At the official opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Nicosia on January 7, President Nikos Christodoulides underlined that only through unity, respect for diversity and shared values can member states effectively address today’s challenges, emphasizing that the current geopolitical environment offers an opportunity for stronger, more secure, united and autonomous Europe. Cyprus, he added, due to its geostrategic location, will continue to serve as a reliable bridge for dialogue and cooperation in the wider region.
He noted that the assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU is a collective national mission for Cyprus, undertaken with a sense of pride and responsibility, as well as a clear vision and aim to contribute as an honest broker to institutional cohesion and the reinforcement of the unification process.
“This will also be the objective of our presidency: a EU that combines its strategic autonomy with its international openness. A Union that can defend its interests and its citizens while also acting as a force for peace, stability and growth. A Union that boldly supports multilateralism and the rule of international law,” Christodoulides said in his speech.
Cyprus, which assumed the rotating six-month EU Presidency on January 1 has outlined five overarching priorities: Autonomy through Security, Defense Readiness and Preparedness; Autonomy through Competitiveness; Open to the World, Autonomous; An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves No One Behind; and A long-term budget for an Autonomous Union.
The opening ceremony featured an introduction by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, followed by addresses delivered by Christodoulides, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Among those attending the opening ceremony were Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Iraq President Abdul Latif Rashid; Lebanon President Joseph Aoun, League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi and European Court of Auditors President Tony Murphy.
Raouna, emphasized Cyprus’ resilience, sense of responsibility and commitment to unity, peace and dialogue, highlighting its role as Europe’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean and a unifying force at a pivotal moment for the EU.
“Cyprus embarks on the Presidency journey, with commitment, hard work and the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity, and above all, with the determination to do what Cyprus knows well – to act as a bridge between member states, between institutions, between ambition and delivery, and between Europe and the wider region,” Raouna said.
In his speech, Costa referred to Europe’s commitment to international law, unity, security and support for Ukraine, as well as EU enlargement. He also highlighted Cyprus’ leadership role in strengthening EU unity, supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement, and contributing to regional stability and humanitarian efforts, especially in the Mediterranean and Gaza. “The motto of the Cyprus Presidency could not be more timely – an autonomous Europe, open to the world. Cyprus brings a unique perspective to this task,” Costa said.
“In the Mediterranean, we find the roots of our civilization, and as a Mediterranean island nation at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Cyprus understands the importance of building bridges, fostering dialogue and working toward inclusive European solutions,” Costa added.
For her part, Von der Leyen praised Cyprus as a successful and forward-looking European country that uniquely blends history, culture and innovation, highlighting its thriving economy and fast-growing tech and AI sector. She also commended Cyprus’ authority and leadership, shown through solidarity, humanitarian action and regional security contributions. “Cyprus brings to its Presidency a unique moral authority,” von der Leyen noted in her speech.
“As a country at the crossroads of continents, cultures and crises, Cyprus understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighborhood; the urgency of security in an uncertain world; and the enduring value of international law,” the Commission President said.
Focus on Ukraine
The Cyprus presidency comes at a time of geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the support his country receives from the EU, highlighting the importance of Cyprus’ solidarity and leadership in supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement and contributing to Europe’s stability, security and unity.
Wishing Cyprus a successful Presidency, Zelenskyy expressed hope that “during these months, Europe will become stronger, and that people across our continent will feel that tomorrow can be safer, more stable and better than today.”
“I deeply believe that together, we can help deliver one of the most important guarantees of peace and security for our nation and for the whole of Europe – Ukraine’s membership in the EU,” Ukraine’s President said.
Even so, nobody has forgotten Cyprus’ longstanding ties to Russia and the large colony of Russian expatriates working in Cyprus, many of whom obtained questionable “Golden Visas” and extended EU residency rights before the EU forcefully demanded that Cyprus terminate its program, seen as poorly administered, if not worse. Rights already extended to the Russian community were not withdrawn.
A day after the opening ceremony, a video was posted on social media weaving together snippets of key Cyprus political figures and alleging a conspiracy involving illicit campaign funding. AP quoted Cyprus as saying on January 9 it had fallen victim to a malicious disinformation attack painting the country’s leadership as corrupt that “bears all the hallmarks” of previous Russian campaigns against France, Germany and the United States.