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President Nikos Christodoulides kicked off Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union on Tuesday with a call for unity and decisive action at the European Parliament.
Welcomed by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the main entrance of the iconic building, Christodoulides stood alongside the Cyprus and EU flags as the national anthem and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” were played. After a bilateral meeting with Metsola, the president addressed the plenary session, presenting the priorities of Cyprus’ EU Council presidency. A joint press conference is expected later.
“The future of Europe, our future, will ultimately be judged by our ability to act collectively,” Christodoulides told lawmakers. “Unity is our greatest strength. Only if we act together, interinstitutionally and transnationally, can we turn unity into action.”
He stressed that the presidency begins at a turning point for the Union, calling for decisive, credible, and united action and a Europe that is “more autonomous and open to the world.”
Five Pillars, One Vision
Christodoulides outlined a presidency program built around five interrelated pillars:
- Autonomy through Security, Defense, and Preparedness: Highlighting Russia’s war against Ukraine, the president said Europe must strengthen its security architecture and defense readiness. “From our own corner of the Union, as the last member state under occupation, the stakes are clear. Cyprus knows firsthand what a lack of security means,” he said. He also expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid concerns over Arctic security.
- Autonomy through Competitiveness: Europe faces geo-economic competition, strained supply chains, and rapid technological change. Christodoulides called for targeted, realistic responses rooted in the real economy to ensure growth and resilience.
- An Autonomous Union, Open to the World: Enlargement is central, with Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Turkey representing Europe’s transformative potential. “It’s not just completing a map. It’s completing a vision, a reunited Europe rooted in peace, democracy, security, and stability,” he said, tying the goal to Cyprus’ ongoing hope for reunification and equal rights for Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
- A Union of Values for All: Affordable housing and social equity top the agenda. Christodoulides said Cyprus will prioritize the European Plan for Affordable Housing, alongside upcoming decisions on the Multiannual Financial Framework to support defense, security, competitiveness, sustainability, and cohesion.
- Strengthening Europe’s Neighborhood: Relations with the Southern Neighborhood and the Gulf are crucial. The President highlighted the new Pact for the Mediterranean and complementary initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) to deepen cooperation.
Christodoulides emphasized that EU membership transformed Cyprus, bringing prosperity, security, and opportunity, and that Europe has the tools to finally resolve the island’s division.
Accompanying the President in Strasbourg are Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Rauna, Press Office Director Victor Papadopoulos, Permanent Representative to the EU Christina Rafti, and other officials.
