**Nicosia, Cyprus** – As the calendar turns to January 2026, the Republic of Cyprus is poised to assume its second rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a significant undertaking that will see President Nikos Christodoulides and his administration steering the bloc's legislative agenda for a six-month term. This period of responsibility, following its previous tenure in 2012, places Cyprus at the helm of crucial EU discussions, particularly within the increasingly prominent defence and security spheres.
The Cypriot presidency forms part of a "Trio" with Poland and Denmark, a collaborative framework designed to ensure continuity and coherence in the EU's policy direction. During its stewardship, Cyprus will preside over ministerial meetings, shepherd complex defence-related files, and host a substantial number of official gatherings, estimated at around 260, including high-profile events and informal ministerial councils. The nation’s core priorities are articulated around fostering "autonomy through security, defence readiness and preparedness," alongside enhancing "autonomy through competitiveness" and championing "an autonomous union of values that leaves no-one behind."
The timing of Cyprus's presidency is particularly salient, occurring against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, notably Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has propelled defence cooperation to the forefront of the EU's strategic imperatives. This intensified focus on security is expected to cast a spotlight on existing bilateral issues that could potentially impact collaborative defence initiatives.
A considerable challenge facing the Cypriot presidency relates to the protracted dispute between Cyprus and Turkey. Currently, Cyprus and Greece maintain objections to Turkey's involvement in the European Defence Agency and its participation in the SAFE defence procurement programme. These reservations stem from Turkey's military presence in the northern part of the island, a complex issue that could create friction as the EU seeks to bolster its defence capabilities and foster greater interoperability amongst member states and partners.
President Christodoulides has articulated a clear vision for the presidency, stating, "From tomorrow and for six months, our homeland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is undoubtedly a moment of pride, a national mission, a huge responsibility to which I am certain we will respond successfully." He further expressed an ambition to "give new momentum to the European edifice and contribute substantially to the next step in our common journey."
Beyond managing the day-to-day responsibilities of chairing meetings and representing the Council in its interactions with other EU institutions, Cyprus aims to leverage its presidency to explore avenues for improved relations with Turkey. One proposed strategy involves advocating for Turkey's engagement in NATO's Partnership for Peace initiative, potentially as a precursor to eventual NATO membership. This overture could be linked to a gradual de-escalation of Cyprus's objections to closer EU-Turkey cooperation, suggesting a delicate balancing act between national interests and broader European strategic objectives.
The success of the Cypriot presidency will undoubtedly be measured by its organisational prowess and its ability to navigate the intricate political landscape. The government has expressed confidence, citing favourable domestic conditions such as robust economic growth, full employment, negligible inflation, and a reduced public debt. Furthermore, significant domestic reforms in areas like taxation, education, transparency, and accountability are highlighted as bolstering the nation's capacity to undertake this significant European role. The coming months will reveal the extent to which Cyprus can effectively steer the EU's agenda whilst addressing the inherent complexities of its geopolitical position.