President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the Cyprus Presidency will work for an “autonomous Union open to the world,” supported by five interconnected pillars: autonomy through security, defense, and readiness; autonomy through competitiveness; an autonomous Union open to the world; an autonomous Union of values for all; and a budget to support an autonomous EU.
He described the day as a milestone, with Cyprus assuming institutional responsibility toward Europe in 10 days from Europe’s southeasternmost point, the last member state under occupation.
The event in Lefkara symbolizes creativity, tradition, and Cyprus’s timeless extroversion.
Security and defense focus
The Presidency will support defense initiatives, implement the White Paper on European Defence, and the Roadmap for Defence Readiness by 2030. It prioritizes transatlantic relations, Euro-NATO cooperation, maritime security strategy, economic security, water resilience, and full implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
Efforts include strengthening democratic principles against disinformation and foreign interference.
Competitiveness and connectivity
Priorities encompass administrative simplification, energy security with alternative supplies, infrastructure interconnectivity, clean technologies, regional connectivity for ports and shipping, digital sovereignty, and reducing external dependencies while cutting emissions sustainably.
Global engagement commitments
Cyprus will enhance EU strategic capabilities, focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, Western Balkans, and Turkey enlargement. It commits to diplomatic, economic, military, energy, and humanitarian support for Ukraine, plus cooperation with Southern/Eastern neighbors, Gulf states, IMEC, GCC, Arab League, US, UK, and like-minded nations.
Values and budget negotiations
The Presidency targets rule of law, affordable housing, anti-poverty strategy, child protection against online bullying, gender equality, anti-discrimination, youth-friendly policies, and mental health. It will advance Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 negotiations for a mature framework by June.
Logo and event details
The official logo, inspired by Lefkara lace with 27 tesserae for member states, was unveiled. Deputy Minister Marilena Rouvas noted over 260 meetings across free Cyprus, 1,500 in Brussels, 30,000 visitors, and 330+ files, aiming for realistic ambitious results.
Also read: “Autonomous Union open to the world” Presidency motto, says Christodoulides
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