Speech by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the European Policy Centre

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, delivered a speech at the European Policy Centre, on 18 March 2026 in Brussels. The full text of his speech is as follows:

Good morning, everybody. I’m very glad to be back in Brussels. 

Despite the challenges in our region, challenges that we are used to, let me start by saying that Cyprus remains a safe and stable operational hub for business, for tourism. We are in conditions of full normality in Cyprus.

At the outset, I would like to thank the European Policy Centre (EPC) for the invitation and the opportunity to engage with all of you.

Our conversation is timely – it comes, as it was correctly mentioned before, half-way through the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and at a moment of inflection – both for the EU and for the region that Cyprus is an integral part of – the Eastern Mediterranean, the greater Middle East.

It is no surprise that the EPC hosts this dialogue. In its 30 years of active engagement and contribution, the EPC has been consistently dedicated to fostering European integration. Now, I would say, more than ever, your evidence and analysis, your platform for thought provoking discussions is vital in informing European policy.

Dear friends, we come together at a moment of remarkable uncertainty, heightened tension and volatility across Europe and our wider neighbourhood of the Middle East and Gulf.

Actually, it is defining moments like this that test Institutions, test partnerships and, indeed, leadership. And yet, they also bring at the forefront our Union’s ability to act with resolve and, above all, with unity.

Yet, I adamantly believe that it is in these moments, that space shifts and creates openings and opportunities for decisions that would have never happened otherwise. For more integration; for projecting European power and leadership in the world.

Opportunity for the Union to stand out, in the midst of unpredictability, as the most reliable, predictable, trustworthy partner.

And to move decisively for a EU that is truly Autonomous.

That is, dear friends, the central objective that permeates all 5 pillars of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency that has as its motto: “An Autonomous Union, Open to the World”.

Autonomy as no longer a theoretical aspiration. But as the driving force for action. As the next necessary step of European integration. A Union strong from within, able to demonstrate the necessary internal strength to cooperate with external partners whenever possible, while also acting independently whenever necessary.

A Union that looks outward, engages with all its neighbours in a 360-degree approach, remains committed to open trade and partnerships, and strengthens its strategic autonomy without turning inward. Committed to international law, able to bring together its interests and its priorities.

Cyprus also understands that European autonomy is multifaceted: from defence and security, to energy and trade, to competitiveness.

Dear friends, I really believe and will explain why, that this is Europe’s moment to define and reshare its future through an assertive and non-negotiable autonomy trajectory.

And let me be clear: I do not agree with my very good friend the Secretary General of NATO, that European Autonomy is unattainable.

In the past days, Cyprus has in fact proven that European Autonomy is both possible and real.

We have proven that if we are confident in what 27 member states can achieve together – as a Union of half a billion, and the world’s biggest economic and trading bloc – there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Let me explain what I mean. As you know, on February 28th, a new crisis unfolded in the greater Middle East.

Cyprus is not, in any way, part of the conflict. We had a single, isolated incident with a drone at the British bases.
What followed though will, I believe, make history books.

Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands immediately reacted positively to my request and deployed means and personnel to enhance the defence and security of Cyprus. Cypriots will never, never, forget this act of solidarity in action, not just statements – it deeply touched my people.

Essentially, we may not have triggered Article 42(7) – which states that if a member state is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other EU member states have an obligation to provide aid and assistance – but Cyprus essentially tested Article 42(7). And we did so successfully. And that can be the beginning of something much greater for our Union.

Cyprus, and we did it together with Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, gave flesh and bones to the mutual assistance clause in Article 42(7). And this action also embodied the basic premise that the security of one member state is inseparable from the security of the Union as a whole. That when one member state is attacked, the entire EU is attacked.

At the same time, this experience highlighted something equally important:
Europe must not only be able to invoke Article 42(7). Europe must also be fully capable of implementing Article 42(7) effectively. And when this Article is finally invoked by any member state, Europe must be ready to respond swiftly and decisively, placing the safety and security of all its citizens at the forefront. We must put the mechanism in place. And it’s something that I will raise tomorrow during the European Council meeting.

Dear friends,

Cyprus may be a small member state, but we are a member state that from the south-eastern frontier of the European Union, understands better than most what is at stake. What lack of security means in real terms, how indispensable cooperation and diplomacy are, and why the region of the Eastern Mediterranean is inextricably linked with the security of Europe.

A member state that is an integral part of the Middle East; that knows the region not from textbooks nor from reporting, but from geography, proximity and long-standing excellent diplomatic relations will all countries of the region.

