With the Republic of Cyprus having assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2026, the official opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) invited the audience to embark on a cultural journey where the past, present and future came together in harmony.
The unique ceremony, hosted at the Cyprus Theatre Organisation’s (THOC) Main Stage and organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, paid tribute to the island’s history and traditions while also recognising the Republic of Cyprus’ essential role in shaping the European edifice over its twenty-two years of EU membership, sealing its dynamic presence as an active and reliable member state.
The opening ceremony featured an introduction by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, followed by addresses delivered by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the European Council, Mr António Luís Santos da Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Ukraine, Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Welcoming the guests, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms Marilena Raouna, emphasised Cyprus’ resilience, sense of responsibility and commitment to unity, peace and dialogue, highlighting its role as Europe’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean and a unifying force at a pivotal moment for the EU.
“Cyprus embarks on the Presidency journey, with commitment, hard work and the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity, and above all, with the determination to do what Cyprus knows well – to act as a bridge between member states, between institutions, between ambition and delivery, and between Europe and the wider region.”
Marilena Raouna
Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
In his address, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, inter alia, said that the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU is a collective national mission for the Republic of Cyprus, undertaken with a sense of pride and responsibility, as well as a clear vision and aim to contribute as an honest broker to institutional cohesion and the reinforcement of the unification process.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus underlined that only through unity, respect for diversity and shared values can member states effectively address today’s challenges, emphasising that the current geopolitical environment offers an opportunity for stronger, more secure, united and autonomous Europe. Cyprus, he added, due to its geostrategic location, will continue to serve as a reliable bridge for dialogue and cooperation in the wider region.
“This will also be the objective of our presidency: a EU that combines its strategic autonomy with its international openness. A Union that can defend its interests and its citizens while also acting as a force for peace, stability and growth. A Union that boldly supports multilateralism and the rule of international law.”
Nikos Christodoulides
President of the Republic of Cyprus
The President of the European Council, Mr António Luís Santos da Costa, referred to Europe’s commitment to international law, unity, security and support for Ukraine, as well as EU enlargement. He also highlighted Cyprus’ leadership role in strengthening EU unity, supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement, and contributing to regional stability and humanitarian efforts, especially in the Mediterranean and Gaza.
António Costa
President of the European Council
The President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, praised Cyprus as a successful and forward-looking European country that uniquely blends history, culture and innovation, highlighting its thriving economy and fast-growing tech and AI sector. She also commended Cyprus’ authority and leadership, shown through solidarity, humanitarian action and regional security contributions.
“Cyprus brings to its Presidency a unique moral authority. As a country at the crossroads of continents, cultures and crises, Cyprus understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighbourhood; the urgency of security in an uncertain world; and the enduring value of international law.”
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
The President of Ukraine, Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed appreciation for the support his country receives from the EU, highlighting the importance of Cyprus’ solidarity and leadership in supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement and contributing to Europe’s stability, security and unity.
“I wish you a successful Presidency. I truly hope that during these months, Europe will become stronger, and that people across our continent will feel that tomorrow can be safer, more stable and better than today. I also deeply believe that together, we can help deliver one of the most important guarantees of peace and security for our nation and for the whole of Europe – Ukraine’s membership in the EU.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
The spirit of Cyprus takes centre stage
Using the language of art, Art Director Kostas Silvestros and his team wove together history and tradition with contemporary artistic techniques to recreate the spirit of Cyprus.
The ceremony unfolded in three acts. The first act revisited the experiences that have shaped our culture and the course of our people. The second act presented modern-day Cyprus as an active and vibrant EU member state that serves as a bridge between Europe and the wider region. Despite still grappling with the dire consequences of Turkey’s invasion and the illegal occupation of part of its territory, Cyprus consistently contributes to a stronger, more secure and autonomous European Union. The final act looked to the future, conveying a vision of a united Cyprus that continues to inspire and to be inspired.
Praising the unifying power of the EU
Each act drew inspiration from the work of a Cypriot artist. This served as both a starting point and a symbol. Younger and experienced creators acted as carriers of memory and hope, connecting eras and generations, crafting an engaging narrative about the island and its people who continue to move forward with dignity despite adversity and enduring wounds. In doing so, they uphold the values of freedom, democracy and peace.
During the ceremony, art in all its forms – music, dance and poetry – emerged as a unifying force and a symbol of hope, mirroring how Cyprus looks to the European Union as a unifying force in its efforts towards reunification.
A distinguished audience from Cyprus and abroad attended the ceremony, including foreign leaders, heads of European institutions and regional organisations, members of the European Parliament, senior government officials, as well as prominent figures from the country’s political, business and social life.
Those in attendance included the President of the European Court of Auditors, Mr Tony Murphy; the President of Moldova, Ms Maia Sandu; the President of Iraq, Mr Abdul Latif Rashid; the President of Lebanon, Mr Joseph Aoun; the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit; and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.
(MS/GS)