Speech by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at the presentation of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency
Today marks a significant milestone in our European journey. For the present and future of the Republic of Cyprus.
It is a special day, not only because in ten days we will assume an institutional role as a member state of the European Union (EU), but first and foremost because we are taking on a responsibility. A responsibility towards Europe, towards our fellow citizens, towards the children present today and the children from all member states, towards the future.
Today, the heart of Europe beats stronger, here, at the southeasternmost tip of Europe. In its last occupied member state.
It is no coincidence that we have chosen to be in Lefkara today.
It is a place that embodies the creativity, tradition and timeless extroversion of Cyprus. A place that connects Cyprus with Europe, from its intricate embroidery to its contemporary radiance.
We have therefore gathered here today, not merely to discuss our common European future.
We are here, first and foremost, to take on this future. To become protagonists and contribute to shaping it in a decisive manner.
In a few days’ time, the Republic of Cyprus, our homeland, will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Today, we are here to present our political priorities – the priorities that will bring our vision to life and shape the Europe we aspire to in 2030, 2040, 2050.
With a strong sense of responsibility and a profound belief in the European vision.
With pride, because the moment of Cyprus has come. And Cyprus is ready to lead.
To be the voice of the 27 member states for six months.
To lead; to coordinate; to negotiate as honest brokers; to bridge differences and push towards European integration.
With self-confidence and pride, because Cyprus can deliver.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Cyprus Presidency comes at a time of heightened geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges. These challenges test the resilience of the Union, our unity and cohesion.
And yet, as the history of the European Union has demonstrated:
Europe does not buckle under crisis; it does not fear challenges. On the contrary, it embraces them as Opportunities, and it Evolves.
It does not fear – it adapts, grows stronger and moves forward.
This is the European path. This is the European way.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
“Time waits for no one.”
Delay is not an option. Opportunities do not wait.
What is needed right now is an Autonomous Union.
As an essential next step in the transformation towards European integration.
A Union that is strong from within, capable of protecting its citizens, its borders and its interests.
A Union capable of forging partnerships and alliances from a position of strength. Fully aware that the stronger it is, the more valuable it becomes to its partners.
A Union that is outward-looking and open to the world.
With a meaningful role and voice on the global scene.
A Union that draws strength from its stability, credibility and predictability.
A Union that inspires trust, because it is founded on principles and values, on international law, on dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.
This is the Union we will work towards as Cyprus Presidency.
Towards an Autonomous Union. Open to the World.
This is the key message and the main objective of the Cyprus Presidency.
The thread that ties together every initiative, every priority and every policy that we will promote, across five interconnected pillars:
1st Pillar – Autonomy through Security, Defence and Readiness;
2nd Pillar – Autonomy through Competitiveness;
3rd Pillar – A Union Open to the World, Autonomous;
4th Pillar – An Autonomous Union of Values, for All; and
5th Pillar – A budget for an Autonomous Union.
As I have just mentioned, the first pillar of our priorities is Autonomy through Security, Defence and Readiness.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated in the clearest way possible the need to strengthen the European security architecture, our defence readiness as the EU. Our ability to protect our citizens and our interests. To defend our values with consistency and courage.
Over the next six months, supporting Ukraine will remain a key focus of the Cyprus Presidency.
How could it be any other way, when the Republic of Cyprus knows what invasion means, what occupation means, what violation of fundamental principles means firsthand?
The Cyprus Presidency will promote the rapid implementation of the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 and the accompanying Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, as well as the EU Preparedness Union Strategy. We will proceed with both realism and ambition – convinced that Europe can and must rise to the challenges of our times. In this framework, we will work to promote and implement key defence initiatives and flagship projects, such as the EU Defence Industrial Strategy, the European Defence Industry Transformation Roadmap, the SAFE initiative and the implementation of the European Defence Industry Programme regulation.
At the same time, strengthening transatlantic relations and further deepening EU-NATO cooperation in an inclusive, transparent and mutually beneficial manner will be a key priority as a cornerstone of European security. Moreover, European autonomy is not at odds with our alliances. On the contrary, it makes them stronger, more equitable and more reliable.
A more autonomous Union is also a more valuable partner.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
An autonomous Union is above all a secure Union.
However, security in today’s world is not one-dimensional. It is a broad, complex and multi-layered concept, encompassing multiple and interconnected aspects.
This is precisely how we intend to approach it, across all its dimensions, through a holistic 360-degree perspective. Such an approach reduces strategic dependencies. It strengthens resilience. And it enhances our ability to anticipate, manage and respond to crises.
In this context, the effective management of Migration is a key priority of our Presidency. Cyprus will draw on its experience in implementing effective policies to manage migration flows, promoting an integrated and effective European approach to both the internal and external dimensions of migration, addressing its root causes and strengthening meaningful cooperation with countries of origin.
The full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, together with progress on the EU Return Regulation, forms an integral part of this effort and a core component of European security.
