The Cyprus EU Presidency will be in focus as President Nikos Christodoulides travels to Brussels today for the European Council meeting, where he will also hold a bilateral meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa.
The summit marks the final European Council meeting taking place during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union. President Christodoulides is expected to present an overview of the work carried out during the Cyprus EU Presidency and highlight progress made on several European priorities.
Bilateral meetings and cultural events
At midday, President Christodoulides will meet Antonio Costa before attending and delivering remarks at the opening of the exhibition “CYPRUS ISLAND – History, Memory, Reality”, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus.
He will then participate in the European People’s Party summit held ahead of the European Council meeting.
Before the official start of the European Council proceedings, the President will take part in the signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration titled “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe”, together with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Focus on priorities for 2026
President Christodoulides, together with Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, will also review progress on legislative priorities for 2026 as well as the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap signed in Cyprus in April.
At the opening of the European Council discussions, the President will present an assessment of the Cyprus EU Presidency, outlining achievements and progress made through what the Presidency described as a consistent and effective approach.
Discussions on Ukraine and migration
Following the presentation, President Christodoulides will participate in discussions on Ukraine and later attend a working dinner of EU leaders focused on competitiveness.
On Friday, 19 June, he will take part in a meeting of like-minded leaders on migration before joining further European Council discussions, where he will present progress achieved during the Cyprus EU Presidency regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework.
EU leaders will also hold a working lunch focusing on developments in the Middle East.
The European Council agenda also includes defence matters, combating drug trafficking, migration and other issues of common European interest.
Before departing Brussels on Friday, President Christodoulides will hold a joint press conference with Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen.
The President will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Government Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and other officials.
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