As Cyprus embarks on only its second term at the helm of the EU Council Presidency since joining the bloc in 2004, EU institutions and member states welcomed the island state to its six-month leadership role.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted in a post on X that Cyprus’ Presidency begins at a pivotal moment for Europe. Cyprus’ focus on strengthening Europe’s autonomy couldn’t be more important, she said, adding: “I look forward to working together to boost Europe’s preparedness and competitiveness.”
Καλωσόρισες, @CY2026EU!
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 1, 2026
Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency begins at a pivotal moment for Europe.
And so its focus on strengthening Europe’s autonomy couldn’t be more important.
I look forward to working together to boost Europe’s preparedness and competitiveness. pic.twitter.com/2jyFVKqpsd
President of the European Council Antonio Costa, in his own post on X, said he looked forward to working closely with President Nikos Christodoulides “in the upcoming six months for a resilient and stronger Europe”.
In her own post, written in Greek, President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, expressed her “warmest wishes” to Christodoulides, adding: “I am confident that, under your leadership, Europe can continue to develop as an autonomous Union, open to the world.”
The European Parliament’ own X account focused on food in its post, hailing the national delights of the previous holder of the EU Presidency, Denmark, and its successor Cyprus. In reference to Denmark’s famed roast pork and to Cyprus’ own squeaky cheese, it wrote: “Farewell flæskesteg and hello halloumi!”
Farewell flæskesteg and hello halloumi!
— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) December 29, 2025
From 1 January, Cyprus takes over the presidency of the Council of the EU for 6 months.
Learn more: https://t.co/cQZGXq07Mm pic.twitter.com/DLl37FUk7z
Elsewhere, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed President Christodoulides, saying that together, "we will work towards a financially strong Europe, European competitiveness, and reducing bureaucracy".
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said: “Let’s work together to strengthen Europe’s security and defence, maintain unwavering support for Ukraine, boost the EU’s competitiveness, and make tangible progress on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.”
Geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability
Building on its logo, “an Autonomous Union, Open to the World,” President Christodoulides marked the launch of Cyprus’ EU Presidency in a video message, where he noted that it takes place at a moment of profound transformation.
"Against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability, the choices we make now will shape our Union's future. The Cyprus Presidency rises to this moment with a clear vision. A Europe that can stand strong, stable and secure. An autonomous Union open to the world," he said.
He added that Cyprus will work as “honest brokers” to strengthen Europe's defence and security which includes “water security, maritime security and addressing migration in a comprehensive way but also enhancing the Union's crisis preparedness."
Cyprus aims to prioritise the EU’s competitiveness in the coming six-month period, working to cut red tape, and create better conditions for small-and-medium-sized businesses and innovators to thrive.
According to Christodoulides, Cyprus will work to engage Europe with the wider world, seeking to strengthen partnerships with the EU’s Southern neighbourhood and the Gulf, and expand the network of trade agreements.
Other priorities include enlargement, and social cohesion with a focus on affordable housing and the protection of children online, he said.