The distance that Cyprus has travelled since 1 May, 2004, the day of its accession to the European Union, until now, when it has officially assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time, has never been linear.
It has been a path featuring difficulties, contradictions and obstacles, but also moments of these being overcome and of collective triumph. This was a path that was sealed by the efforts and strength of the Cypriot people and which is now being vindicated, with Cyprus at the centre of European developments.
In a highly symbolic ceremony at the THOC premises, our country welcomes the European political and institutional leadership, not simply to mark the beginning of a six-month Presidency, but to confirm the path that has brought it here. Cyprus, a small country in size but with a footprint disproportionate to its geographical weight, declares itself present, mature and ready to take responsibility. Not only this moment inspires pride, but also by the fact that this moment was built step by step, by a small country that has learned to persist.
Behind the spotlights, hundreds of people have worked and are working with professionalism and dedication for the success of the Cyprus Presidency, fully aware of the role and responsibility they have assumed. For the next six months, Cyprus will be at the forefront of Europe and the world, not as an observer, but as a co- decision maker in an extremely demanding international context.
As the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasises, the Cyprus Presidency aspires to contribute decisively to the new impetus of the European institutional framework. In an era of multiple crises, Europe is being called upon to strengthen its strategic autonomy and cohesion, knowing that, through challenges, it emerges stronger. Cyprus, notes the President, will work for a Union strong from within, capable of protecting its citizens and borders, of building partnerships from a position of credibility and of playing an essential role on the international stage, on the basis of principles, values and international law.
This strategy is reflected in the five interlinked pillars of the Cyprus Presidency: Security, Defence and preparedness, Competitiveness, a Union open to the world, a Union of values for all, and a long-term, sustainable European budget. It is an agenda that aspires to combine realism and vision, internal resilience and international outreach.
On her part, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Rauna describes the assumption of the Presidency as a top political act and a moment of national pride. As she underlines, Cyprus is approaching the Presidency not as a formal institutional obligation, but as a national mission and strategic opportunity to upgrade its role within and outside the EU. In a difficult geopolitical context, the Republic of Cyprus is committed to acting as an honest and reliable mediator, representing all member states equally and seeking consensual solutions.
The Presidency's priorities range from strengthening European defence, energy and maritime security and migration management, to promoting a credible enlargement policy, with a particular emphasis on Ukraine. At the same time, Nicosia is focusing on everyday issues and social cohesion, such as affordable housing, the protection of minors online and the strengthening of the European Health Union, while it aspires to substantially advance the negotiations on the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.
The Presidency logo, inspired by the embroidery of Lefkara, eloquently symbolises this effort. It consists of 27 different elements that are woven into a single whole, just like the member states of the European Union. There is also a thread of unity, which refers to the Cypriot sun but also to the collective European perspective.
Cyprus joined the European Union as a de facto divided country, with its entire territory being EU territory. The assumption of the Presidency does not negate this reality, but makes it even more visible at the European and international level. And perhaps that is why the greatest wish, as Cyprus assumes this European role, is that the next Presidency will find the island united, under the common umbrella of the European Union, not only as an institutional conquest, but as a historical vindication.
Here’s to a great start for us!
(Source: InBusinessNews)
