The Cyprus EU Presidency will work for an "Autonomous Union Open to the World", President Nikos Christodoulides said presented the agenda and priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, due to start on 1 January 2026 for a six-month term.
Speaking at the Lefkara Conference Centre, the President noted that the Presidency will be built on five interlinked pillars: autonomy through security, defence and preparedness; autonomy through competitiveness; an autonomous Union open to the world; an autonomous Union of values for all; and a budget that is always necessary to support an autonomous EU.
The President described today as a milestone for the present and future of the Republic of Cyprus. “In 10 days, we take on an institutional role and a responsibility towards Europe, our fellow citizens, and our children—for the future,” he said, noting that today the heart of Europe beats more strongly in Cyprus, at the southeastern edge of Europe, in the last EU Member State still under occupation.
“It is no coincidence that we are in Lefkara today,” he said, noting that it is a place that symbolizes the creativity, tradition and enduring outward-looking character of our homeland.
President Christodoulides noted that the Presidency comes at a time of intense geopolitical challenges that test the EU’s resilience, unity and cohesion. The EU “does not fear challenges. It approaches them as opportunities and always moves forward. It does not fear. It adapts, strengthens itself and advances. This is the European path, this is the European way,” he said.
He continued by saying that the core objective of the Presidency is an autonomous EU, as a necessary step in the evolution toward deeper European integration. A Union that is strong from within, capable of protecting its citizens, its borders and its interests. A Union capable of building partnerships and alliances from a position of strength, knowing that the stronger it is, the more valuable it is to its partners. A Union that is outward-looking and open to the world. A Union that, when open to the world, has a meaningful global role and voice. A Union that draws its strength from stability, credibility and predictability, inspiring trust because it is grounded in principles and values, international law, dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.
“This is the Union we will work for as the Cypriot Presidency: an autonomous Union open to the world. This is the central message and the primary objective of the Cypriot Presidency,” he emphasized.
He further noted that every policy the Presidency will advance over the next six months is based on five interlinked pillars: autonomy through security, defence and preparedness; autonomy through competitiveness; an autonomous Union open to the world; an autonomous Union of values for all; and a budget that is always necessary to support an autonomous EU.
Priorities of the Cypriot Presidency
Based on these pillars, the President outlined the priorities on which the Cyprus EU Presidency will focus.
In the field of security and defence, the Cypriot Presidency will support major defence initiatives and promote the rapid implementation of the White Paper on European Defence and the Roadmap for Defence Readiness by 2030.
The President noted that strengthening transatlantic relations is a cornerstone of European security and emphasized that further advancing EU–NATO cooperation will remain a key priority.
He also referred to ensuring freedom of navigation and security along maritime routes, noting that the Cypriot Presidency will promote the implementation of the EU Maritime Security Strategy.
He further referred to economic security and water resilience, stressing that this constitutes a strategic priority to be promoted by the Cypriot Presidency.
President Christodoulides also spoke about effective migration management as a central security issue. “The Cypriot Presidency will promote, as a key priority, the full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, strengthen the returns system, and deepen cooperation with key third countries, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach.”
He added that the Cypriot Presidency will work to strengthen democratic principles and to address attacks against democracy, disinformation and foreign interference.
Regarding autonomy through competitiveness, the President said that the Cypriot Presidency will promote administrative simplification and further European integration. “The Cypriot Presidency will work to enhance energy security, diversify supply and routes, and ensure affordable prices,” he said.
The Presidency will also place emphasis on strengthening energy interconnection infrastructure and investments in clean and innovative technologies, promote regional connectivity, emphasize strategies for ports and the shipping industry, strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce external dependencies, and pursue the sustainable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the pillar of a Europe “open to the world,” according to the President, the Cypriot Presidency will work to strengthen the EU’s strategic capabilities and its role in shaping international developments, while remaining fully committed to cooperation.
Specifically, he referred to Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans and Turkey. He noted that the Presidency is fully committed to advancing the enlargement agenda in a credible manner to achieve tangible results. Ukraine will be a central priority, with the Presidency continuing to promote the EU’s diplomatic, political, economic, military, energy and humanitarian support.
In addition, it will work to strengthen the EU’s relations with countries of the Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood and the Gulf countries, as well as promote cooperation through IMEC, deepen cooperation with organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States.
It will also work to strengthen cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries.
Under the fourth pillar, for an autonomous Union of Values, President Christodoulides said that the Cypriot Presidency will work to strengthen the rule of law across the EU. It will also focus on affordable housing, promoting the implementation of the relevant European plan.
The President further stated that the Cypriot Presidency will support the implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy, with initiatives that will provide safe and quality food for all.
Protecting children and ensuring a safe online environment is also a priority, through the Commission’s Action Plan against online bullying. Gender equality and the fight against all forms of discrimination will be promoted, along with youth-friendly policies and an emphasis on mental health policies.
Finally, under the fifth pillar concerning the budget, the President stressed that the Cypriot Presidency will promote negotiations on all legislative files related to the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, with the aim of delivering in June a mature negotiating framework with indicative figures.
“The EU was built through the continuous boldness of visionaries who led it forward,” he said, noting that it is transformed through challenges. “European autonomy and the further deepening of integration that accompanies it constitute the natural evolution of the European project.” Within this framework, the Cypriot Presidency will work decisively to give new momentum and contribute to the next step of the common journey toward an “autonomous Union open to the world,” stressing that this is the best safeguard for a continent of peace, security and cooperation.
The event was addressed by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna. As she said, during the Presidency Cyprus will host more than 260 meetings across all districts of the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, including an informal summit of Member States and 19 informal ministerial meetings. Cyprus will chair more than 1,500 meetings in Brussels, host around 30,000 visitors from across Europe, and negotiate more than 330 legislative and other files.
“Our goal is a realistically ambitious presidency, with tangible results for the benefit of all European citizens,” she noted.
Following the presentation of the priorities, the official logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU was also unveiled. Inspired by the art of Lefkara embroidery, it is made up of 27 mosaic pieces representing the Member States.
(Source: CNA)
