would assist the EU in exerting more pressure to resolve the Cyprus issue, Tzitzikkostas was optimistic. “Believe me, speaking with them, no one had understood the magnitude of the problem,” he asserted. He elaborated that witnessing the division in person was far more impactful than reading about it in the news or history books.
A Moving Experience for European Leaders
The visit by the commissioners followed a prior engagement from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who visited alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Von der Leyen described her visit as “very moving” and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to finding a comprehensive, fair, and lasting settlement for Cyprus. “I hope that 2026 will bring new momentum towards reunification for all Cypriots,” she added.
Symbol of Hope for the Future
The European commissioners’ exploration of the Green Line serves not only as an educational experience but also as a powerful reminder of the ongoing divisions in Cyprus. With renewed attention from European leaders, there is hope that a path to reunification could emerge.
