President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola was in Cyprus this week, flanked by the EP Group leaders - aka, The EP Conference of Presidents - to hold a number of high-level meeting ahead of Cyprus' assumption, on 1 January 2026, of the Rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Metsola was welcomed at the Presidential Palace on 1 June by President Nikos Christodoulides, where the two had a met before attending a meeting between the local government and the EP's Conference of Presidents. They followed that up with a joint press conference.
"Europe is in safe hands":
The following day, Metsola and the EP Group leaders met with House President Annita Demetriou and the leaders of the Cypriot political parties, before the EP President was whisked to Larnaca to participate in a joint townhall discussion with students with Christodoulides.
Metsola arrives in Nicosia
The President greeted Metsola at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia upon her arrival.
In brief ahead of the meeting, Christodoulides said that Cyprus is assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in one month, "which for a small member state is a national mission”. He said Cyprus has two main goals: to enhance the strategic autonomy of the European Union, and to bring the European Union much closer to the region.
Taking to X, Metsola mused: “Great to be back in beautiful Cyprus, together with European Parliament Group leaders, exactly one month before the start of their EU Council Presidency. Grateful to President Nikos Christodoulides for the warm welcome, his determination and strong commitment to moving Europe forward together."
Metsola and EP Group leaders meet with Cyprus’ Cabinet
President Christodoulides and Metsola attended a joint meeting of the Council of Ministers and the leadership of the European Parliament, held at the Presidential Palace.
“As Cyprus is about to take over the EU Council Presidency at a moment of rapid change, people expect concrete results. With European Parliament group leaders, we met with the Government of Cyprus in Nicosia to affirm our commitment to work as partners for a more engaged, secure & autonomous Europe”
Posting a video to LinkedIn, President Christodoulides said: “Cyprus is determined to deliver results for our European family. With urgency and unity. As honest brokers at the helm of the Council, with a European agenda. For our citizens, for our global footprint as a Union.”
The Union Cyprus envisions is a truly Autonomous Union, he added. “One of that engages with the world from a space of internal strength and resilience. A Union that is strong, competitive, that can take care of its own security. A Europe that protects its citizens without strategic dependencies. A Union where values meet interests. A Europe that is united and works together. This is our most precious asset as a Union – our unity.”
Dinner at Kastelliotisa
President Christodoulides hosted a dinner in honour of Metsola and the Chairs of the political parties in the Parliament, following the Conference at the Presidential Palace. The dinner took place at Kastelliotisa, near the divide in Nicosia.
Speaking ahead of the dinner, Christodoulides said that assuming the EU Presidency is a moment Cyprus has been preparing for the last two years with ambition and diligence; a moment of responsibility and national pride.
"Cyprus is determined to deliver results for our European family. With urgency and unity. As honest brokers at the helm of the Council, with a European agenda. For our citizens, for our global footprint as a Union," he said.
He referred to the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency and reassured that "in this effort, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with the European Parliament which is a strategic partner, an institution that gives voice and shape to Europe’s democratic soul".
Meeting at the Cyprus House of Representatives
House President Annita Demetriou welcomed Roberta Metsola to Cyprus' parliament, with the two meeting before a joint meeting of the EP political parties' leaders with Cyprus parties' heads, and a discussion at the Plenary.
Welcoming Metsola, Demetriou noted that in her speeches the EP Head "always remembers Cyprus, always remembering and mentioning that still we have the Cyprus problem, the ongoing occupation and that means a lot to the Cyprus people".
She called Metsola "a true friend" of legality and international law and a leader.
Metsola was just as complimentary: “Good to start the day at Cyprus Parliament with President Annita Demetriou as Cyprus prepares for its EU Council Presidency. We will keep putting people’s concerns, expectations, and hopes front and centre of every decision. Our shared drive to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, improve people's lives and secure our Union was the main focus of this morning's productive discussion between European Parliament Group Leaders and Cyprus Parliament representatives.
We will keep the conversation going as we continue to deepen our parliamentary ties during the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council.”
Dialogue with the Youth
On her last stop of the trip, Metsola and Christodoulides participated in a "Dialogue with the Youth" in Larnaca as part of "Christmas in Europe 2025".
They engaged with European students to discuss topics like security, democracy, migration and youth participation in EU projects.
The event – at the Larnaca Technical and Vocational School of Education and Training – took place ahead of Cyprus' turn holding the rotating EU Council presidency in 2026.
Metsola said on X: “Larnaca is full of energy from Europe’s young people today. Fantastic to join them for a great discussion with President Nikos Christodulides. Keep spreading the message of Europe in your schools, towns, and communities. The future is in your hands!”
