Cyprus has just taken over the rotating EU presidency for the second time, but the world has changed since it last held the 6-month role in 2012.
Taking the baton from Denmark, for the next six months Cypriot representatives will chair ministerial meetings and mediate in disputes between EU countries.
Europe now “faces new and unprecedented challenges arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, in a rapidly changing global environment and with increasing instability,” said Erato Kozakou-Markoulis, Cypriot foreign minister back in 2012.
However, “Europe does not give in to crises, it does not fear challenges. On the contrary, it welcomes them as opportunities and evolves,” Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said in a ceremony on December 21, where the programme and priorities of the presidency were presented.
Christodoulides was the spokesman for the first Cypriot presidency in 2012.
In order to achieve “a Union that can stand strong, stable, and secure”, the Cypriot presidency has come up with five main pillars: security, competitiveness, enlargement, autonomy and fiscal balance, according to Christodoulides.
The overarching buzzword is autonomy, in line with Nicosia’s motto: “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.”
The emblem for the next six months features traditional Cypriot embroidery representing the Mediterranean sun.
“The heart of the logo is the idea of thread: fragile on its own, but strong and cohesive when woven with others. It is a metaphor for the strength that comes from unity,” according to the Cypriot government.
Security remains top priority
Christodoulides said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated in the “clearest possible way” the need to strengthen the European security architecture and defence readiness. “Support to Ukraine will remain the main priority of the Cypriot presidency,” he added.
Right from the start, Cyprus wants to make progress on financial support for Kiev, building on the outcome of last month’s EU summit, where the European Union agreed on a €90-billion ($105.4 billion) loan to Ukraine.
On February 14, the four-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Cypriot presidency hopes to approve a further package of sanctions against Russia, making it the 20th.
The Cypriot vision is of a strong European Union that protects its borders and strategic interests while building partnerships and alliances based on democratic values and respect for international law.
The Cypriot presidency promises to swiftly implement last year’s White Paper on Defence – a framework to boost defence investments – as well as moving forward with all key defence initiatives, including the SAFE (Security Action For Europe) financial instrument and the EDIP (European Defence Industry Programme).
Cyprus considers security a “broad, comprehensive and multi-layered concept” that goes beyond strengthening defence – also prioritizing the “effective management” of migration, for example.
The EU’s Pact for Migration and Asylum will enter into force on June 12, promising better management of migration, more effective controls and faster returns of failed asylum seekers.
Three other migration regulations are in the process of being approved: the Return Regulation, the Safe Third Country Regulation and the Safe Country of Origin Regulation, paving the way for the expulsion of migrants who have no right to stay in the EU.
Staying connected and competitive
Cyprus’ strategic location has driven another priority: the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, an initiative aimed at deepening cooperation and reinforcing relations with the EU’s southern Mediterranean partners.
Christodulides intends to present the key projects at an informal April summit in Cyprus. Participants are expected to include the 10 leaders of the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood partners, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan.
The island of Cyprus is divided into a southern part governed by Greek Cypriots and a northern part governed by Turkish Cypriots which unilaterally declared independence in 1983 and is only recognized by Turkey.
A further Cypriot priority is to strengthen EU relations with regional organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States, part of Nicosia’s efforts to reinforce the bloc’s ties with its partners in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean.
This includes Cyprus’ own border agreement with Lebanon: In November, the two countries signed a deal demarcating their exclusive economic zones, with a view to opening up commerce in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Overall, Cyprus wants to make the most of its position: strategic not only for migration flows and for regional relations, but also as a potential energy hub at a time when the EU is finalizing the replacement of Russian gas and oil.
Connectivity, particularly for islands and peripheral regions, is likewise a cornerstone of the Ports and Industrial Maritime Strategies that the Cypriot presidency will promote.
EU enlargement for peace
Nicosia is in favour of enlargement as a means to expand the realms of peace, democracy, security and stability.
It highlights the transformative power of enlargement in candidate countries that are committed to reform and to resolving long-standing neighbourhood disputes based on European law, values and principles.
Christodulides mentioned Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans in particular, underlining the commitment of the Cypriot presidency to tangible progress in these countries’ accession processes.
However, Ukraine’s membership aspirations are at a deadlock, with Hungary blocking any progress in negotiations. Under EU rules, each stage of the accession process must be supported by all 27 EU countries.
Long-term budget challenge
One headache that risks overshadowing the Cypriot presidency is the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028-2034. Denmark drew up the first draft under its presidency, leaving Cyprus to make significant progress in reaching a compromise.
The seven-year budget covers all of the EU’s core spending, from farm subsidies and cohesion funds for less developed regions, to building transport infrastructure and supporting developing countries outside the bloc.
European Council President António Costa intends to reach an agreement on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) by the end of 2026. This timeline is key to ensuring continuity in EU funding programmes, Costa said recently.
Nicosia’s aim is to arrive at a negotiating position by the end of June, when its presidency ends – although the approval of the MFF is set to be challenging.
The European Commission’s initial proposal was immediately criticized by the European Parliament, especially given plans to merge funds for farmers and regions – which make up around half of the total EU budget – into single funds managed by the bloc’s 27 capitals.
Under the current system, regions play a key role in managing funding.
Two years of intensive negotiations are expected.
Other priorities for the next six months include strengthening the rule of law across the EU and implementing the European Affordable Housing Plan, as well as bolstering the EU’s single market and its digital leadership amid global challenges.
The official opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday in Nicosia, or Lefkosia as Greek-speaking Cypriots call the capital.
The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, CTK, dpa, HINA and TASR as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
The Cypriot Presidency of the European Union sign is hanged at the premises of the EU Headquarters in Brussels. Cyprus has just taken over the rotating EU presidency for the second time. Frederic Sierakowski/EU Council/dpa