Speaking to Reuters on 16 December, UN special envoy María Ángela Holguín said her recent talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and newly elected Turkish-Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman were “deep and sincere,” yet not advanced enough to justify convening the long-anticipated 5+1 summit with Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The envoy praised fresh confidence-building gestures—such as joint proposals to ease traffic at existing buffer-zone crossings and open new lanes for commercial vehicles—but argued more groundwork is needed to solidify trust.
Holguín’s remarks come a week after the two leaders agreed on measures ranging from allowing Turkish-Cypriot Halloumi producers access to EU markets to improving water infrastructure that spans the divide. Analysts say incremental progress could translate into practical mobility benefits—faster border processing, expanded crossing hours and streamlined paperwork for EU passport holders and third-country workers alike.
![UN envoy sees ‘cautious optimism’ but says Cyprus peace summit still premature]()
For travelers and businesses trying to keep pace with evolving entry rules, VisaHQ offers a straightforward way to verify requirements and complete visa applications online. The company’s Cyprus page (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) consolidates the latest documentation needs for EU citizens, Turkish residents, and third-country nationals, helping organisations move staff across the buffer zone with fewer administrative surprises.
For multinational companies that juggle staff movements between north and south, the envoy’s caution is a reminder that political risk remains. While the prospect of a federal settlement appears brighter than a year ago, any breakthrough will likely be phased, with pilot projects on trade facilitation and customs cooperation preceding formal talks on power sharing.
Businesses are advised to continue modelling scenarios that include the status quo and a modest easing of controls, particularly for freight. The UN plans to review progress in early 2026 before recommending the next diplomatic step.
Holguín’s remarks come a week after the two leaders agreed on measures ranging from allowing Turkish-Cypriot Halloumi producers access to EU markets to improving water infrastructure that spans the divide. Analysts say incremental progress could translate into practical mobility benefits—faster border processing, expanded crossing hours and streamlined paperwork for EU passport holders and third-country workers alike.
For travelers and businesses trying to keep pace with evolving entry rules, VisaHQ offers a straightforward way to verify requirements and complete visa applications online. The company’s Cyprus page (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) consolidates the latest documentation needs for EU citizens, Turkish residents, and third-country nationals, helping organisations move staff across the buffer zone with fewer administrative surprises.
For multinational companies that juggle staff movements between north and south, the envoy’s caution is a reminder that political risk remains. While the prospect of a federal settlement appears brighter than a year ago, any breakthrough will likely be phased, with pilot projects on trade facilitation and customs cooperation preceding formal talks on power sharing.
Businesses are advised to continue modelling scenarios that include the status quo and a modest easing of controls, particularly for freight. The UN plans to review progress in early 2026 before recommending the next diplomatic step.
