President of the European Council<\/strong><\/p>\nThe 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\u2019 authority and leadership, shown through solidarity, humanitarian action and regional security contributions.<\/p>\n
\u201cCyprus 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ursula von der Leyen<\/strong>
President of the European Commission<\/strong><\/p>\nThe President of Ukraine, Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed appreciation for the support his country receives from the EU, highlighting the importance of Cyprus\u2019 solidarity and leadership in supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement and contributing to Europe\u2019s stability, security and unity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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 \u2013 Ukraine\u2019s membership in the EU.\u201d<\/p>\n
Volodymyr Zelenskyy<\/strong>
President of Ukraine<\/strong><\/p>\nThe spirit of Cyprus takes centre stage<\/strong><\/p>\nUsing 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Praising the unifying power of the EU<\/strong><\/p>\nEach 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.<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, art in all its forms \u2013 music, dance and poetry \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s political, business and social life.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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