Nikos Christodoulides called the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union a national mission and top priority. He said this time is key for Europe to aim for more autonomy and deeper integration.
During a dinner on Wednesday night at the Presidential Palace with journalists, he marked the start of the Presidency. The President highlighted that Cyprus joining the European Union is the biggest event in the state’s history since 1960.
Talking about the Cyprus Presidency, he mentioned it’s an effort planned over two years, with dedicated work from the Cabinet. He noted that having just 11 Ministers in the Government allows for quick and team-based participation, led by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs.
The President pointed out that Cyprus’s small size helps its role in the Presidency. It allows the country to move beyond narrow interests and act as a trustworthy mediator, focusing on the shared European agenda.
He also highlighted Cyprus’s location, saying it is the EU member state closest to the Middle East. This gives it a strategic role as a link between Europe and the region, boosting its importance in Europe.
Additionally, he mentioned that Cyprus is the only EU member state under foreign occupation. This helps it understand Ukraine’s challenges better. In this light, he named support for Ukraine as a main focus of the Cyprus Presidency.
President Christodoulides reaffirmed the Government’s strong European and Western direction. He noted that Cyprus is no longer seen as just a ‘single-issue’ member state and actively engages in various European developments.
He also talked about his election in 2023 without backing from the two major parties, calling it a historic first for Cyprus.
On the economy, he shared that growth rates are above 3%, with unemployment below 5% for the first time since 2008. Full employment conditions are present, public debt is under 60%, and there’s room for further cuts in coming years. He reminded everyone that Cyprus has returned to category A by all international rating agencies.
Finally, on migration, he noted that since 2023 arrivals have dropped by over 80%, while returns exceed 60%. He stressed that this issue is no longer a major challenge for the country.
In closing, the President emphasized that the Cyprus Presidency is a chance to build a stronger, more independent, and united European Union.
