A New UN Initiative on Cyprus Is Expected in the TRNC

Turkish Cypriot and Greek media are actively discussing the possibility of a new initiative by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the Cyprus issue as early as the summer of 2026. According to sources, this is not yet about the start of full-scale negotiations; however, the sides may try to agree on a new basis for a future settlement process.

At the center of the discussion is the preparation of a joint formula that would make it possible to resume dialogue after the years-long deadlock that has persisted since the collapse of the negotiations in Crans-Montana in 2017.

The Turkish Cypriot side emphasizes that any new process cannot repeat the earlier unsuccessful talks. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman advocates negotiations with clear time frames, the preservation of previously reached agreements, and a guarantee that, in the event of another failure, the Turkish Cypriot people will not return to international isolation and the previous status quo.

One of the key demands remains recognition of the political equality of Turkish Cypriots, which, in the view of the Turkish Cypriot side, must be not only formal but also practical in the future system of governance on the island.

Expert circles are also discussing the possibility of a “step-by-step process” that would provide for mutual confidence-building measures and concrete incentives for both sides. Possible options mentioned include the Varosha issue and the international status of Ercan Airport.

In the TRNC, it is believed that regional changes and growing risks in the Eastern Mediterranean are increasing the need to find a new approach to the Cyprus problem. At the same time, it is emphasized that any future process must take into account the realities of the island and the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people to equal participation in decision-making.