The Municipality of Nicosia invites the public and the media to attend a special civic event titled “Nicosia welcomes the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union”.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, 23 January 2026, at 18:00, on the bridge of Eleftheria Square, celebrating the beginning of Cyprus’s term at the helm of theCouncil of the European Union. Arrival is scheduled for 17:45, with the programme lasting approximately 60 minutes.
Venue and access
The event will be held at the Eleftheria Square bridge in central Nicosia. Public parking will be available at the Omirou Municipal Parking and Davila Parking areas.
Programme highlights
Welcome address by the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos
Address by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna
“The European identity of Nicosia” – first-ever 3D mapping projection on the city walls
Musical programme by the Brass Ensemble of the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Giorgos Kountouris
Guided tour of the exhibition “Medieval Nicosia” by the Press and Information Office, hosted at the Old Town Hall
Reception at the courtyard of the Old Town Hall (rear area), under a large covered tent
Museums open to the public
As part of the celebrations, Nicosia’s museums will remain open from 18:00 to 22:00, offering free admission to visitors throughout the evening.
The event forms part of the city’s broader programme marking Cyprus’s assumption of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, placing Nicosia’s European identity, history and contemporary cultural life at the centre of public space.