The reunification of Cyprus remains an “absolute priority” for the European Union, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her speech at the official opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Commission President said that the EU “will do everything in its power to ensure the success of the United Nations-led process,” expressing hope that 2026 could bring “renewed momentum towards a reunited Cyprus”.

She recalled her decision to appoint former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, underlining the importance Brussels attaches to this issue.

“We meet in a country where the promise of reunification awaits fulfillment,” von der Leyen said.

She also noted that few places in the European Union understand so clearly what it means to live with the consequences of division – and at the same time refuse to let division determine the future.

“That is why it is so fitting that Cyprus is taking over the EU Presidency at this time. The European Union itself was born out of conflict,” she said, adding that the EU is not perfect, but it is a promise: that cooperation is stronger than confrontation and that law is stronger than violence.

“Principles that apply not only to our European Union, but equally to Greenland,” he said, adding that Cyprus gives its Presidency a unique moral authority.

“As a country at the crossroads of continents, civilizations and crises, Cyprus understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighbourhood, the urgent need for security in an uncertain world and the timeless value of international law.”

The Commission President described Cyprus as a country that embodies “the best that Europe has to offer”, combining tradition with innovation and drawing strength “from our history as we shape the future”.

Referring to Nicosia as one of the fastest growing tech startup hubs in Europe, she noted that innovators in the field of artificial intelligence are developing the technologies of tomorrow “in the shadow of Byzantine churches.”

Addressing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, she reiterated his call for a Europe “united in purpose and founded on solidarity”, underlining the leading role of Cyprus in the region.

She spoke about their recent visit to the port of Larnaca, highlighting Cyprus’ role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the courage of Cypriot firefighters.

“With the creation of a regional firefighting hub, Cyprus will play an even greater role in the coming years. We see this through your experience as a frontline member state. And we see it clearly in the central priority of your Presidency – to build a safer and more independent Europe,” von der Leyen said.

She also stressed that Europe’s security starts with Ukraine, reiterating that “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security”, and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace, as well as to Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

Concluding her speech, von der Leyen invoked Zeno of Citium, the Cypriot founder of Stoic philosophy, describing a philosophy based on wisdom, justice and courage.

“Stoicism teaches us not to fear challenges, but to face them with clarity and determination,” he said, adding that this is what Cyprus has done throughout its history – and this is what Europe must now do collectively.

She congratulated Cyprus on assuming the Presidency of the Council and closed with the words: “Long live Europe.”

Christoulides

For his part, Christodoulides, during his speech, emphasized that the goal of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is a European Union that combines its strategic autonomy with its international extroversion, defending its interests and citizens, while at the same time functioning as a force for peace, stability and development.

He underlined that Cyprus, located at the crossroads of three continents and in a region full of challenges, will continue to function as a reliable bridge between the European Union and the wider region, promoting dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding, “always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem”.

He also stated that the Cyprus Presidency will work for this Europe on behalf of the 27 member states and the 450 million citizens of the EU, noting that the more united, reliable and outgoing the Union is, the more security, stability and perspective it will offer its citizens, with the ultimate goal of “more European integration and more Europe through an autonomous Union, open to the world”.

He expressed his joy at welcoming the guests of the ceremony to the “southeasternmost tip of Europe.”

“Here, in the last occupied capital of our continent. In a city that embodies the stakes of Peace, Security and European Integration,” he said.

He also expressed feelings of pride and responsibility, “because the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is not just an institutional milestone. It is a collective, national mission, which we undertake with full awareness of its importance.”

He spoke of taking responsibility towards Europe, its citizens, its children, future generations and the future, which Cyprus proudly assumes.

“And Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus, can and is fully prepared to lead with determination,” Christoulides stated.

He also stated that Cyprus’ clear vision for the next six months is to translate the EU’s vision and strategic goals into practice. To contribute in an absolutely positive way, as an honest mediator, to ensuring institutional cohesion and to promoting proposals and initiatives that will strengthen the European unification process.

“Let us build together – with a high sense of responsibility, pride and faith in the European edifice – the future of the EU,” he said, adding:

“The Republic of Cyprus, as a member of a strong family of 27 states and almost half a billion citizens, has an even stronger voice, further expanding its diplomatic footprint.”

This, he noted, is a very important advantage for all member states and especially for a small and occupied country like Cyprus, which, while progressing, developing and advancing, is constantly fighting for security, reunification and peace.

At the same time, he continued, as a member state of the European Union, it has managed to overcome serious crises and successfully face many challenges, such as the economic crisis of the previous decade and, more recently, the pandemic.

It is in this context, he noted, that Cyprus provides its unwavering political, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine, defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

“A policy that, as I have repeatedly pointed out, will continue and be strengthened during our Presidency, because, quite simply, Cyprus knows firsthand what invasion and occupation mean, what refugees, missing persons, and the violation of basic human rights mean,” he said.

Christodoulides also pointed out that only if the EU member states are together, united in their diversity, sharing common principles and values, can we not only survive, but also become protagonists in today’s international environment.

“Moreover, the multitude and complexity of the challenges clearly highlight the need for more and stronger Europe,” he said.

He noted that Cyprus deeply understands the importance of the unifying power of the European Union and is substantially investing in the Union, in the great effort it is making for its liberation and reunification.

He also expressed the strong belief that the current environment of geopolitical uncertainty is an opportunity for the European Union to emerge even stronger, even safer, even more united and even more strategically autonomous.