Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said that his country has “something to learn” from Cyprus as it prepares to take over the Council of the European Union rotating presidency next year, underscoring growing EU presidency cooperation between the two member states.
The remarks were made during an official visit to the Presidential Palace in Cyprus, ahead of an informal European Council summit hosted on the island.
President Nausėda noted that Lithuania and Cyprus share several key priorities within the EU framework, highlighting strong alignment on European policy issues.
The discussion on EU presidency cooperation comes as Cyprus currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, a role that will continue until the end of June.
President Nikos Christodoulides stressed that despite geographical distance, the two countries maintain a strong common ground that supports closer bilateral and European collaboration.
Stronger bilateral and EU coordination
Christodoulides underlined a shared political will to deepen relations between Cyprus and Lithuania, both bilaterally and within EU institutions.
He described EU membership as a defining milestone for Cyprus, stating that it has shaped the country’s modern development and international role.
The emphasis on EU presidency cooperation reflects a broader effort to coordinate positions ahead of successive EU Council presidencies.
Rotating EU presidency timeline
Cyprus will complete its six-month term at the end of June before handing over to Ireland for the second half of the year.
Lithuania will then assume the presidency in the first half of next year, marking its second time in the role since joining the EU in 2004, following its previous term in 2013.
After Lithuania, Greece is scheduled to take over the rotating presidency for the latter half of next year, continuing the established EU rotation system.
EU dialogue and future collaboration
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the EU and ensuring continuity across successive presidencies.
The discussions in Nicosia underline how EU presidency cooperation plays a key role in aligning national priorities with broader European objectives.
Also read: Informal EU summit begins in Cyprus today
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