EditCyprus declares support for Ukraine as top priority for its EU presidency
The Union, President Nikos Christodoulides said, must open itself to the world and draw its power from stability, credibility and consistency
In a significant presentation held today in the historic village of Lefkara, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled the priorities for Cyprus’s upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, commencing on 1 January 2026.
Under the motto “An Autonomous Union, Open to the World,” the program is structured around five key pillars, with the primary focus on achieving strategic autonomy through security and defence.
The Union, he continued in his Lefkara address, must turn outwards, open itself to the world with a substantive global role and draw its power from stability, credibility and consistency, based on international law, dialogue and diplomacy.
“The heart of Europe now beats stronger in its last occupied member state,” Christodoulides proclaimed, framing the presidency as a pivotal moment for Cyprus and the broader European project.
Since the Turkish invasion in 1974, the northern third of the island remains under Turkish military occupation- making Cyprus the only EU country with a portion of its territory illegally occupied by foreign forces, despite that the entire territory of the island of Cyprus is considered EU territory since the Rpublic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004.
He underscored the nation’s commitment to serving European citizens and future generations, stating: “We are emerging as protagonists, contributing decisively and proudly to shaping Europe’s trajectory.”
The priorities, he added, outline a forward-looking vision for the EU through 2040 or 2050.
Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus’s preparedness to act as an impartial voice for all 27 member states, facilitating coordination, negotiation, and consensus-building to advance deeper European integration.
Facing geopolitical challenges head-on
The president highlighted that Cyprus assumes the rotating presidency amid escalating geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures that challenge the EU’s resilience, unity, and cohesion.
“As history demonstrates, Europe does not succumb to crises; rather, it seizes them as opportunities to adapt, fortify, and advance,” he observed. He stressed that delays are not an option, with the presidency committed to fostering a strategically autonomous Europe – one that is robust internally, capable of safeguarding its citizens, borders, and interests while forging partnerships from a position of strength.
Turning outward is equally essential, Christodoulides emphasised. The EU must assume a meaningful global role, deriving strength from stability, credibility, and adherence to international law, dialogue, and diplomacy. “This is the core ambition we pursue: An Autonomous Union, Open to the World.”
The five pillars of the Presidency
- Autonomy through Security, Defence, and Preparedness
Citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a catalyst for bolstering European defence capabilities, Christodoulides declared steadfast support for Ukraine as the presidency’s foremost priority. “It could not be otherwise,” he explained, drawing parallels to Cyprus’s own history of invasion and occupation.
The presidency will advance a White Paper on European defence and a roadmap targeting readiness by 2030. Key initiatives include enhancing the European defence industry through programs like SAFE, reinforcing transatlantic partnerships, and deepening mutually beneficial ties with NATO. Other priorities encompass managing migration by tackling root causes, improving hosting and returns mechanisms (leveraging Cyprus’s experience), maritime security, and water security—vital in the face of climate change, where Cyprus ranks among the most affected.
“We will champion a comprehensive European strategy for water resilience as an urgent imperative,” he pledged. Additional preparedness efforts will address foreign interference, hate speech, hybrid threats, media protection, organised crime, terrorism, and violent extremism.
- Autonomy through Competitiveness
(Focused on economic strength, innovation, and reducing bureaucracy.)
- An Autonomous Union Open to the World
(Emphasising global partnerships and external engagement.)
- A Union of Values for All
(Promoting social inclusion, rule of law, and citizen-focused policies.)
- A Budget to Support an Autonomous EU
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, overseeing preparations, described the presidency as an exceptional chance for Cyprus to advance the European endeavour and offer tailored solutions amid critical geopolitical developments. She noted that Cyprus will host more than 260 events across its cities, including the island’s inaugural EU Leaders’ Summit and 19 informal ministerial meetings.
Approximately 1,500 additional sessions will be chaired by Cyprus in Brussels, drawing around 30,000 visitors over the six months.
As she noted, Cyprus will be hosting over 260 meetings in all cities, including a Summit of Leaders, the first to be held on the island, as well as 19 informal ministerial conferences. 1500 meetings will be held in Brussels and presided over by Cyprus. 30 thousand people will visit the island during the six month rotating Presidency.
Also unveiled was the official website of the Presidency.
The official website of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 is now live! 🇨🇾🇪🇺
Discover the events taking place during the Presidency, learn more about the programme and priorities, explore the cultural programme, and more!
🔗 https://t.co/S06MRcqJCU#CY2026EU… pic.twitter.com/yb6qyH5vTp
— Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 (@CY2026EU) December 21, 2025
Edited by g.g.
Caption: Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled on 21 December the priorities for Cyprus’s upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union [Politis]
Updated: December 21, 2025 - 16:37
