Together we navigate in turbulent geopolitical waters, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday at a joint press conference with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, stressing that Cyprus, which stands at the crossroads of continents and cultures, has a unique expertise and assets that will matter greatly as we steer our common agenda in the first half of 2026.
The press conference took place after consultations between the College of Commissioners and the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on cooperation during its six-month term. The consultations took place at the new port of Limassol.
President Christodoulides referred to the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency which were discussed at the meeting and include, among others, migration, climate change, the SAFE tool, the Multiannual Financial Framework, Social Cohesion and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The President expressed Cyprus’ readiness for full accession into the Schengen Area this year.
He also said that he briefed the Commission President on the latest developments and efforts to resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue and thanked her for the appointment of former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as her Representative on the Cyprus issue.
The President of the European Commission noted that “Cyprus stands at the crossroads of continents and cultures. This gives Cypriots a unique expertise in dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy. Assets that will matter greatly as you steer our common agenda in the first half of 2026”.
“And as together we navigate in turbulent geopolitical waters, it fits that the theme of your presidency is: “An autonomous Union open to the world.” Concretely this means that together we will be working on 3 key strands that will strengthen our independence. It is: security and defence, competitiveness and decarbonisation, Democracy and partnerships” she stressed.
Responding to a question from CNA about the Commission’s intention to establish a Firefighting Hub based in Cyprus, von der Leyen said that the establishment of this Hub is a priority for the EU and expressed hope that the Hub will be inaugurated during the Cyprus EU Presidency. The Hub will have an operational role and capacity building, she said.
President Christodoulides said that this Regional Hub will be based near the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.
Replying to another question, von der Leyen said that the Mediterranean Action Plan is also a priority for the EU and spoke about the importance of stability in the Middle East region.
Cyprus, she said, is in a unique position and is the best Presidency to promote the Pact for the Mediterranean.
President Christodoulides referred to the EU’s increased interest in the Mediterranean and welcomed the actions in this direction.
(Source: CNA)