President Barroso announced that:

"On behalf of the European Commission and myself, I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the Republic of Cyprus. I very much appreciated our meeting at the Commission headquarters, the Berlaymont, on 5 December 2007. On this occasion, you conveyed your conviction in the project of European integration, and your determination to work for a solution for the Cyprus problem."

"I am confident that under your leadership Cyprus, as a new eurozone member, will further enhance its contribution to the European Union's priorities and the successful achievement of its ambitious goals for the coming future."

Barroso continued: "Your election offers the opportunity to overcome the longstanding stalemate on the Cyprus issue. I would strongly encourage you to grasp this chance and without delay start negotiations under United Nations auspices with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community on a comprehensive settlement. As President of the European Commission, I will strongly support your joint efforts."

"I wish you every success in your new responsibility as Head of State."

It is thought that the election result signals a call by the Cypriot population for an end to hostilities with the Turkish North in what remains a divided island.