The informal European Council is taking place, for the first time, in Cyprus, on Thursday and Friday, 23 and 24 April with leaders of EU member states, as well as regional leaders, arriving in Nicosia, in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Energy security, regional developments and the EU’s long-term budget will be on the top of the agenda.
The Republic of Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU for a six-month term that started on 1 January, 2026, as part of a Trio Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.
The European Council is composed of the Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU member states, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, will also be present to exchange views with the Council. Regional leaders have also been invited.
From the leaders of the EU, the outgoing Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, will be absent, as well as the Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will also attend the Summit.
The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, 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.”
The program of the informal Summit
The first session of the informal meeting of the heads of state or government of the EU will take the form of a working dinner, which will be held in Ayia Napa, in Famagusta district.
Most of Famagusta district, including the historic city of Famagusta, has been under illegal military occupation by Turkey since 1974. The southeastern coast of the Famagusta district, particularly the area of Ayia Napa and Protaras, is a popular tourist destination, known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sandy beaches, and picturesque landscapes featuring traditional windmills, fishing harbors, and medieval churches.
President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to begin welcoming the leaders as of 6.15pm local time.
The main topic of discussion will be geopolitical developments and how the EU is responding to them, as well as its contribution to de-escalating the crisis. The issue of the Union’s readiness to respond to security-related challenges will also be raised, including aspects related to Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which concerns the mutual defense clause.
At the same time, topics related to the impact on the energy sector will be discussed, along with how the EU can make use of the tools at its disposal. In this context, the President of the European Commission is expected to present proposals for measures to address the effects on the energy sector.
On Friday, 24 April, President Nikos Christodoulides will welcome the EU heads of state or government at the “Filoxenia” Conference Center in Nicosia at 8am.
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the last divided capital in Europe, with a significant part of the city remaining under Turkish occupation since 1974. Nicosia is a city where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan present. As the administrative and business center of the island, it combines the energy of a modern European capital with the timeless charm of an ancient walled city.
European partners will consult on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with the aim of providing political guidance to the discussions, oriented toward achieving progress that will allow for a political agreement by the end of the year.
The MFF is one of the most important and demanding dossiers inherited by the Cypriot Presidency. The goal of the Cypriot Presidency during the first quarter of 2026 was to complete the technical work and ensure a timely transition of negotiations to the political level, guided by maximizing its contribution to the mandate given by leaders at the European Council last December, to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026. This intermediate goal has been achieved.
At 12.10pm a press conference will be held by the President of the European Council, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and the President of the European Commission.
At 12.50pm President Christodoulides will welcome regional leaders. Specifically, leaders from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council have been invited.
According to Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, “this expanded meeting of leaders is not only symbolic but carries substantial political weight, as it creates a direct channel for exchanging views on common challenges, as well as emerging opportunities for cooperation between the EU and regional partners,” underlining that Cyprus’ role as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East is reaffirmed.
The meeting and working lunch of the EU Heads of State or Government and regional partners is expected to begin at 13.05, while at 13.40 statements to the press will be made on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, the European Union, and the regional partners.
Security measures
The Police have announced that heightened security measures during these two days. The measures will include traffic arrangements and restrictions across the districts of Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta.
According to the Police, due to the informal Council the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) is strictly prohibited across all of Cyprus during the two-day period.
Additionally, for security reasons, the Search and Rescue Coordination Center, in coordination with the Police, has issued a NAVTEX notice for the Ayia Napa Marina, from 4-11pm today, Thursday, 23 April.
(Source: CNA)
