Energy security, regional developments and the EU’s long-term budget will top the agenda of this week’s Informal European Council in Cyprus, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has said, outlining key priorities ahead of the meeting.
The Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government will take place in Cyprus on 23–24, 2026 April, marking a historic, high-level summit for the country during its presidency.
Speaking at the start of the Cabinet session on 21 April, the President described the gathering as “a particularly important European Council” the first hosted in Cyprus since the island’s EU accession in 2004.
He noted that discussions will focus on developments in the region and their implications. He added that the President of the European Commission is expected to present a specific package of measures to address the energy crisis and rising energy costs.
He further said that, for the first time at European Council level, leaders will discuss the activation of Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty and its operational framework.
The agenda will also include the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. “We have completed the technocratic preparatory work and political direction will be given by the leaders,” he said, with the aim of “presenting a mature negotiating package with specific figures by June.”
In parallel, the President announced that a meeting will be held with regional leaders, including those from Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, not only to discuss current developments but also “how to upgrade our relationship with the region at a strategic level” describing this as particularly important under the current circumstances.
Finally, he said the Cabinet was expected to approve the provision of pharmaceutical aid to Lebanon amounting to €500,000, following a request by the country’s President, in addition to financial assistance of around €1 million that has already been provided.
(Source: CNA)
