The Cyprus EU Presidency was described as one of the most substantial and productive of recent years, as President Nikos Christodoulides praised the six-month term during the official closing ceremony held at the “Filoxenia” Conference Centre.
The President announced that the government will retain the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs and the specialised EU units within ministries to preserve the expertise gained during the Presidency period.
He said the Cyprus EU Presidency exceeded expectations, crediting months of preparation, coordination and the collective effort of public servants, volunteers and state institutions.
Cyprus strengthens role within the EU
Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus proved it can successfully organise and lead a major European process despite being the EU’s smallest member state and the only one under occupation.
He said the experience demonstrated Cyprus’ ability to gain respect within the European Union through effective coordination and active engagement.
High-level praise for national effort
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described the Cyprus EU Presidency as a clear example of effectiveness over size, noting that Cyprus proved its capacity to deliver results through preparation and organisation.
She said the EU Presidency helped position Cyprus as a credible mediator on difficult policy files, including defence, competitiveness, enlargement, digital child protection and the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework.
Raouna highlighted the scale of operations during the Presidency, including around 1,600 meetings in Brussels, more than 300 events in Cyprus, 19 informal ministerial meetings and a historic informal European Council session hosted in Cyprus for the first time.
Foreign Ministry highlights international recognition
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said the Cyprus EU Presidency was widely recognised by EU partners and institutions as a success achieved under challenging international conditions.
He noted that the Presidency coincided with multiple global crises but still maintained stability and effective coordination throughout its term.
Kombos also highlighted the initial lack of infrastructure and administrative mechanisms, saying the Presidency required building structures and teams from scratch.
Legacy of coordination and EU expertise
Officials emphasised that a key outcome of the Cyprus EU Presidency is the establishment of a stronger coordination mechanism between ministries, the Presidency Secretariat and Cyprus’ Permanent Representation in Brussels.
The government said this institutional framework will continue to support Cyprus’ role within the European Union in the future.
Christodoulides said the EU remains central to domestic policy, as decisions taken at European level directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
He added that all those involved should feel proud of their contribution to what he described as a successful national effort.
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