Hulusi Kilim, Secretary General of VOLT Cyprus, has emphasised that the Cyprus issue should be viewed not just as a Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot matter, but as a European problem.
In an interview to Voice Cyprus News, he stated that VOLT Cyprus is very progressive and while Cyprus is often stuck on its own problems, his party focuses on a common European level, trying to see things from everyone’s perspective.
“We want to use European mechanisms to solve the Cyprus problem and maintain a lasting solution,” Kilim said, adding that, as a European party, VOLT Cyprus has access to best practices from case stories.
In this interview we explored Kilim’s early experiences, the core principles driving VOLT Cyprus, and the party’s vision for a future where mutual understanding and cooperation pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation.
QUESTION: Can you share your experiences growing up in Famagusta and how they shaped your perspective on community engagement and politics?
KILIM: Growing up in Famagusta, a town divided, deeply impacted me. I was born and raised right on the dividing line, with half of the town uninhabited. Even something as simple as playing tennis near the border, with barbed wire and lost balls, highlighted the division. We had to wait for soldiers to throw our balls back. These experiences, combined with teachers who offered perspectives beyond the official narrative, pushed me to question the status quo. This critical thinking led to my involvement with the Famagusta Initiative, which aims to bring people together. Later, when checkpoints opened, I was among the first to take Greek classes offered by the municipality. My motivation stemmed from my family speaking Greek at home, often to keep things from us kids! I wanted to understand everything.
QUESTION: Your academic background includes business management with a specialisation in logistics and supply chain management. How have these skills influenced your involvement in political initiatives in Cyprus?
KILIM: Studying Business Administration provided a broad view of how businesses and countries function, and how relationships evolve. Studying outside of Cyprus was also crucial, as it allowed me to see things from a different perspective. In Cyprus, it can be challenging to think differently because you’re constantly pushed back to the island’s reality. Seeing how the rest of the world works, especially through my work with European and American partners, shaped my ambition for what we can achieve in Cyprus. It helps you understand why we’re in the current situation and what stages other civilisations went through to achieve unity, like the European Union. If Germany and France could unite after their history, why can’t we in Cyprus? We need to move beyond nationalistic narratives.
QUESTION: VOLT is the first pan-European party and has chapters in 32 countries, including Cyprus. Could you explain what VOLT Europa signifies and the core principles that guide the party’s mission? How do the country chapters collaborate with one another?
KILIM : VOLT Europa was established after the Brexit vote, recognising the threat to European unity. The founders saw the need to protect the European Union, which is the biggest peace project after World War II. VOLT aims to confront movements away from unity. We advocate for the federalisation of Europe, complete unity, a shared European culture, and our own security without relying on external powers. We want more democracy in Europe, with ordinary citizens having a greater voice. We are working to change the way the system currently works. VOLT is unique in having transnational lists, this helps avoid extremism.
QUESTION: How did you get involved with VOLT Cyprus?
KILIM: My involvement began with the Famagusta Initiative and other youth activities. Friends approached me to help establish VOLT, knowing my history of activism. It felt like a natural step, driven by the urge to act when things aren’t moving in the right direction.
QUESTION: What specific goals does VOLT Cyprus aim to achieve in the near future, and how do you envision its role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between communities?
KILIM: VOLT now has five members in the European Parliament, representing various countries. We have a direct relationship with them, ensuring Cyprus has a voice. Even if we don’t directly elect someone from Cyprus, VOLT MEPs will represent Cypriot concerns. We have a structured organisation with teams for management, parliamentary representation, community outreach, communications, and events. We coordinate activities across 32 countries, sharing the same message. Within VOLT Cyprus, we’re creating a space to discuss the dynamics between the two communities and putting into practice the federation we envision for the future. We sit down together, discuss issues like freedoms and education, and come up with united positions.
QUESTION: How does VOLT Cyprus position itself in relation to the Turkish Cypriot community?
KILIM: VOLT Cyprus is very progressive. While Cyprus is often stuck on its own problems, VOLT focuses on a common European level, trying to see things from everyone’s perspective. We aim to show that Cyprus’ problem is not just a Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot issue, but a European one. We want to use European mechanisms to solve the Cyprus problem and maintain a solution. VOLT, as a European party, can access best practices from case stories. We aim to give a voice to the community and encourage people to speak up. We are a small community, but we are strong. We are trying to encourage and say things that are not voiced easily, with the voice of reason, being the moderate and sensible voice. Our biggest threat is populism and nationalism. We will not budge from what we believe is true because our politics is based on evidence.
We need to insist on our values and understand that unity will bring strength. We’ve come a long way in holding on to our values, and we should continue to communicate and talk to each other. That’s the only way forward.
VOICE CYPRUS NEWS 2025
