European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday she sees renewed momentum in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and announced that the Commission will appoint a new special representative for Cyprus on Monday.

In a post on social media following a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, von der Leyen expressed optimism about recent developments in the UN-led process.

“I had a good call with António Guterres. We can see renewed momentum for the settlement of the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the European Union,” she said.

She added that “this opportunity should be seized” and said she looked forward to progress in the coming months.

Von der Leyen also stressed that the European Commission stands ready to support the process “with all the necessary assistance and the tools at its disposal”, announcing that a new special representative for Cyprus would be appointed on Monday as the EU steps up its involvement in reunification efforts.

The post comes ahead of the enlarged meeting on Cyprus due to take place in New York this week under the auspices of the UN.

The position has been vacant since March 23, when former European Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn resigned after being appointed chairman of the General Council of the Austrian National Bank.

Hahn had been appointed as the Commission’s special envoy for Cyprus in May 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen the European Union’s role in the reunification talks.

As of late Sunday, it remained unclear how the European Commission would formally appoint Hahn’s successor, given that the announcement is expected on Monday despite no meeting of the College of Commissioners being scheduled.