Cyprus takes over from this January 1 and during the first half of 2026 the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The autonomy of the Union, both in security and defense and in the economy, as well as migration, will be some of its priorities, in a semester that will also be marked by the war in Ukraine and the negotiations for a ceasefire; instability in the Middle East and transatlantic relations.
The motto of the semiannual presidency will be “An autonomous union. Open to the world.” “The Cypriot presidency will work with determination to give new impetus to the European edifice and contribute substantially to the next step on our common path,” he declared. Nikos Christodoulidespresident of the country.
Cyprus replaces Denmark in this role, and precedes Ireland. The country entered the Union in 2004 and already held the six-month presidency in 2012. During its mandate, the Mediterranean country will chair several meetings and conferences in Brussels and Luxembourg, as well as an international meeting in Cameroon. 260 of these meetings will take place in Cyprus, including 27 high-level and 19 informal councils of ministers.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union It rotates every six months between the different Member States. Each country assumes leadership according to a specific rotation and order system, which makes Each of the Twenty-Seven has a turn every three and a half years. The job consists of chairing the meetings of the European Council and ensuring the continuity of its work and the legislative processes that emanate from this body. He also represents the Council in relations with other community institutions.
“Autonomy” in defense and security
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In the presentation of the presidency at the end of December, the Cypriot Government summarized its priorities in five:
- Autonomy through security and defense preparedness
- Autonomy through competitiveness
- Opening to the world
- A Union of values that leaves no one behind
- A long-term budget for the EU
Cyprus defends an EU “firmly anchored in the multilateralism and fully committed to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the international law of the sea.”
The current presidency will promote the rapid implementation of the White Paper on European Defense / Preparation 2030 and the Road Map that accompanies it, as well as the EU Preparedness Strategy. At the same time, Cyprus hopes to strengthen transatlantic relations and deepen cooperation between the EU and NATO.
This section includes safeguard maritime security and freedom of navigation, economic securitysecurity in access to water y protect democracies from foreign interferences, disinformation, hate speech and hybrid threats.
All of this must be compatible with an EU “open to the world.” Cyprus especially wants to promote relations with the Southern Neighborhood and with the countries of the Persian Gulf, which constitute the country’s immediate environment.
Greater competitiveness
This focus on “autonomy” leads the Cypriot presidency to emphasize “competitiveness” of the EU economy.
For this, it is proposed reduce bureaucracy to benefit small and medium-sized businesses; promote the Savings and Investment Union and strengthen digital and energy autonomy. In particular, it will seek to achieve affordable and predictable energy prices and promote the European Power Grids Package.
Cyprus must also lead the negotiations for the 2028-2034 community budget with a view to having an agreement on a financial framework different from the current one before the end of 2026.
The first economic and international milestone of the current presidency will be the signing of the agreement with Mercosur, which was postponed at the last European Council in December.
As part of its goal of “a Union of values that leaves no one behind”, Cyprus aims to make a policy priority for affordable housingthrough the European Plan announced in mid-December.
It will also focus on children and young people, and in particular on protecting minors on the internet.
Entry into force of the Pact on Migration
Immigration and asylum policies in the EU will be other priorities for a country that is on the migration routes from the Middle East. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which tightens the conditions of entry and stay, was approved in 2024 but will come into force in its entirety from June 12, 2026.
The Cypriot presidency aims to “promote an integrated and effective approach to both the internal and external dimensions of migration, addressing its causes and strengthening cooperation with countries of origin.”
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has made several recommendations to the Cypriot presidency. Among others: that safe migration routes and “effective policies” be guaranteed that save lives, reduce irregularity and prevent the exploitation of migrants by smuggling networks; that the repatriation system respects human rights and that reintegration is facilitated once in their countries; in addition to all policies being based on analysis based on real data.
An island divided
Cyprus is a divided territory. Inhabited by Greek Cypriot and Turkish populations, a joint administration of both communities fell apart in 1963, followed by civil clashes and a decade of instability.
In 1974, the military ruling Greece attempted a coup to annex the country. Türkiye invaded the north of the island in 1974 and has been divided into two entities: the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Northern Cyprusthe latter recognized only by Türkiye and which occupies a third of the territory. The separation line, guarded by UN forces, divides the capital, Nicosia, in two.
Due to this situation, the Cypriot presidency could cause friction with Türkiye.
