President Christodoulides will unveil Cyprus’s presidency priorities to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today against the backdrop of Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Christodoulides will frame Cyprus’s leadership around the country’s unique position as the Union’s southeastern-most edge and its experience under occupation, sources said. He will argue that Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness as geopolitical threats mount.
A truly autonomous Europe requires strength and cohesion from within—the ability to protect citizens, borders and interests—whilst maintaining alliances and cooperation from a position of credibility, guided by international law, dialogue and diplomacy, according to the planned speech.
The President will stress that respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is a prerequisite for the Union’s security and stability, citing the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion as proof of European credibility and collective responsibility.
Cyprus will present its initiatives through five pillars:
Security, defence and preparedness
Cyprus will push for rapid implementation of the White Paper on the future of European defence and the roadmap for defence preparedness by 2030. Key initiatives include the EU defence industry strategy, the European defence transformation roadmap, the SAFE initiative and the European defence industry programme.
The presidency will emphasise strengthening transatlantic relations and maritime security, particularly freedom of navigation. Cyprus will also prioritise economic security and water security as strategic challenges.
The agenda includes protecting democracies against foreign interference, disinformation, hybrid threats and hate speech, alongside stronger law enforcement cooperation against organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism in the digital space.
Cyprus will treat migration management as a European security matter, pushing for full implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
Competitiveness
Cyprus will argue that only a more competitive Union can achieve real autonomy. Priorities include cutting bureaucracy for small and medium-sized enterprises by completing simplification legislation, strengthening the Single Market, and deepening capital markets to boost financial autonomy.
The presidency will focus on Europe’s digital and energy autonomy, emphasising affordable and predictable energy prices and advancing the EU networks package.
A Union open to the world
Cyprus will present enlargement as the Union’s strongest geopolitical tool, from Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans and Turkey, pushing for a credible agenda based on merit and tangible results.
The presidency will position Cyprus as a bridge between the EU and the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, aiming for a more active, coherent European presence in the region. Cyprus will deepen the Union’s relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf, including organisations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League.
The presidency will implement the New Mediterranean Compact, presenting flagship projects at an informal European Council in April with Southern Neighbourhood leaders. Cyprus will highlight complementarity with projects like IMEC, leveraging its long-term relations with the Middle East, Gulf countries and India.
Cyprus will strengthen European rapid crisis response by using its expertise as a regional hub for evacuations and humanitarian aid. The presidency will expand trade agreements, including deals with the United Arab Emirates and India.
A Union of values
Cyprus will argue that autonomy is not just about power but social cohesion, ensuring no citizen is left behind.
Priorities include affordable housing through the European plan whilst respecting subsidiarity and national competencies, supporting children and youth with emphasis on protecting minors online, and promoting the European action plan against cyberbullying.
Cyprus will push for a truly autonomous Health Union through better access to medical products and stronger, more integrated health systems.
A budget for autonomy
The presidency will argue that the new Multiannual Financial Framework must deliver the Union’s strategic priorities. Cyprus will work for a strong, ambitious and balanced budget, aiming to deliver a mature negotiating framework with indicative amounts by June 2026 through dialogue and consensus.
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