The official launch of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union is on Wednesday afternoon in Nicosia. It will take place at the Central Stage of the Cyprus Theatre Organization, with many international guests and a lot of significance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend. State leaders, government officials, and representatives from international organizations will also be there. President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides called the start of the Presidency “a moment of pride for Cyprus.” He noted that, despite challenges, Cyprus will meet its European obligations.
Guests include European Court of Auditors President Tony Murphy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Secretaries-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will send ministers.
The ceremony has two parts: the first part includes official speeches. The second part features an artistic performance directed by Kostas Silvestros. The performance is called “MEMORY – PRESENT – META” and has three acts. It mixes music, dance, theater, poetry, imagery, and digital tech to tell Cyprus’s story and its role in European culture.
You can watch the ceremony live on RIK1, RIK HD, and EBS. Afterward, the President will host an official dinner at the Leventis Gallery for heads of the 14 official delegations.
Alongside the ceremony, President Christodoulides will meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky, European Council President Costa, and European Commission President von der Leyen. He will also have talks with Antonio Costa to discuss European priorities for the Presidency. A meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky will focus on supporting Ukraine and international law. Additionally, there will be a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about regional stability. The President will also receive Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum during his engagements.
