On 1 January, Cyprus officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, marking a significant six-month term that will run until 30 June. Taking the baton from Denmark, Cyprus is the final member of a “presidency trio” that included Poland and Denmark, tasked with ensuring a consistent and stable transition of the EU’s legislative agenda. The Cypriot government will steer the EU through critical negotiations on the long-term budget, migration management, and regional security.
Strengthening autonomy and global security
The core of the Cypriot programme is built around the concept of “autonomy”. In an era of geopolitical shifts, Cyprus is championing a Europe that can act more independently in areas of security and defence. This includes a commitment to advancing cooperation between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) while simultaneously improving internal security and maritime safety.
A major pillar of this focus is the continued support for Ukraine, with the Presidency pledging to maintain diplomatic, economic, and military aid to ensure a just and lasting peace. Beyond Europe’s immediate borders, Cyprus is leveraging its geographic location to enhance relations with the “Southern Neighbourhood” and the Gulf region. The goal is to promote a “rules-based” international order, which includes pursuing new free trade agreements with partners like India, Mercosur, and the United Arab Emirates to bolster the EU’s economic reach.
Simplification and finance
Closer to home, the Presidency is focused on making the EU more competitive and responsive to the needs of its citizens. A significant portion of the legislative work involves “simplification” reducing the administrative burden and red tape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them thrive within the Single Market. This drive for efficiency extends to the economy, where Cyprus is working to advance the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) to better integrate Europe’s financial systems and encourage cross-border investment.
Health and housing
The Cypriot presidency is also prioritising the development of a “European Health Union,” which aims to ensure that all citizens have fair access to essential medicines and high-quality healthcare. This includes specific efforts to conclude negotiations on directives regarding critical medicinal products and the safety of workers. Furthermore, the Presidency is tackling the “cost of living” crisis by focusing on affordable housing, poverty reduction, and fair working conditions across the bloc.
Migration
Migration is the top concern for the Cypriot population. With the highest per capita number of asylum applications in the EU in 2024, Cyprus is pushing for more effective migration management. This includes setting up “return hubs” to facilitate the movement of individuals who do not have the right to stay in the EU back to their countries of origin, alongside improved cooperation with third countries.
The EU budget
Finally, the Cypriot Presidency represents a vital bridge between the current legislative cycle and the future of the Union’s finances. As the term progresses toward its June conclusion, the primary focus will be on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget for 2028 to 2034. Cyprus aims to establish a “mature negotiating framework” by the June European Council meeting to provide a clear roadmap for future EU spending. Following the completion of its term on 30 June, Cyprus will hand over the Presidency to Ireland.
