Cyprus has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union as of 1 January, a role it will hold until 30 June 2026. This is the second time the country has taken on the presidency, following its first term in 2012.
Operating under the motto “An Autonomous Union – Open to the World,” the Cyprus Presidency has outlined priorities centered on strengthening the EU’s internal resilience while maintaining openness to international cooperation. Presidency’s agenda outlined that this approach emphasizes strategic autonomy, security and active global engagement.
In a video address, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said the presidency would prioritize reinforcing Europe’s defence and security architecture. He reaffirmed the European Union’s continued support for Ukraine, stressing the importance of defending international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Enlargement will also feature prominently during Cyprus’s term. Christodoulides stated that the presidency wants to advance a credible and forward-looking enlargement agenda, describing expansion of primary importance to building a stronger and more stable European Union.
Cyprus’s presidency concludes the 18-month Trio Presidency shared with Poland and Denmark, based on a joint programme focused on European values and cohesion within the EU.
Throughout its six-month mandate, Cyprus will chair EU Council meetings and high-level events in Brussels and Luxembourg, while also hosting approximately 260 meetings domestically. These will include 27 high-level gatherings, such as an informal summit of EU leaders and 19 informal ministerial councils.
