EU Council president Antonio Costa visits Cyprus on October 23, 2024

In October 2024, the European Council's President-designate, Antonio Costa, will visit Cyprus as part of his European tour before officially assuming office on December 1. Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, aims to formulate new policies and practices in response to pressing challenges faced by the EU. His meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will take place at the presidential palace, where they are expected to discuss critical matters pertinent to the EU's future direction. This visit occurs at a pivotal moment for the EU, as it grapples with defining its priorities for the upcoming period. According to Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, this visit will also include a tour of Nicosia's old town and the Green Line, highlighting the ongoing socio-political complexities in Cyprus. The backdrop of Costa's meetings includes the recent initiative by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, which seeks to resume negotiations on the long-standing Cyprus issue. Letymbiotis emphasized the vital role the EU must play in Guterres’ initiative, suggesting that Costa’s discussions will focus on how the EU can effectively support these renewed negotiations. As the EU prepares for Costa’s leadership, his visit encapsulates the broader vision needed to address imminent challenges, especially in light of developments related to Cyprus. Overall, Costa's upcoming visit serves not just as a formal greeting, but as a significant moment that could shape the European Council's strategic actions in the region over the next few months, reinforcing the interconnectedness of local issues and European policies.