The College of Commissioners held consultations with the Cyprus Government
On Thursday, 15 January 2026, the College of Commissioners convened with members of the Cyprus Government, at Lemesos Port, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Concurrently with the consultations, the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, held a bilateral meeting.
Delegations took part in discussions organised into four thematic clusters:
- A Global Union: Defence, Diplomacy, and Preparedness
- A Prosperous and Resilient EU with Benefits Across All Regions
- A Competitive, Sustainable, Digital, and Connected Union
- A Union of Values, Equality, and Opportunity
The discussions culminated in a plenary session, which was chaired by President Christodoulides and President von der Leyen. This was followed by a joint press conference.
Towards a truly autonomous Union
In his statement, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, referred to the substantial convergence on objectives pursued and the specific actions to be promoted jointly by the Cyprus Presidency and the European Commission in the coming months.
These areas of agreement include strengthening the EU's defence, security and preparedness, the single market, energy connectivity and innovation, and the need for a strategic budget that reflects the EU's new priorities.
"A strong Europe must have the means and tools to protect its citizens, first and foremost, and to ensure its energy and economic security."
The Cyprus Presidency will work towards the full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. It will also promote initiatives to reduce bureaucracy and simplify legislation, while providing effective support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, it will advance equality policies and improve the quality of life of European citizens, including the implementation of the Affordable Housing Plan.
At the same time, it will promote initiatives that strengthen political dialogue and cooperation with the countries of the region in areas such as energy, migration and regional security.
The President of the European Commission highlighted, among other things, the remarkable progress made by the EU in defence and security, noting that the European Commission has approved the first wave of defence funding for eight member states, including Cyprus, under the SAFE programme. She also underlined that support for Ukraine remains essential.
"We must work hand in hand to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The next 6 months will be crucial. And I am glad that we can count on Cyprus' experience."
President von der Leyen underlined that economic strength is the foundation of the EU’s independence, noting that the Cyprus Presidency will have a key role in advancing the next long-term EU budget, aiming to get a political agreement by the end of 2026.
The venue: symbolism meets reality
The consultations took place at the New Passenger Terminal Building at Lemesos Port, which is the main port of Cyprus.
Today, Cyprus hosts one of the world’s largest fleets and a dynamic maritime cluster covering the full range of shipping activities. Safeguarding and strengthening the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness globally is a core priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Lemesos Port serves as the departure, screening and logistics hub for humanitarian operations under the Republic of Cyprus’ “Amalthea” plan.
Named after the figure from Greek mythology who nurtured the infant Zeus, as a symbolic reference to altruism and generosity, the “Amalthea” initiative was launched on 2 January 2024 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It provides a reliable mechanism for collecting, storing, safely inspecting and dispatching humanitarian aid cargoes.
The “Amalthea” maritime corridor highlights the Republic of Cyprus’ pivotal role in fostering closer ties between the Middle East and Europe, a key priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. This is achieved by leveraging the country's proximity to the region and its excellent relations with neighbouring countries.
As part of their visit to Cyprus, the Commissioners gained an authentic insight into the humanitarian operations carried out under the “Amalthea” plan during a tour of the “Amalthea” outdoor photography exhibition, produced by the Press and Information Office (PIO) of the Republic of Cyprus.
Photos and videos
See photos from the visit of the College of Commissioners on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.
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Visit of the College of Commissioners to Cyprus – Press Conference
