Macron’s visit to Cyprus signals deepening partnership as EU leaders convene in Ayia Napa

French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Cyprus on Thursday has been described as historic by President Nikos Christodoulides, marking the first bilateral state visit by a French head of state to the island.

The meeting, which underscored record-high bilateral relations, took place just as Cyprus began hosting the Informal European Council, adding diplomatic weight to an already tense day marked by ongoing farmer protests.

Christodoulides hailed Macron’s presence as a strong political signal of the depth and future potential of Cyprus-France strategic cooperation. Both leaders agreed that relations between the two countries have reached their highest level to date. Macron described the partnership as “balanced and substantive,” noting that it has already produced concrete results, and reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Cyprus, especially in difficult times.

The discussions focused heavily on defence and security, with references to recent joint military exercises, plans to sign a Status of Forces Agreement in June, and closer collaboration in procurement and defence industry ties. In the energy sector, the two presidents highlighted ongoing cooperation with TotalEnergies on Cyprus’s natural gas resources and French backing for major regional projects, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. They also aligned on the need for a stronger, more strategically autonomous European Union.

Christodoulides thanked France for its consistent support on the Cyprus issue, while Macron stated pointedly that “when Cyprus is attacked, Europe is attacked.” An Iranian-made Shahed drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri military base in Cyprus on 2 March, causing minor damage to a hangar but no casualties.

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The two leaders later visited the Franco-Cypriot School in Nicosia, emphasising the strong cultural and educational bonds between the nations.

EU informal summit underway

Macron’s visit fed directly into the Informal European Council, which opened on Thursday evening at Ayia Napa Marina – the first such summit under the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council. President Christodoulides welcomed leaders from 24 member states, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a guest, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Austria’s Christian Stocker were notably absent.

The EU Union has finally approved a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, unlocking critical financial support for 2026 and 2027 after months of delay caused by Hungary’s veto. Zelenskyy welcomed the decision as “a strong and fundamental” move, describing it as “a good day for Ukraine and for Europe” while thanking EU leaders for their unity.

Zelenskyy joins EU leaders and Arab heads of state in Cyprus for high-profile informal summit

The summit agenda centres on geopolitical developments, the EU’s response to ongoing crises, security preparedness – including possible use of the mutual defence clause (Article 42.7) – and measures to address energy security and rising prices. A working dinner with Zelenskyy was scheduled for the first evening, with discussions continuing on Friday at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia.

The summit has drawn intense international media interest, with hundreds of journalists on the ground and strict security measures in place, including road closures and a drone ban across the island.

Farmers threaten to escalate protests

The high-level diplomatic gatherings unfolded against a backdrop of domestic unrest, as Cypriot farmers protesting the culling of animals due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak vowed to intensify their actions.

Livestock farmers threaten chaos ahead of high-profile EU informal summit in Cyprus

A meeting between farmer representatives and Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou on Thursday ended without agreement after more than four hours of talks.

Farmers’ demand for an immediate halt to the culling was rejected, prompting protester Stella Petrou to warn of escalation. The Rizoelia roundabout remained blocked, causing significant traffic disruptions between Larnaca, Nicosia, and Famagusta. Police urged drivers to use alternative routes while authorities managed the added logistical challenges posed by the summit’s security arrangements.

Caption: A view of the venue that will host the informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in Ayia Napa Marina, Cyprus, 23 April 2026. EU leaders are expected to address current geopolitical developments and Europe’s response to them. EPA/GEORGE CHRISTOFOROU