The College of Commissioners convenes in Cyprus for the first time today, under the Cyprus EU Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and all EU Commissioners arrive for a two-day working visit. At 11:30am, von der Leyen tours the Green Line in Nicosia with the President of Cyprus.
Limassol Summit and bilateral talks
The Commissioners’ summit begins after midday in a specially prepared hall at Limassol port. Around 2pm, the President welcomes von der Leyen; they visit an exhibition at the port together.
A private meeting follows, with joint media statements planned for 5pm. At 7:30pm, the President hosts a dinner for Commissioners at a Nicosia restaurant.
National mission and five advantages
President Nikos Christodoulides described the Cyprus EU Presidency as a national mission and priority. Speaking at a Wednesday dinner for journalists at the Presidential Palace, he called Cyprus’s EU accession the most significant development since 1960.
His government prepared systematically for two years, with the entire 11-minister Cabinet participating under the Deputy Minister for European Affairs.
Christodoulides outlined five key advantages. First, as a small state, Cyprus easily sets aside national agendas to focus on European priorities, acting as an honest broker. Second, Cyprus lies closest to the Middle East – flights to Lebanon take 18 minutes, Tel Aviv 30, Jordan 35, Damascus 20, Egypt 50 – positioning it uniquely in the wider region.
Third, as the only EU state under foreign occupation, Cyprus understands Ukraine better than others; Ukraine ranks as a top priority. Fourth, the government maintains clear pro-European, Western foreign policy orientation. Fifth, unlike 2012 when Cyprus fixated on Turkey issues, the country now engages broadly, proven through multiple initiatives.
Economic Strengths Bolster Role
Christodoulides highlighted robust economics amid global challenges: over 3% growth, sub-5% unemployment for the first time since 2008, full employment conditions, public debt below 60% and heading under 50% in 2026.
Cyprus returned to investment grade A category by all agencies since 2011. Migration, top pre-election concern in 2023, dropped over 80% in arrivals and 60% in returns.
He stressed this moment demands work toward a more autonomous European Union through deeper integration. Christodoulides noted his historic election without support from the two major parties since 2023.
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