President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Monday that he is in discussions with the Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on specific portfolios for Cyprus.

Replying to questions about the appointment of the new European Commissioners and whether the Cyprus Commissioner is a person that will be designated from a political party, the President said that he exchanged messages with von der Leyen, following her election and that they are currently discussing for specific portfolios.

He went on to say that when the final decision is made, the name of the new Commissioner representing Cyprus will be announced.

Asked if Cyprus would be interested to hold the portfolio for the Mediterranean, announced by the President of the Commission, President Christodoulides said that Cyprus has shown interest in specific portfolios, not just one and we await the discussion with the EC Head. Announcements will be made when they have to be made, he said.

He also thanked the EC head for her clear message on the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion.

Cyprus’ Commissioner is Stella Kyriakides. She has informed the President that she does not wishes to serve for another term. She is Commissioner for Health and Food Safety since 2019.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.