Cyprus, incoming EU Council presidency holder, backs Moldova’s accession amid shared territorial challenges

In a meeting rich with symbolism, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides welcomed Moldova’s President Maia Sandu to Nicosia on 12 December, calling the visit “historic”—the first by a Moldovan leader in 22 years.

The timing is significant, coming just weeks before Cyprus assumes the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026.

Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ unwavering commitment to Moldova’s European integration, emphasizing shared experiences of external challenges to sovereignty.

“I would like to welcome you. We are particularly pleased to have you here, on a visit that I consider historic, 22 years after the last visit of a President of Moldova to Cyprus,” Christodoulides said.

He explicitly underlined Nicosia’s support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity: “Cyprus fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.” During its upcoming EU Presidency, Cyprus will prioritize advancing Moldova’s accession process, pushing for substantive progress.

Christodoulides praised Moldova’s reform efforts and “clear European orientation,” pledging continued support beyond the presidency term.

President Sandu expressed gratitude for the reception and Cyprus’ backing: “It is a real pleasure to be here. Thank you for finding the time, despite being very busy with preparations for the EU Presidency.”

She highlighted Moldova’s EU accession as a “national priority,” with high expectations from Cyprus’ presidency. Sandu stressed ongoing reforms to meet EU standards and resilience against external pressures: “We faced significant interference from Russia in the elections… It was not easy, but we showed that we are resilient, that we value democracy, that we want Moldova to remain sovereign and part of the free world.”

The visit also focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

A parallel struggle: territorial integrity and European aspirations

The strong Cypriot support carries deeper resonance due to striking similarities between the two nations’ geopolitical situations. Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, has approximately one-third of its territory in the north occupied by Turkey since 1974. The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.

Similarly, Moldova – an EU candidate since 2022 with accession negotiations ongoing – faces a frozen conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway region controlled by pro-Russian separatists and supported by Russian forces since the early 1990s.

Cyprus’ own accession to the EU proceeded despite the unresolved Cyprus problem, setting a precedent often cited in discussions of Moldova’s path. EU officials, including former High Representative Josep Borrell, have referenced Cyprus as evidence that territorial disputes need not block membership entirely – though differences exist, such as the absence of direct sanctions on Turkey comparable to those on Russia.

Moldova’s quiet push for Transnistria’s reintegration: a new chapter unfolds

Both Cyprus and Moldova now harbor cautious prospects for resolving their long-standing territorial disputes – Cyprus through renewed UN-facilitated talks and confidence-building measures following a shift in Turkish Cypriot leadership, and Moldova amid Transnistria’s deepening energy crisis and economic pressures – if geopolitical stars align favorably in the coming months and years.