The Cyprus EU Presidency is entering its final month, leaving what officials describe as a meaningful imprint on both the country’s European course and its international standing.
Speaking at an event titled “Nicosia and the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU”, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said the presidency has strengthened Cyprus’ position as a reliable and equal partner within the European Union.
He stressed that the EU Presidency has brought Cyprus to the centre of European decision-making during a period of major geopolitical change.
Role as mediator and consensus builder
Ioannou said the Cyprus EU Presidency consistently operated as an “honest broker”, promoting dialogue, consensus, and shared European solutions to complex challenges.
He added that Cyprus worked responsibly to strengthen EU unity and strategic autonomy amid growing international pressures.
According to the minister, Nicosia played a leading role throughout the presidency, with the capital becoming a focal point for European activity.
Nicosia at the centre of Europe
Ioannou noted that during the Presidency, Nicosia hosted thousands of EU officials, technocrats, journalists and institutional representatives.
He said their presence highlighted both the operational importance of Cyprus within the EU and the symbolic dimension of its role as a member state.
The minister added that this visibility also helped draw attention to Cyprus’ long-standing division, describing Nicosia as the last divided capital in the European Union.
European dimension of the Cyprus issue
The EU Presidency also highlighted the European dimension of the Cyprus problem, Ioannou said.
He stressed that the situation remains closely linked to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded.
The minister added that the presidency helped reinforce Cyprus’ credibility and effectiveness in representing its national interests at the European level.
Stronger international profile
Ioannou concluded that the Cyprus EU Presidency has demonstrated the country’s ability to play a significant role in European affairs despite its size.
He said Cyprus has shown it can contribute meaningfully to EU policy-making while strengthening its international image and diplomatic presence.
Source: CNA
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