Conclusions regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, which include separate paragraphs on the Cyprus problem and EU - Turkey relations, were approved by the European Council without changes compared to the last circulated draft. The conclusions under the heading of the Eastern Mediterranean were approved along with conclusions on external relations. The paragraph on the Cyprus problem follows up on efforts by the governments towards an increased role for the EU in the process, as well as on the President's proposal for the appointment of a political personality as an EU envoy. The conclusions on the Cyprus problem state that: 'Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. The European Union calls for the speedy resumption of negotiations and is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal.' The paragraph on relations with EU - Turkey relations was added after a suggestion initially tabled by Germany, in the context of efforts to put relations on a new basis after the elections in the country. The text states that: 'Recalling its previous conclusions on the EU's relations with Trkiye, including those of June 2021 and the March 2021 Statement, and in light of the recent elections in Trkiye, the European Council invites the High Representative and the Commission to submit a report to the European Council on the state of play of EU-Trkiye relations, building on the instruments and options identified by the European Council, and with a view to proceeding in a strategic and forward-looking manner.' Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency