Cyprus presented the priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the European Union, stressing that it will work to build an “autonomous Union open to the world”, ahead of assuming this rotating role on 1 January.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented the programme at an event in Pano Lefkara, outlining five interconnected pillars that will guide Cyprus’s six-month term at the helm of the Council of the European Union.
“In ten days, we will assume an institutional role and responsibility towards Europe, our fellow citizens and our children,” Christodoulides said.
As he emphasised, “Cyprus is ready to lead and, for six months, to be the voice of the 27 Member States.” The Presidency comes at a crucial moment for the Union, as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and Europe faces, as Christodoulides put it, “intense geopolitical challenges” that are testing the resilience, unity and cohesion of the EU.
Five defined pillars
Within the framework of the five pillars of the upcoming Presidency, Cyprus will focus on autonomy through security and defence, autonomy through competitiveness, openness to the world, shared values, and negotiations on the budget for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
In the area of security and defence, Cyprus will support key defence initiatives and advocate the swift implementation of the White Paper on European Defence, as well as the Roadmap for Defence Readiness by 2030. Strengthening transatlantic relations and EU-NATO cooperation has been recognised as the cornerstone of European security.
Cyprus will also prioritise freedom of navigation and the security of maritime corridors through the implementation of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, Christodoulides noted. Migration management has been identified as a key security issue.
“The Cyprus Presidency will promote the full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum as a key priority, as well as the strengthening of return systems,” the President said.
In the field of competitiveness, Cyprus will advocate administrative simplification, the strengthening of energy security through alternative supply routes and affordable prices, and the reinforcement of digital sovereignty in order to reduce dependence on external actors.
Enlargement and neighbourhood relations
Cyprus has committed to advancing the EU enlargement agenda, with Ukraine identified as a key priority. The Presidency will continue to provide diplomatic, political, economic, military, energy and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
It will also work to strengthen the EU’s relations with the southern and eastern neighbourhood, as well as with the countries of the Gulf region, and to encourage cooperation through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor.
Particular attention will be devoted to deepening relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States.
In the area of values, Cyprus will focus on strengthening the rule of law, ensuring affordable housing, combating poverty, protecting children online, gender equality and mental health policies.
The Presidency will advance negotiations on all legislative files related to the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028–2034, with the aim of presenting an outline agreement by June.
Cyprus also unveiled the Presidency logo, featuring 27 figures symbolising the EU Member States, inspired by traditional Lefkara lace and designed by graphic designer Marios Kouroufexis.
Cyprus is the smallest EU Member State by population and has been partially under Turkish occupation since 1974.
Christodoulides described Cyprus as “the south-easternmost point of Europe, the last EU Member State that is still under occupation”.
The Presidency comes at a time when Europe is facing numerous challenges, including debates on agricultural policy and the proposed trade agreement with the Mercosur countries.
