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With just one month to go before Cyprus takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, President Nikos Christodoulides unveiled the country’s priorities during a high-level visit by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Monday.
Metsola arrived in Nicosia yesterday with the leaders of all eight political groups in the European Parliament, a traditional pre-presidency visit meant to align expectations and ensure the incoming presidency hits the ground running. She praised Cyprus for its preparation and said the next six months will be packed, with more than 250 legislative files still open across areas like migration, the EU’s long-term budget, climate policy, and digital rules.
Christodoulides said Cyprus views the presidency as a “national mission,” not just a procedural rotation. He outlined two main goals: strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, from defense and security to energy, competitiveness, migration, and housing, and bringing the Union “closer to the region,” meaning the broader Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
At a joint press conference later, ministers presented the detailed roadmap for the first half of 2026. Key priorities include:
- Foreign policy and security: Continued support for Ukraine, deeper EU engagement in the Middle East and the Gulf, stronger cooperation with the GCC, and a push for maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Cyprus says it plays a “decisive role.”
- Migration: Strict external border controls, tougher coordination between member states, and full implementation of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum — all framed as essential for a “fair and humane” system.
- Economy and energy: A strong EU budget, resilient supply chains, affordable energy, and a more competitive European industry, with emphasis on clean tech and access to critical raw materials.
- Agriculture and climate: Food security, fair incomes for farmers, climate adaptation, better water management, and simpler environmental rules.
- Digital transition: Reinforcing Europe’s digital resilience and protecting children online, while building a tech ecosystem that supports innovation and competitiveness.
Enlargement also features prominently, with Cyprus arguing that bringing candidate countries closer to the bloc is a “strategic investment” in Europe’s stability.
Metsola said Parliament is ready to work closely with Nicosia, noting that the presidency will need to steer major files to completion by the end of 2026. She called Cyprus’ preparation “impressive” and said MEPs share many of Nicosia’s priorities.
Meetings continue Tuesday at the House of Representatives as Cyprus prepares for what it hopes will be a high-impact presidency and a moment of national pride.
