A member state at the EU’s southeasternmost frontier
Since its accession, Cyprus has remained a committed member of the Union, actively contributing to its political, economic, and social integration.
Since its accession, Cyprus has played an active role in shaping EU policies, including in areas such as regional cooperation, being the Union’s south-eastern frontier, and an integral part of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Building on its unique role as the only EU member state in the geographical area of the Middle East, Cyprus strives to act as a bridge and a facilitator of synergies and common understanding between these two parts of the world.
In the first half of 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council for the second time in its 22-year journey in the EU. Cyprus held the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012.
Key milestones:
2026: From 1 January to 30 June, Cyprus holds the six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time.
2024: On 1 May, Cyprus celebrates the 20th anniversary of its accession to the EU.
2012: From 1 July to 31 December, Cyprus holds the six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time.
2008: On 1 January, Cyprus joins the Eurozone and adopts the euro as its national currency.
2004: On 1 May, Cyprus becomes a member state of the EU.
2003: Cyprus signs the EU Accession Treaty in Athens.
2002: The European Council approves the largest enlargement in the history of the EU, endorsing the accession of ten countries, including the Republic of Cyprus.
1999: The Helsinki European Council reaffirms the substantive work undertaken and progress achieved in the accession negotiation of Cyprus, underlining that a settlement to the Cyprus problem is not a precondition to Cyprus’ accession.
1998: Accession negotiations between Cyprus and the European Union begin.
1997: The European Council decides to launch the enlargement process, which includes Cyprus.
1993: The European Commission issues a positive opinion on Cyprus' application.
1990: Cyprus submits an application for membership to the European Economic Community (EEC).
Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the EU member states. The Council is organized in 10 different configurations, which cover different policy areas, such as competitiveness, economic and financial affairs, environment, employment and research.
Council meetings are comprised of the 27 ministers in the respective policy area covered by the Council configuration that convenes to negotiate and adopt EU legislation, conclude international agreements on behalf of the EU, adopt the EU budget, develop the Union's foreign and security policy, and coordinate member states’ policies in specific fields.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Council of the EU is presided by a rotating presidency, which means that member states assume the Presidency in turns every six months.
From 1 January to 30 June 2026, Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council for the second time since its accession to the EU. During this period, Cypriot ministers will chair Council meetings, help set the agenda for each policy area, and ensure the continuity of the EU's work within the Council.
The European Commission
The European Commission constitutes the EU’s executive body. It proposes legislation, upholds EU treaties, and ensures that member states implement EU law and policies. The Commission also manages the EU's budget and negotiates international agreements on behalf of the Union.
The European Commission is comprised of commissioners from the 27 EU member states, referred to as the College of Commissioners. Each Commissioner is responsible for specific policy areas, based on the priorities set by the President of the Commission.
In all EU member states, the Commission is represented by its local offices, known as representations – European Commission Representation in Cyprus
Cypriot European Commissioners
The current Commissioner from Cyprus in the European Commission is Costas Kadis. Since 2024, he has been assigned the portfolio for Fisheries and Oceans.
Since 2004, there have been four Cypriot Commissioners:
- Stella Kyriakidou, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (12/2019–11/2024)
- Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management (1/2014–11/2019)
- Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth (2/2010–10/2014); Commissioner for Health (3/2008–2/2010)
- Markos Kyprianou, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection (11/2004–1/2007); Commissioner for Budget (5/2004–11/2004)
The European Parliament
The European Parliament consists of 720 Members of the European Parliament, elected by the citizens of the 27 EU member states, to represent their interests in EU law-making.
Cypriot members of the European Parliament
For the 2024–2029 term, Cyprus is represented by six Members of the European Parliament, who sit in four out of the eight political groups that make up the European Parliament. The groups are organised by political affiliation rather than nationality.
As in all EU member states, the European Parliament maintains an Office in Cyprus. The European Parliament Office in Cyprus, inaugurated in July 2003, aims to provide information on the role and activities of the European Parliament, as well as the EU in general.
European Council
The European Council defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. It does not negotiate or adopt EU laws. The members of the European Council are the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also participates in European Council meetings when foreign affairs issues are discussed. The Republic of Cyprus is represented by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr Nikos Christodoulides.
Permanent Representation to the EU
The Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union is the largest diplomatic mission of the Republic of Cyprus, currently headed by Ambassador Christina Rafti.
Its mission is to promote Cyprus’ interests within the EU and to ensure the country’s active participation in and contribution to all matters concerning the Union.
Members of the Permanent Representation represent Cyprus at the various Council formations and work closely with the other EU institutions.