The Ambassador of Cyprus to Austria, H.E. Andreas Ignatiou, speaks about bilateral relations, his country’s EU Presidency at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, Cyprus’s foreign policy and its role within the international community.
Austria and Cyprus share strong and long-lasting relations – what are the most important areas of cooperation and in which fields do you see opportunities for improvement?
Our close cooperation is built on shared values, a genuine sense of partnership and our common membership of the EU. Together, we are committed to democracy, the rule of law, respect for international law and the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights.
Austria’s support for Cyprus dates back to 1964, and it includes the contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), where over 10,000 Austrian peacekeepers have served. The Government and the People of Cyprus are grateful for the long-standing support from Austria in this area. We also work together closely in the Vienna based International Organizations by supporting multilateralism, non-proliferation and international security and on key issues of European solidarity in addressing migration challenges, competitiveness and energy.
Looking ahead, there are opportunities to strengthen our ties in areas like internal security, culture, business, economy, tourism, and education. Furthermore, Cyprus and Austria can continue to work on an enhanced collaboration within the framework of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, migration management and defense under the EU framework.
Speaking of the EU – can you tell us a bit about the priorities and challenges of Cyprus’ Presidency of the EU Council?
The Cyprus Presidency unfolds at a moment of profound and unprecedent geopolitical complexity and uncertainty. The ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the war in Iran, the insecurity posed by non-state actors in the Middle East, and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza are only a few challenges the EU – and Cyprus – are confronted with.
Against this backdrop, Cyprus underscores the need for a European Union that is both, more self-reliant and confidently open to the world. At the heart of its EU Council Presidency therefore is how we unpack strategic autonomy across five key areas, the first being security, including the strengthening of defense, readiness and overall preparedness. Second is the concept of competitiveness as a way of streamlining, simplifying and promoting the predictability of the regulatory framework to support businesses.
The third principle is enhancing an autonomous Union that is looking outward, aiming to boost EU’s global role through partnerships with countries like India and those in the Gulf, while advancing a credible, merit-based enlargement process.
The fourth pillar centers on values: democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, alongside a strong commitment to social cohesion that will support us in addressing poverty and promoting access to affordable housing and energy are essential.
Fifth, there is the long-term budget for an autonomous Union. Our goal is to deliver a mature negotiating box with indicative figures by June 2026.
More broadly, Cyprus sees its Presidency as an opportunity to act as a bridge, and enhance regional stability by promoting dialogue, consensus-building, and coordinated responses to shared challenges, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The most pressing and long-standing issue for Cyprus remains the division of the island – what is the current status of reunification talks? Which role does the EU and the international community as a whole play in this regard?
The status of reunification talks on the Cyprus problem have regained a renewed momentum under the auspices of the UN.
The last effort for a solution to the Cyprus problem concluded with the conference for Cyprus in Crans Montana Switzerland in the summer of 2017. Since then, the UN Secretary General has embarked on an effort for the resumption of a negotiating process. In 2024, the he appointed a Personal Envoy tasked to reach out to all involved parties. In 2025, he called two extended meetings, one in Geneva and one in New York. Since October 2025, President Nikos Christodoulides has met four times with the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhürman, with meetings focusing on methodological matters and confidence building measures.
In January 2026, a new UN Security Council Resolution (2815/2026) was issued about the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. It reaffirmed the agreed basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, particularly an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality.
We continuously advocate for resuming negotiations from the point they stopped in Crans Montana, within the agreed framework prescribed by this UN Security Council Resolution. Proposals outside this framework, such as claims for a “2-state solution”, provide no viable alternatives.
The EU plays an indispensable role, given Cyprus is an EU member state. Cyprus will continue being an EU Member State after the solution, of which alignment with the EU acquis is sine qua non condition.
The wider international community also remains crucial within the negotiation process. Beyond the UN, other International Organizations, most prominently the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, are essential. The European Court of Human Rights for example has issued several pertinent judgements on issues under discussion in the negotiations.
In times of geopolitical tensions and fragmentation – how is Cyprus positioning itself within the international community? And what are the main pillars of your country’s foreign policy?
In an increasingly fragmented and tense international environment, Cyprus positions itself as a constructive, reliable and principled partner committed to dialogue, stability, and multilateralism. As an EU Member State at the crossroads of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus leverages its strategic location to act as a bridge between regions, especially with the countries of the Greater Middle East, promoting cooperation and fostering understanding among diverse actors. It consistently aligns with international law and UN principles, while actively contributing to regional stability initiatives and humanitarian efforts.
In this respect, I would like to highlight Cyrpus’ initiative to establish the maritime humanitarian corridor from Larnaca to Gaza, known as Amalthea, a fast-tracked delivery hub for essential aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The main pillars of Cyprus’ foreign policy are firmly rooted in respect for international law, the promotion of peace and security, and active engagement within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the EU. A central priority remains the resolution of the Cyprus issue based on the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and within the EU principles, alongside efforts to enhance regional cooperation.
You have around 30 years of experience in the diplomatic field – how did diplomacy/your work as a diplomat change during this time?
Over the past 30 years, the diplomatic field has undergone a profound transformation towards a more complex, fast-paced and multi-actor environment. The rise of new geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and global challenges such as climate change, migration, and digital security has made diplomacy more multidimensional. Today, it involves not only governments, but also International Organizations, private sector actors and civil society, requiring diplomats to navigate an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable landscape.
At the same time, the nature of diplomatic work itself has evolved significantly. Traditional behind-the-scenes activities have been complemented by public diplomacy and digital engagement, including through social media platforms. Diplomats are now expected to be not only negotiators but also communicators, analysts and coordinators across a wide range of policy areas. The speed at which information circulates has increased both the opportunities and the pressures of the profession, requiring rapid responses. While the core principles of diplomacy such as dialogue, trust-building, and representation remain unchanged, the skill set has broadened considerably, making modern diplomacy more dynamic, visible and demanding than ever before.
Finally, I would like to thank you for this interview and the cooperation with our Embassy and also congratulate you for the good work that you are doing and the high quality of your magazine.