President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides has called on the European Union to align with US President Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy, saying the move would help bolster ties with Washington and maintain the EU’s influence as a global power.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Christodoulides- whose country assumes the EU’s rotating presidency in January- said Cyprus could act as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East by leveraging its strong relations with Arab and North African states.
“The Middle East is a point of convergence with Trump and the US. At present, we have no clear common ground with Washington. We must find a way to cooperate,” the president said. “Some European leaders disagree with Trump, but that’s not the point. He is the president of the United States. We must work with him.”
‘Trump has shown interest in the Middle East’
Christodoulides noted that Donald Trump’s return to the White House signalled renewed American engagement and a strategy in the Middle East after years of perceived withdrawal. “At least we see interest from Trump. When the Iran–Israel crisis broke out, he was the one who resolved it. And now, with Gaza, he has presented a plan- not perfect, but tangible,” he said.
The statement comes as the EU continues to face internal divisions over its stance on the Gaza war, its policy towards Iran, and the future of Syria.
Cyprus as a hub of stability and mediation
The president stressed that Cyprus possesses unique regional partnerships that can benefit the EU. He cited the Amalthea Plan- Cyprus’s maritime initiative for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza- as a prime example of cooperation supported by the US, the UAE, and the European Commission.
“The region doesn’t need more joint statements. It needs action,” Christodoulides said, referring also to the Greece–Cyprus–Israel electricity interconnection project and development initiatives with India under the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC).
Ukraine remains a priority
Asked whether Europe’s focus on the Mediterranean could weaken its support for Kyiv, Christodoulides made clear that Ukraine will remain a top priority.
“We must be able to address both Ukraine and the Middle East simultaneously. Otherwise, we cannot call ourselves a global power,” he said.
Christodoulides also revealed plans to visit Kyiv on 4 December, adding that Cyprus’s EU presidency would prioritise advancing Ukraine’s accession process.
“We fully understand Ukraine’s situation. What Russia is doing there, we have also experienced in Cyprus,” he added, referencing the 1974 Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of the island’s north.
A Europe with a role and presence
As Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the EU in January, Christodoulides said his government’s goal is to ensure Europe plays an active role on key regional issues – from Gaza and Syria to energy interconnectivity and migration.
“Europe must remain a player, not a spectator,” the president concluded.
Also read: US Senate passes funding bill as historic shutdown nears likely end
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
