Arriving Thursday morning at the last European Council before Cyprus Presidency, President Nikos Christodoulides stated “it’s time for decisions on all issues,” noting Ukraine will dominate discussions. He expressed hope “tonight we emerge even more united.”
Cyprus stands fully ready to assume Presidency, outlining three key goals: strategic autonomy, EU engagement with wider Middle East, and responses to major citizen challenges.
Three presidency priorities outlined
“To strengthen EU strategic autonomy. All issues discussed today at European Council will carry over into Cyprus Presidency, aiming precisely to bolster this autonomy,” he emphasized.
“Second, bring EU substantially closer to regional countries in wider Middle East.
Third, provide answers to major daily challenges facing Europeans like housing, energy costs, and all affecting their lives,” the President noted.
Ukraine aid dominates discussions
Christodoulides assessed Council as very significant, with Ukraine’s necessary economic support dominating to counter Russian invasion challenges. “We want to ensure, as discussed previously in European People’s Party, that any EU economic aid, especially for Ukraine defense and security, cannot be spent in countries occupying European territory or threatening EU members.”
On Belgium concerns: “First, we’re not here to corner Belgium or any country. We’re here, based on our discussions and consensus, to reach agreement. I fully understand and share any legitimate concerns of Belgium or others.”
Welcomes enlargement conclusions
He welcomed enlargement conclusions: “Significant that Council welcomes Mr. Hann appointment as President’s Personal Envoy, looks forward to cooperation.” This goal, set from first day of governance, was seen as utopian in Cyprus.
“Pleased not only appointment achieved, but Council first speaks of need for cooperation with Hann, and EU after several efforts seeks leading role in restarting talks.”
Positive references to Turkey & migration
On Turkey conclusions: “Important references to Cyprus solution basis. Significant mention of enclosed Famagusta area resolutions. Gives us basis to push further, especially on enclosed Famagusta.”
He also welcomed Commission President’s letter on migration with two specific Cyprus mentions: progress toward full Schengen membership as political goal, and significant Cyprus actions on returns.
Cyprus migration model success
“Want to note Cyprus increased returns over 60%, while reducing inflows over 80%. The model we use in Cyprus was requested by several member states to share due to very positive results,” he added, hoping for productive Council. “Time for decisions on all issues, Ukraine dominates, hope we emerge more united tonight.”
On sanctions: “As mentioned at EPP Summit, imposing sanctions is a powerful EU tool. Must ensure full effectiveness, addressing countries circumventing sanctions, to discuss during Ukraine talks.”
Enlargement as Presidency priority
“Enlargement priority for Cyprus Republic. EU has political tool we’ve unfortunately lost. Presented plan last night to leaders for substantive progress, not words. Specifically for Montenegro, consider progress achieved. Presented plan, goal substantive progress.”
“Must deliver results. Enlargement in EU political spectrum, must do much more. Must succeed.”
Asked about Moldova, President Christodoulides stated: “We discussed how we can give a major boost to Moldova’s accession process. The President of Moldova, the people of Moldova, they did what was required of them. It is now our responsibility to succeed.”
Farmers protests, MFF challenge
On EU farmers protests and leadership meeting: “Issue arises every budget discussion, today first substantive Multiannual Financial Framework of EU (MFF) talk triggers farmer reactions.”
“MFF must reflect current EU priorities – defense, security, migration, competitiveness – but also longstanding policies supporting key sectors like primary sector, agricultural policy needing strengthening.”
As on agenda, “first MFF discussion today, biggest challenge ahead. As Presidency, target political agreement by end-2026, hope we achieve.”
Also read: Turkish press sees “anti-Turkey schemes” among Greece-Israel
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