Published on 23/03/2026 - 19:18 GMT+1

Johannes Hahn has resigned as the European Commission's special envoy for Cyprus, the European Commission has announced.

The former European Commissioner cited other commitments as reasons for his resignation in a letter sent to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the United Nations.

A Commission spokesman was asked about this development at a press briefing in Brussels.

"Mr Khan has resigned from his post as the Commission's special envoy because of other commitments," Commission spokesman Maciej Beretetski said.

"The Commission respects Mr Khan's decision and thanks him for his valuable contribution to the conciliation process over the last year," he added, stressing Ursula von der Leyen "will decide on the next steps in due course."

Johannes Hahn was appointed in May 2025 to the post of Special Envoy after months of efforts by the Cypriot leadership and the country's president for meaningful engagement by the EU to the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus has been divided since a 1974 Greek-backed coup that triggered a military intervention by Turkey.