For us, for Cyprus, engagement with our neighbourhood is both a geographical reality and strategic necessity. Ours is a Presidency that long before this crisis, that we have today, placed strengthening of relations with the Middle East and Gulf, as well as maritime security, at the heart of our work. This focus couldn’t be more pertinent.

This brings me to the developments currently unfolding in our region. From the outset, Cyprus has been absolutely clear in our position. We unequivocally condemned any unjustifiable and indiscriminate attacks against our partners in the region and we stand in solidarity with them.

For Cyprus, the situation is not abstract. Our geography directly links us to the region. And of course, it links the region to Europe. The recent incident involving as I mentioned before the British bases on the island demonstrates how unpredictable this conflict can be.

Let me be clear: Cyprus’s long-standing role is a humanitarian one. As a safe haven. Always part of the solution, never part of the problem. A member state that stands in times of crisis as the EU’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean. An actor that becomes a driver and a vessel of dialogue and diplomacy. A pillar of stability, security, and cooperation. Not only because of geography. But because of a conscious political choice.

That is what we have done since the start of our Presidency and this will culminate at the April informal European Council in Cyprus, when we will host discussions bringing together European leaders and partners from the wider Middle East, on concrete projects of cooperation at the regional level.

In short – at the helm of the Presidency of the European Union is a member state that is an adamant believer in the European project, in cooperation and bridge building. Resilient, focused, results driven, even in the most adverse of circumstances. Cypriots are geared to operate in this way by default.

And to Cyprus, the Presidency is above all an opportunity.

An opportunity to give substance to European Autonomy.

To deliver tangible results on the European agenda despite the challenges.

Because, in our view, the EU does not pause when crises arise.

To the contrary, it accelerates.

Dear friends,

We mark almost three months into our Presidency – and I want to take this opportunity to highlight some key areas of our work.

These have been months of intense engagement and negotiation, continuous coordination and steady progress. So much has been achieved, and at the same time work is intensively underway, according to our roadmap, to deliver even more. We have, I believe, been demonstrating in practice that Europe can respond, act and deliver.
That is how we committed to conduct our Presidency from the very beginning: focused on substance, cooperation, and above all, delivery.

Delivery in strengthening Europe’s Defence Readiness, security and preparedness.

Delivery on competitiveness. On a true Energy Union.

Delivery in strengthening our collective resilience and social cohesion. Addressing challenges faced by our citizens – from housing, to advancing in our quest for a Health Union.

And of course, advancing negotiations for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that becomes a real vehicle for a stronger EU.

Let me begin, let me be more specific, starting with security and defence. Russia’s war against Ukraine shattered any illusion we may have had that peace and stability in Europe was a constant. And it made it clear that we must act decisively for stronger European security and defence.

And act, I’m proud to say, we did. In the past year, as a EU, we have achieved more progress than in decades before. This is clear proof of what we can achieve together, under adverse circumstances.

I have been dealing with the EU since 2011 as a sherpa, as a spokesperson, as government spokesman, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, now as President. And I remember those endless discussions about the need for security and defence. Endless discussions without any decision. And I remember very well, last February, the informal European Council. I think it was during the Polish Presidency but it took place here in Brussels, what we decided back then and what we did in one year.

Defence and security, and support to Ukraine are at the forefront of our Presidency. And talking about Ukraine, let me say that we are a member state that understands first-hand what invasion and occupation mean.

As Presidency, we worked rapidly in the Council, to translate the political decision of the December European Council for the 90 billion loan into legal texts, so that Ukraine would receive the financial assistance required in a timely manner. We achieved an agreement with the European Parliament on the Regulation implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026–2027, to address urgent financial needs. We also put forward a compromise proposal on the 20th sanctions package. Despite the challenges, we continue our outreach and intensive efforts to reach consensus. It is my hope that tomorrow’s European Council will bring and allow for a way forward.

And on Friday we agreed at the Council for the renewal of sanctions.

On defence and security, as Council Presidency, we moved forward with the approval of member states national plans under the SAFE program.

At the same time, we are working intensively to conclude the Defence Readiness Omnibus package and to reach a general approach at the June Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) on the Military Mobility Package to strengthen Europe’s defence posture by addressing regulatory, infrastructure and capability barriers that slow cross-border military transport. Being able to swiftly and decisively deploy capabilities across Europe is essential to ensure that the Union can respond rapidly and effectively when solidarity must be translated into action.

All these steps bring us closer to ensuring that Europe is truly able to give practical meaning to Article 42(7) when it matters most.

Effective migration management is also a core dimension of security. Our Presidency is focused on supporting coordinated preparation across member states to ensure that the Migration and Asylum Pact is fully operational by June 2026. In parallel, we are advancing work on the Returns Regulation, with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of EU return policy.

