By Elizabeth Georgiou
Nicosia is under unprecedented security measures Wednesday as Cyprus officially launches its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. The capital has been on heightened alert since early morning, with authorities rolling out months of careful planning to protect visiting dignitaries and manage potential threats. 
The island is hosting a who’s who of global leaders, including the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, the head of the European Court of Auditors, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the leaders of Moldova, Iraq, and Lebanon. Also attending are the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Each travels with tight security details, adding layers of complexity to the operation.
A central Police Operations Command is coordinating the effort in real time, tracking movements and monitoring intelligence. In downtown Nicosia, around the Presidential Palace, the THOC Theater, and the old GSP Stadium, hundreds of heavily armed officers are deployed in shifts. Visible patrols are complemented by discreet teams safeguarding critical infrastructure and high-risk locations.
Traffic restrictions are widespread, with road closures, strict access controls, and limited parking in key zones. Security measures extend to air and cyber threats: specialized units are ready to respond to emergencies, and a mobile jammer vehicle is in place to block unauthorized wireless signals.
Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos told reporters last month that the force is well-prepared, having completed planning, personnel allocations, and training exercises to handle a variety of scenarios. Wednesday’s operation puts that planning into action, adapting tested strategies to today’s high-stakes geopolitical climate, where large-scale events can be vulnerable to both physical and digital threats.
Authorities emphasized that the EU Presidency is treated as an event of “highest responsibility.” With Nicosia hosting top international figures amid ongoing global tensions, the police have built a multi-layered security “shield” to ensure the historic occasion unfolds under maximum protection.
*Read the Greek version here.
