Cyprus represents “what is best about Europe,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, as she addressed the opening ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Linking the island’s long-standing division with the Union’s founding principles, von der Leyen stressed that the reunification of Cyprus remains “an absolute priority” for the EU, underscoring that cooperation must prevail over confrontation and law over force. Speaking in Nicosia, she described Cyprus as a country uniquely placed to lead at a time of uncertainty, drawing strength from its history while shaping Europe’s future in solidarity, security and respect for international law.
The reunification of Cyprus remains “an absolute priority” for the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday, linking the island’s long-standing division with broader European principles that apply “equally to Greenland,” as she addressed the opening ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, von der Leyen said the EU “will do all we can to ensure that the UN-led process succeeds,” expressing hope that 2026 could bring “renewed momentum towards a reunified Cyprus.” She recalled her decision to appoint former Commissioner Johannes Hahn as EU Envoy for Cyprus, stressing the importance Brussels attaches to the issue.
“We meet in a country where the promise of reunification awaits to be fulfilled,” she said.
She also said that few places in the European Union understand as clearly what it means to live with the consequences of division – and, at the same time, to refuse to let division define the future.
"That is why it is so fitting that Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency at this moment. The European Union itself was born from conflict", she said. She added that the EU is not perfect, but it is a promise: that cooperation is stronger than confrontation, that law is stronger than force.
"Principles that apply not only to our European Union, but equally to Greenland", she said. She added that 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".
Von der Leyen described Cyprus as a country that embodies “what is best about Europe,” combining tradition with innovation and draw strength “from our history as we shape the future”. Referring to Nicosia as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech start-up hubs, she noted that AI innovators are building the technologies of tomorrow “in the shadow of Byzantine churches.”
Addressing President Nikos Christodoulides, she echoed his call for a Europe “united in purpose and grounded in solidarity,” pointing to Cyprus’s leadership in the region. She referred to their recent visit to the port of Larnaca, highlighting Cyprus’s role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the bravery of Cypriot firefighters.
"And with the creation of a regional firefighting hub, Cyprus will play an even larger role in the years ahead. We see it in your experience as a frontline Member State. And we see it clearly in the central priority of your Presidency – to build a more secure and more independent Europe", she said.
Von der Leyen also stressed that Europe’s security begins with Ukraine, reiterating that “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security,” and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a just and lasting peace, as well as to Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.
"And yesterday’s meeting in Paris was a very significant step in this direction. And we will continue to advance Ukraine’s and Moldova’s path towards our European Union – because a free and prosperous Ukraine and a united and prosperous Moldova belong in the EU", she said.
She also stressed the need for a more competitive Union, linking competitiveness to independence. This, she said, requires cutting unnecessary red tape, completing the Single Market, breaking down barriers between economies and advancing the Savings and Investment Union to unlock financing for Europe’s future.
Concluding her remarks, von der Leyen invoked Zeno of Citium, the Cypriot founder of Stoicism, describing a philosophy rooted in wisdom, justice and courage. “Stoicism teaches us not to fear challenges, but to meet them with clarity and resolve,” she said, adding that this is what Cyprus has done throughout its history — and what Europe must now do together.
She congratulated Cyprus on assuming the Council Presidency and closed with the words: “Long live Europe.”