Cyprus has announced its detailed plans for when it takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. The country's President, Nikos Christodoulides, presented the agenda alongside the European Parliament's President, Roberta Metsola. They explained that Cyprus wants to strengthen the EU's independence and use its own location to improve cooperation between Europe and nearby regions. The plans were shared exactly one month before the presidency begins, showing two years of careful preparation for this important diplomatic role.
Cyprus will lead during a complicated time of international conflicts. The country plans to use its special position where Europe, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean meet. A key part of their strategy is to host two important informal EU meetings in April 2026. In a significant move, Cyprus has said it will invite Turkish leaders to these meetings, although Turkey will decide for itself whether to attend.
President Christodoulides described his vision for the presidency. He said, "We want a Union that can protect its citizens and interests, defend its borders, and keep its values safe." To achieve this, Cyprus will focus on major EU policies like budget planning, migration, economic competition, and defence cooperation. At the same time, it will try to bring more EU attention to its own long-term issues, such as the division of the island and the illegal trade of historical artifacts.
A major new part of their plan is a cultural programme called "Agora EU." With a huge budget of €8.5 billion, it will replace and expand current EU cultural programmes. The goal is to unite Europeans through shared culture and to fight the illegal trade in cultural goods more effectively.
The European Parliament has expressed its support, with President Metsola stating that the EU is counting on Cyprus's leadership. For six months, Cyprus will be at the center of EU decision-making. This will allow it to influence important topics, from online safety for children to housing costs. Leading the EU will be a challenging task for Cyprus, as it must balance wider European goals with its own regional situation, possibly changing its relationship with Turkey and strengthening the EU's role in a unstable area.