The Informal European Council gets underway on Thursday evening at Ayia Napa Marina, marking the first such meeting under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
President Nikos Christodoulides will welcome leaders from 24 EU member states, along with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is attending as a guest. Also present will be the President of the European Council António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker are not expected to attend.
Leaders will make statements upon arrival, with a family photo scheduled for 19:15. A consultation session with President Zelenskyy will follow at 19:30, while a working dinner is set for 20:15 and is expected to last around two hours.
Focus on geopolitics and security
Discussions will centre on geopolitical developments and the EU’s response, including its role in de-escalating ongoing crises. Leaders will also address the Union’s preparedness to respond to security challenges, including aspects related to Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which covers the mutual defence clause.
Energy-related impacts will also be high on the agenda, with the European Commission President expected to present proposals on measures to mitigate pressures in the energy sector.
According to the programme, proceedings on the first day are expected to conclude by 23:00.
Strong media presence and tight security
The summit has attracted significant international media interest, with more than 350 journalists already present at the press centre set up at Ayia Napa Marina. On the second day, the Filoxenia Conference Centre is expected to host up to 420 journalists.
Police have implemented heightened security measures and traffic arrangements across Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta districts. Temporary road closures are expected at intervals on both urban roads and motorways linking Nicosia to Larnaca and Larnaca to Ayia Napa.
Authorities have also imposed a strict ban on the use of drones across Cyprus during the two-day event. In addition, a NAVTEX notice has been issued for Ayia Napa Marina from 16:00 to 23:00 on April 23, in coordination with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the Police.
Source: CNA