President Nikos Christodoulides held a series of bilateral meetings on Thursday in Copenhagen, on the margins of the European Political Community summit. According to Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, the sessions were requested by partners in view of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in January 2026.
Zelensky meeting: security, guarantees, accession track
Christodoulides met Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to review efforts to end the war, with a focus on security guarantees for Ukraine. Cyprus reaffirmed its support for Kyiv and its commitment to work during its EU presidency to advance Ukraine’s accession negotiations. It was agreed that Christodoulides will visit Ukraine in December.
President of Urkaine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Cyprus for its support and its participation in the Coalition of the Willing for a peace in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy posted on X that together with President of Cyprus they discussed infrastructure projects and defence cooperation.
"We also exchanged views on the efforts needed to achieve peace for Ukraine, the priorities of Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, and coordinated positions for further diplomatic work", he said.
He also thanked Cyprus "for its military and humanitarian support, as well as for its active participation in the Coalition of the Willing to bring a lasting peace in Ukraine closer".
Denmark: budgeting, negotiations and migration
In talks with Denmark’s Prime Minister, the two sides reviewed Danish presidency progress on key files Cyprus will inherit, including elements of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework and ongoing negotiations. They also discussed migration, with Raouna noting that significant Council proposals on returns are currently on the table and will fall to Cyprus to negotiate.
Moldova, Switzerland, Monaco: next steps
Christodoulides met Moldova’s president, who signalled an intention to visit Cyprus in November in the run-up to the presidency. He also met the president of Switzerland, with the Cypriot presidency expected to steer the EU-Switzerland agreements package to completion. A meeting was also held with Prince Albert of Monaco.
CNA
