Cyprus has started a new cultural program for its turn leading the European Union in 2026. This plan sees culture as very important. It will help bring EU countries closer together. It will also encourage talking and make people feel more European. The program was shown at a special event at the Presidential Palace. It is a big plan to have a strong cultural voice across Europe.
The Ministry of Culture in Cyprus made this plan. They worked with other government groups. They also talked to Cyprus embassies in Europe. Artists in Cyprus also helped create the program. For the first time, Cyprus has one clear cultural story for its EU presidency. This will help build a special European identity. This choice shows that culture can be used for diplomacy.
Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou is the Deputy Minister of Culture. She explained the main idea. She said that culture is not just for Cyprus. It is a key way to help EU policies work well. It also helps people talk and understand Europe better. The program has five main topics. These will guide all the activities in 2026.
The program will show Cyprus's old and new culture. It will highlight its long history of art. It will also show its modern and creative artists. The plan wants to use culture to build better friendships between EU countries. This program will be very big. It starts with an opening event. Then, there will be many events in thirty-one countries.
This large cultural plan is a big job. It is expected to be one of the largest cultural projects Cyprus has ever done. By making culture important, the program wants to start more conversations. It wants people to feel more connected to Europe. This will make the European Union stronger when Cyprus is in charge. Many groups worked together on this plan.