Strengthening efforts to achieve the EU's strategic autonomy is the number one priority of Cyprus' EU Presidency, which begins 1 January, President Nikos Christodoulides said.
In statements to the press following a European Council meeting in Brussels, Christodoulides said that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Cyprus on 7 January for the Presidency's opening ceremony; and right after she will visit countries in the region.
He noted once again that Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency at a decisive and difficult time, ''taking into account the different views and approach on various issues and the need as a Presidency to find solutions and move forward together”.
President Christodoulides referred to the issues that are a priority for the Presidency namely the Multiannual Financial Framework, competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, enlargement and migration.
Strengthening of the great effort to achieve the strategic autonomy of the European Union is the number one priority, he noted, adding that a strong European Union also means a strong Republic of Cyprus.
He also referred to the need to strengthen EU relations with the countries of the wider Middle East.
He furthermore said that EU has common challenges and common strategic interests with the US "and as EU we must do more, institutionalize our cooperation, but also demonstrate in practice the 360-degree perspective”.
President Christodoulides also told the press that Cyprus is the Member State “that can lead this effort on behalf of the European Union, taking into account our geographical position but also our excellent bilateral relations with all the states of the region”.
He added that housing and energy issues are also high on the Presidency's agenda as are protection of children from social media, health and education issues.
He expressed the belief that Cyprus will have a successful Presidency and prove that we are a reliable, predictable, serious and effective partner.
As the President said, the priorities and the logo of the Presidency will be unveiled Sunday during a press conference at the village of Lefkara.
