There was a very positive response to the Cyprus six point proposal on Gaza, the President disclosed, citing a meeting of the European People's Party which preceded the EU Summit in Brussels and noting that he would be presenting the plan in detail to all counterparts.
'Our Gaza plan was prepared in consultation with the Commission President', he stressed, adding that during the trilateral meeting between Von Der Layen and the European Council President and Egypt, she presented the Cypriot proposals as European proposals.
“What must happen now,” he continued, “is to work so that these proposals are implemented, in combination with other existing initiatives, in order to ensure that the Trump Gaza initiative is put into effect.
The President stressed that if the plan is not implemented and the next phase freezes, one most understand the risks of a new crisis in the region and who will eventually suffer the consequences.
On migration, Christodoulides reiterated the Nicosia position that he EU cannot ignore the broader Middle East, 'a region from which a significant number of migrants originate.'
Russia Sanctions
The 19th package has been adopted, the President confirmed and additionally commenting on the US energy sanctions, he said that proposals have been submitted by EU leaders on how to replace the energy supplies that can no longer be channeled to Europe under US restrictions.
On a possible Trump-Putin meeting (cancelled by Trump for now), Christodoulides remarked that 'Volodymyr Zelenskyy should be present, because the future of his country cannot be discussed without his participation.'
He further underlined that the sanctions introduced thus far have been effective and taking the Ukraine case, alluded to the fact that sanctions should be a one for all, making a comparison with candidate member states, but not naming any names.
"If some countries that want to become members of the European Union were following the sanctions of the European Union all decisions and the sanctions would be much more effective, he said.
Asked whether the occupied terroties voting process was on the agenda of EPP leaders, the President remarked that no such discussion took place on the sidelines of the meeting, but was put in a number of bilaterals with counterparts.
'We all understand that we will be judged at the negotiation table,' he concluded.
Cyprus EU Presidency Priorities
With the major challenge nowless than 70 days away, Christodoulides said that Nicosia will work so that the Mediterranean Pact is transformed from a text into concrete actions for the wider Mediterranean and Middle East region, showing in practice that the EU has both a voice and a role in the region.
He added that the primary Presidency goal is 'to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy in all sectors – defence, security, raw materials, the fight against bureaucracy and the digital transition.'
The President further described housing as a major European challenge and was pleased about its discussion at the Council for the first time.
'We expect the Commission to develop a financial tool that can be utilised by all member states.'