Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union is helping to strengthen European strategic autonomy and advance key EU priorities, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said during Europe Day celebrations held on Friday at the EU House in Nicosia.
Representatives of European institutions in Cyprus also reiterated the European Union’s commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, in full compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the principles, values and legislation of the EU.
Geopolitical tension
In her address, Raouna said this year’s Europe Day coincides with Cyprus holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, describing it as “an institutional duty - but above all an honour - undertaken by every member state every 14 years”.
“For six months, for 181 days, the heart of Europe beats from its south-easternmost member state, the last EU member state still under occupation,” she said.
She added that Cyprus was carrying out its responsibilities at a time of heightened uncertainty and geopolitical tension, following more than two years of preparation by the government and President Nikos Christodoulides.
Raouna said the vision of the Cypriot Presidency, summarised in the slogan “An Autonomous Union, Open to the World”, reflected the growing need for deeper European integration and stronger strategic autonomy.
EU strategic autonomy
“At this defining moment of geopolitical shifts, unpredictable developments and attempts to undermine international legality, there is an opportunity for decisions that otherwise might never have been taken,” she said, referring to efforts to complete the single market, strengthen the Energy Union and Health Union, reinforce defence cooperation and boost Europe’s digital sovereignty.
She said strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy was central to the Presidency’s agenda and ran through all five of its priority pillars.
Referring to last month’s informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, Ms Raouna said discussions focused on Europe’s response to regional conflicts, energy prices, implementation of Article 42.7 on mutual assistance, and the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
She also highlighted a regional meeting hosted by Cyprus bringing together EU member states and neighbouring leaders to discuss cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“The message is clear - this is our neighbourhood, the EU’s neighbourhood, and it is vital for European stability, security and competitiveness,” she said.
Solving the Cyprus problem
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Raouna said European integration would never be truly complete until Cyprus, “the last divided and occupied EU member state”, is reunified in line with international law and the EU acquis.
Commissioner Kadis said Europe Day provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the origins of the European Union, but also to assess where Europe stands today in an increasingly demanding global environment.
He said the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean remained especially significant, adding that Cyprus continued to suffer the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the island’s ongoing division.
“This is a European issue directly concerning sovereignty, security and respect for international law,” he said.
Kadis reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem and support for efforts by the Republic of Cyprus and President Christodoulides to resume meaningful negotiations aimed at reunification.
“A reunified Cyprus would contribute significantly to stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and to European security overall,” he added.
Defence and coordination
He also stressed the EU’s increasing focus on strengthening defence capabilities, economic resilience and social cohesion through investment in innovation, strategic sectors and supply chain security.
Referring to Cyprus’s EU presidency, Kadis said the country had already demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and effectiveness in managing complex European discussions and promoting key priorities.
He also highlighted the maritime dimension of EU policy, noting that the bloc had recently adopted the European Ocean Pact to strengthen ocean governance, improve coordination and ensure sustainability remained central to fisheries management.
Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus Panicos Pourgourides said Cyprus’s presidency represented “an important moment not only for Cyprus, but also for the wider European family”.
He described Cyprus as Europe’s bridge to the Eastern Mediterranean and praised the contribution of Cypriot officials to European institutions over the years.
Opportunities and the future
On the Cyprus issue, Pourgourides reiterated that the EU remained firmly committed to reunification in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles.
“The EU is ready to actively support the process so that all Cypriots can once again live together in peace, security and prosperity,” he said.
Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus Thea Pieridou said this year’s Europe Day served as a reminder of why the European project was created in the first place.
She said the EU had a crucial role to play in responding to geopolitical changes affecting security, energy and the economy, while promoting peace, stability and cooperation.
Pieridou praised the Cypriot Presidency for helping steer discussions on key European priorities and ensuring coordination at a critical moment for the bloc.
Looking ahead, she said Europe faced major challenges including the cost of living, rising energy prices, employment, housing, security and defence.
“These are the areas where citizens expect results from the European Union,” she said.
She added that Europe must remain “a project people feel connected to - a Europe that protects, creates opportunities and allows citizens to look to the future with confidence and pride”.
CNA
