Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the SAFE defence plan and the principle of excluding Turkey from EU security initiatives, outlining key positions on Middle East policy, competitiveness, and housing following the European Council summit, which he described as historic, as “for the first time, housing was discussed at this level.”
Support for US plan on Gaza and Cyprus’ role
The president discussed his talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, noting that both Cyprus and Greece have long advocated stronger EU–Egypt ties.
He said the main focus was the EU’s backing of the US President’s plan on Gaza. Drawing on Egypt’s position, Christodoulides presented Cyprus’ proposal, addressing three aspects- humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and security- with six detailed recommendations.
The proposal, he added, was prepared in coordination with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as Egypt, Israel, and the UAE. He stressed that Cyprus has already “been tested in practice and delivered results”, enhancing its credibility and influence within the EU.
SAFE defence plan and Turkey’s exclusion
On defence and security, Christodoulides welcomed the EU’s progress “from discussion to concrete action”. He outlined three Cypriot positions:
• Financial instruments such as the SAFE defence plan must not be open to countries that occupy or threaten EU member states.
• NATO–EU cooperation must not exclude EU countries outside NATO.
• The EU’s approach must remain global, not limited to Ukraine.
Asked about Turkey’s participation in the SAFE defence programme, the president clarified that the exclusion of the Turkish state defence industry “was not decided today- it has already been in force for some time.”
He explained that third countries can only join EU defence programmes if they have a security agreement with the EU, requiring approval from all 27 member states. Cyprus’ stance, he said, was clearly restated and fully understood by EU institutions and partners.
Realistic green goals and competitiveness
Turning to market competitiveness, Christodoulides said the topic “probably dominated the discussion for the longest time.” An extraordinary informal Council on Competitiveness will be held on 12 February in Brussels.
Cyprus, among several states, stressed the need to make the EU’s green goals more realistic. The president said Cyprus successfully secured language in the Council conclusions calling for a review of certain environmental targets that could raise electricity costs.
He warned that overly ambitious climate goals may harm competitiveness, driving up energy prices for both households and businesses.
Housing discussed at European Council for first time
Calling the summit historic, Christodoulides noted that housing was discussed at the European Council for the first time.
He explained that, under a recent EU decision, cohesion funds may be redirected to three areas: housing, defence, and electrical interconnections. The European Commission is expected to present an affordable housing plan in December- a priority for the Cypriot presidency.
Cyprus will also host an informal meeting of housing ministers to discuss EU funding, while the European Investment Bank prepares new loan tools for housing projects.
Ukraine, sanctions and Turkey’s violations
On Ukraine, Christodoulides reaffirmed support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that partners must not bypass sanctions.
He presented examples of Turkey’s actions to evade EU sanctions and offered to share this information with EU institutions or member states.
Over half of EU countries raised concerns about the legality of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. The issue will return to the Council after further preparatory work.
Christodoulides said sanctions are a vital tool but must be applied uniformly- particularly by NATO members and EU candidates.
Also read: UN ruling: ICJ says Israel must allow UN aid to Gaza
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