Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January, at a time of acute geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability, under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.”
The country’s six-month stint at the EU helm will be one of the most challenging, acknowledges Cyprus’ president Nikos Christodoulides.
“Now, more than ever, Europe must be ready to stand up for itself and its people,” he said. Top of the Cyprus presidency’s priorities remains the European Union’s unwavering support for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Strengthening European defence and security will also be at the heart of the Cyprus presidency. Significant steps have already been taken, said Mr Christodoulides, adding that “building on the Commission’s defence readiness roadmap 2030, we will promote investment in defence innovation, the enhancement of the EU defence industry’s production capacity, as well as the development of a better-integrated defence market.”
The presidency also promises to work to strengthen the security of the EU at all levels. This includes maritime security as well as waterway security, and also to strengthen the EU’s crisis preparedness.
Cyprus is a frontline member state which Mr Christodoulides says manages migration effectively, so it will work to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, with particular emphasis on the external dimension of migration.”
The Cyprus presidency will also seek to boost competitiveness by simplifying processes, reducing bureaucracy, reinforcing the Single Market and supporting Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the backbone of the European economy.
Priorities include addressing citizens’ daily concerns such as housing, energy costs, the protection of vulnerable groups and children’s online safety.
An autonomous Europe also means a Europe that builds bridges, said Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides, and “strategically engages its partners through partnerships and joint collaboration. An outward-looking Europe, confident in its role as a global actor in international developments.”
Cyprus will use its opportunity to deepens its partnerships with the Southern Neighborhood and key regional actors, such as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
“The substantial strengthening of the EU’s relations with countries across the wider Middle East, through the conclusion of Free Trade Agreements with nations such as India, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries, is of paramount importance,” said Mr Christodoulides. ” n this context, Cyprus, as the EU’s closest member state to the region that enjoys excellent relations with all its neighbouring countries, will act as a bridge facilitating cooperation and strengthening the EU’s relations with this region.”
