Andreas D. Mavroyiannis retired from diplomacy 4 years ago and has lived nothing short of an extraordinary life. While he believed himself destined to end up in academia, after receiving a diploma in law from University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a PhD in Political Sociology at the Université de Paris X–Nanterre in France, a Masters in International Law and a Masters in Political Science at the Université Pantheon-Assas and the Diploma of the Hague Academy of International Law. Mavroyiannis suddenly found himself back in Cyprus where he became the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU, Ireland, and France as well as Deputy Minister for European Affairs (2011-2013). One of the most significant moments of his career was in December 2002, the time of Cyprus's EU accession talks at the Copenhagen European Council. "We managed to do something initially thought unthinkable." After receiving the good news a little after midnight, he celebrated with collages by crossing the whole of the city to kiss the statue of the little mermaid of Edvard Eriksen. Another unique moment was from his time at the UN where he was the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations (2003-2008 and 2019-2021) as well as the Negotiator of the Greek-Cypriot community in the inter-communal negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, in the framework of the UNSG's good offices mission in Cyprus (2013-2022). Contrary to his time as an ambassador, the multilateral forum of the UN showed how small states like Cyprus can interact at an "almost" equal level on the world stage.

In response to UN skepticism Mavroyiannis responds that the UN has indeed not managed to solve all problems in regard to preventing all violent conflict, it has however, greatly contributed to the field of peace and security in the post-World War era. Additionally, while its initial two goals were to outlaw the use of force and create a collective security system (embodied by the UNSC), with decolonization and subsequent near universal membership the UN has developed specialized agencies that has gone beyond its initial aims, creating huge progress in the areas of development, health and human rights. To the question on the differences he witnesses in his role to the EU compared to his time at the UN, he noted the two bodies' fundamental differences. Illustrating the UN as an "open club" covering everything with the idea of promoting international cooperation were everyone is (legally) equal, as opposed to the "closed club" that is the EU which instead works towards integration and requires a transfer of competencies to it upon entry. At the EU, the budgets and therefore the (financial) stakes are incredibly high as it would be for the board of directors of a large multinational company, he notes how this is quite different to intergovernmental topics.

Professor Leigh goes on to describe the division in Cyprus, that despite this managed to join the EU, drawing parallels with Ukraine, he asks which take-aways Mavroyiannis could share from his rich experience. He responds that "everything is the same and everything is different' acknowledging the distinct situation both countries face. One of his beliefs goes into changing the context which EU accession could be a catalyst for, but it was viewed as only possible once the context has changed. Harnessing the support from the US generated room for the start of accession negotiation. Another event that had the potential to change the context was the recent discover of natural gas of the shores of Cyprus. Using this resource to provide energy to the whole of Cyprus could create a common interest that could help address the division. Unfortunately, mismanagement has made it that making use of the natural resource has not been possible even though, as the Jean-Monnet-inspired Mavroyiannis states, this transitional energy source could be catalyst for positive change. Leaving us with the final comment that 'it is very easy to destroy, it is however very difficult to build". He continues to firmly believe that the division of Cyprus will not resist for long the dynamics of European integration and he is working for reunification, and for his country fully taking its stride in Europe and in the world, making a meaningful contribution to shaping a better future for humanity.

hosted by Professor Michael Leigh


Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis is a former Greek-Cypriot diplomat and politician and is Adjunct Professor of Public International Law at Frederick University in Cyprus.

Mavroyiannis has been twice the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations (2003-2008 and 2019-2021). He was the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU, Ireland, and France, and Deputy Minister for European Affairs (2011-2013). He was the Negotiator of the Greek-Cypriot community in the inter-communal negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, in the framework of the United Nations Secretary-General's good offices mission in Cyprus (2013-2022).

Mavroyiannis holds a PhD in Political Sociology (Université de Paris X–Nanterre), a Master's Degree (DEA) in International Law and one in Political Sciences (Université de Droit et de Sciences Economiques-Paris 2), a Diploma in Law (University of Thessaloniki, Greece), and the Diploma of The Hague Academy of International Law. He has received the National Order of the Legion of Honour of the French Republic (rang of officer) and the Yiannos Kranidiotis trailblazer award.

Mavroyiannis is currently a member of the International Law Commission of the United Nations (2023-2027).