The Cyprus Issue In 2025: Turkish Cypriots Elect A New Leader To Represent Them

Throughout 2025, the leaders held two expanded meetings with the participation of Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom. Despite these efforts, no agreement was reached on the “common ground” required to resume official negotiations on the Cyprus issue.

Against this backdrop, the Turkish Cypriot people went to the polls and elected a new leader. In his first statements after the election, President Tufan Erhürman underlined that any search for a solution, lasting peace and stability must not ignore Turkish Cypriots or guarantor country Turkey. He stressed that sustainable diplomacy on the island could only be achieved through inclusive and realistic engagement.

During his meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Erhürman presented a 10-point proposal package aimed at fostering a “solution-oriented atmosphere” and rebuilding trust between the two sides.

Property-related arrests linked to former Greek Cypriot properties in the north continued to shape the agenda. In a landmark development, the first conviction in such cases was handed down, with two Hungarian nationals sentenced to prison terms, marking a significant precedent in property-related proceedings.

Within the framework of confidence-building measures, the Bi-Communal Youth Technical Committee was established, adding a new dimension to efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation and dialogue between the two communities.

At the legal level, the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed the effectiveness of the Immovable Property Commission as an effective domestic remedy in its ruling in the “K.V. Mediterranean Tours Limited” case.

On the diplomatic front, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was represented for the first time at the 14th General Assembly of TURKPA, hosted by Kazakhstan, marking a notable development in its international engagements.

Throughout the year, the emphasis on the existence of two separate states on the island was consistently voiced by both Turkey and TRNC officials at all international meetings attended. Calls for the recognition of the TRNC and for the establishment of direct relations were reiterated at every opportunity.

Meanwhile, developments involving Greek Cypriot defendants in the north also drew attention. Of the Greek Cypriot suspects arrested on charges including violating a military prohibited zone, trespassing and causing public disturbance, four were released after charges were withdrawn, while one was fined.

Overall, 2025 was marked by political transition, legal developments and intensified diplomatic messaging, as the Cyprus issue remained firmly at the centre of regional and international attention.