Dorita Yiannakou
Cyprus officially took over the European Union Council Presidency from Denmark during the final meeting of the EU Council of General Affairs for 2025, marked by a symbolic exchange of gifts between Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Denmark’s Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre. The next Council meeting will take place in January under Cyprus’ leadership.
At the ceremony, Raouna presented a bronze artwork by Cypriot artist Christos Kyriakides depicting the entire island, without the dividing ceasefire line. “Reunification of the EU’s last divided member state is essential for the genuine completion of the Union,” Raouna said. “As we discuss enlargement and Europe’s reunification, we must remember that one EU member state remains under occupation.”
During the Council meeting, ministers focused on preparations for the upcoming European Council, the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, enlargement issues, the legislative agenda for 2026, and the European Semester 2026.
Raouna emphasized that the European Council summit is a pivotal moment for Europe’s credibility, security, and global role.
Ukraine and peace efforts
On Ukraine, Raouna stressed the importance of sending a clear message of continued EU support. Leaders at the upcoming summit are expected to make critical decisions regarding Ukraine’s funding needs for 2026–2027. She underscored that any peace agreement must be grounded in the United Nations Charter and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Sanctions remain a key tool,” she said, “and their effectiveness depends on preventing circumvention through third countries.” Raouna confirmed that the Cypriot Presidency will work to ensure support for Ukraine, including its EU accession process, while promoting a just and sustainable peace.
Middle East and regional stability
Raouna highlighted the importance of regional stability for European security, noting Cyprus’ role in the maritime humanitarian corridor “Amalthea,” increasingly supported by EU member states through the Civil Protection Mechanism.
Geoeconomics and competitiveness
The deputy minister welcomed discussions among EU leaders on the geoeconomic situation and its impact on competitiveness. She said Cyprus expects the European Council to provide clear political guidance for coordinated action and that the issue will be a priority during Cyprus’ Presidency.
Financial framework and enlargement
Cyprus plans to continue Denmark’s work on the MFF, placing it at the top of its agenda to advance negotiations and deliver a mature framework addressing both EU and member-state needs.
On enlargement, the Council achieved broad consensus on progress made by candidate countries in 2025. Although Hungary objected to the section on Ukraine’s accession, the other 26 member states approved the document, which will guide Cyprus’ work over the next six months. Raouna called EU enlargement “a strategic necessity” for strengthening peace, security, stability, and prosperity across Europe.
Legislative priorities
The Council also approved a joint statement on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2026. Raouna called the agreement “a strong and balanced foundation for the Union’s work next year,” emphasizing the need for unity, speed, and ambition. She said the Cypriot Presidency will prioritize timely agreement on the next MFF, resilience and defense readiness, migration management, reducing strategic dependencies, competitiveness, regulatory simplification, and the social dimension, while working constructively with all member states and EU institutions.
European semester 2026
Denmark and Cyprus, as the current and incoming Presidencies, also presented the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester. Raouna thanked the Danish Presidency for its cooperation and emphasized the importance of coordinated, cohesive work across all Council formations to ensure smooth operation of the EU’s governance cycle.