Dear friends,

European Strategic Autonomy and competitiveness go hand in hand. As Presidency, we have placed competitiveness at the heart of our mission, organising our work in the Council around the two very important summits on competitiveness – the February retreat and tomorrow’s European Council, where we will take specific decisions based on a roadmap with timelines on how to proceed with this dossier in the months and years ahead.

In today’s interconnected world, the current situation in the Middle East undoubtedly impacts global energy markets and not only, and through that our economies. The volatility of energy prices remains a major concern for citizens, businesses, and industry.

As Europe, we must act decisively to address rising energy prices and send a clear message to citizens and industry that we have learned the lessons of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago. I am optimistic that the conclusions we will adopt tomorrow will reflect that Europe is now more proactive and better prepared.

Beyond the current turmoil in the Middle East, Europe will need a lot more energy in the coming years; for industry, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and data infrastructure, to name a few. This is why I strongly believe that strengthening Europe’s energy sovereignty – through a true Energy Union – is a strategic priority. This means accelerating investment in infrastructure and interconnections, and advancing initiatives such as the EU Grids Package, on which the Cyprus Presidency is working with the aim of reaching a Council General Approach by June.

Simplification is another key component of competitiveness. It’s extremely important for our businesses, citizens, and to attract investment. As Council Presidency, we are working intensively on the omnibus packages presented by the Commission. We aim to complete the Defence Omnibus this semester, and we are ready for trilogues on other packages when the Parliament has adopted its position. We have already achieved a negotiating mandate on one proposal under the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus, and last Friday, a negotiating mandate on the AI proposal under the Digital Omnibus.

We also need to address strategic dependencies by diversifying and securing market access. This forms part of the third pillar of our priorities – a Union Open to the World. And here, expanding our network of trade agreements is very, very important.

The Mercosur and India Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) were historic successes. One of the earliest deliverables of the Cyprus Presidency was the adoption of two Council decisions authorising the signing of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Mercosur, marking a major step after 25 years of negotiations.

We have also advanced important legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, including the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, which supports Innovation and the Green Transition of industrial sectors.

At the same time, we need more FTAs. We must conclude, the soonest possible, FTAs with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – particularly now. This will also allow us to capitalise further on the India FTA, and to give substance to the IMEC corridor, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. And we need to resume discussions on implementation of the EU–United States (US) Trade Framework Agreement, which is essential for predictability and market confidence. Despite all the challenges in transatlantic relations, I firmly believe that there is no other path to dialogue.

Part of this priority pillar for the Cyprus Presidency is Enlargement. The Union’s most successful foreign policy tool in promoting stability, democracy, and prosperity across our continent. And tangible proof that our model works and it is attractive to other countries. Two Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs) for Montenegro have already taken place and work is underway for the establishment of the ad hoc Working Party for the drafting of the Accession Treaty for Montenegro. At the same time, work on the Interim Benchmark Assessment reports for Albania is progressing, which will pave the way for closing of the first chapters. Front loading of work for Ukraine and Moldova is advancing full speed – yesterday Informal Ministerial Councils took place under our Cyprus Presidency here in Brussels, to present work on three clusters respectively.

Our Presidency remains committed to advancing discussions with partners who aspire to join the EU, while ensuring that the enlargement process remains credible, merit-based, and anchored in the Union’s fundamental values. The Treaties provide the necessary flexibility.

Dear friends,

Developments in our region are certainly deeply unsettling. And they remind us in the most alarming manner how fragile stability can be.

But they also remind us of something equally important: Europe cannot choose the moment in which it must lead.
Leadership actually is required when circumstances are most difficult. And the time for the Union to lead is now.

At the helm of the Council is a Presidency, a member state, that deeply believes in the Union’s ability to act and to lead, and it embodies that urgency in the way the Presidency is conducted.

A Presidency that remains fully committed to its mission, despite the volatility around it, fully implementing its programme.

And let me convey this message from this podium: there is normalcy, safety and security in Cyprus. Our economy is one of the highest performing economies in the European Union – with estimated growth for 2026 at 4%, conditions of full employment, unemployment in youth one of the lowest in Europe and public debt in 2026 estimated at approximately 50%. Our country continues to operate normally, and our tourism sector remains fully active. Cyprus, I am proud to say, continues to serve as a reliable hub of stability and connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Dear friends,

Crises may shape the moment, but they do not define our direction.

Our direction is to be defined by us. And our direction is clear:

An Autonomous Union, Open to the World.

Thank you.