Another key aspect of European security which will be at the focus of the Cyprus Presidency is Maritime Security. This involves safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security through the implementation of the relevant EU Strategy.
Economic security is another crucial dimension of our overall approach. In this regard, the Cyprus Presidency will actively contribute to the implementation of the Strategy for Strengthening European Economic Security.
Water security is also emerging as a strategic challenge for Europe’s resilience – one that our country unfortunately knows all too well. Geographically located in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions, Cyprus is already experiencing its effects. Water security is therefore a matter of fundamental importance for climate adaptation, competitiveness and the EU’s crisis preparedness. That is why our Presidency will make the effective implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy a top priority.
At the same time, we can all agree that security always begins from within – from within the EU itself and its member states.
From shielding our democracies against foreign interference, disinformation, pressure on media freedom, hate speech and hybrid threats. Dependent on strengthening law enforcement cooperation and enhancing our capacity to tackle organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, including in the digital sphere. In this context, our Presidency will work on tackling these challenges and advancing the European Democracy Shield.
The second pillar of our priorities is Autonomy through Competitiveness of the EU.
After all, only a more competitive EU can lead us to a more autonomous Europe.
This is particularly true in today’s world, where economic and strategic power go hand in hand, and autonomy cannot be achieved without competitiveness.
The Cyprus Presidency will therefore focus on substantially strengthening European competitiveness, by reducing bureaucracy, especially for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of the European economy. In this regard, we will work intensively to conclude negotiations on legislative proposals for simplification.
At the same time, we will promote the completion and strengthening of the Single Market, as well as enhance financial autonomy by deepening Capital Markets and promoting the Savings and Investments Union. We will work to strengthen Europe’s Digital and Energy Autonomy, which is directly linked to the competitiveness of the EU, focusing especially on affordable and predictable energy prices, and within this framework will work intensively to promote the European Grids Package.
The third pillar of our priorities is A Union that is Autonomous and Open to the World.
A truly autonomous Union, in which we aim, is also, by definition, a Union that is Open to the World.
Because autonomy does not mean introversion. In contrary, it means extroversion, it means active engagement with the world from a position of strength.
In this framework, Enlargement is at the heart of this endeavour.
From Ukraine to Moldova, from the Western Balkans to Turkey, enlargement is the most powerful geopolitical tool of the EU. It is essentially about expanding its vital space of security, stability and opportunities of Europe.
As the Cyprus Presidency, we will therefore resolutely promote a credible enlargement agenda, with the aim of achieving specific, tangible results, always subject to conditionality applicable to enlargement issues.
At the same time, strengthening Europe’s relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and the Gulf, the immediate neighbourhood of the Cyprus Republic, and deepening our relations with regional organisations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League are a strategic priority for the Cyprus Presidency.
In this framework, beyond the Informal Council to be organised in Cyprus, we will work, inter alia, towards the operational implementation of the New Pact for the Mediterranean by promoting its objectives, but even more through its flagship projects, which will be presented at the Informal European Council in April, in the presence of the Heads of State of the ten countries of the Southern Neighbourhood. At the same time, we believe and will promote the complementarity of the Pact for the Mediterranean with projects such as IMEC, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, capitalising on the Republic of Cyprus’ long-standing strong relations with the Middle East, the Gulf countries and, of course, India.
A Union Open to the World is also a Union with an open, strong and sustainable trade policy, achieved through expanding its network of trade agreements of the EU. This includes free trade agreements with partners such as the United Arab Emirates and India, which we aim to finalise as soon as possible.
At the same time, our Presidency will also support the further deepening of our relations with the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as other like-minded partners of the EU.
A Union which is Open to the World is also a Union capable of responding swiftly and effectively to crisis situations. We will therefore work to strengthen the European rapid response capacity, exploiting synergies and drawing on the expertise that our country, Cyprus, has gained from our experience as a regional hub for evacuations and humanitarian aid.
The fourth pillar of the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities is an Autonomous Union of Values, for All and without discriminations.
After all, to achieve a truly autonomous Union, we must achieve a Union that leaves no one behind.
The Cyprus Presidency will work to find lasting solutions to the daily challenges faced by our citizens, thereby achieving the goal of strengthening social cohesion.
In this regard, and recognising that housing is currently one of the most pressing social issues at a European level, we have made affordable housing a priority, including through the implementation of the relevant European Plan which was recently announced, while fully respecting the principles of subsidiarity and national competences.
At the same time, our children and young people must remain at the heart of our policies. Only by doing so can we truly invest in the future of Europe – by protecting children and the younger generation.
In this context, as the Cyprus Presidency, we will place a particular focus on protecting minors on the internet. We soon await the relevant European Action Plan against cyberbullying and are ready to work towards its effective advancement, and even more towards its implementation.
In line with the vision of a truly Autonomous Health Union, our Presidency will also focus on enhancing access to and availability of medical devices, as well as on the resilience and further integration of our health systems.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Moving to the fifth pillar of our priorities which is a budget needed to support the four forementioned priorities, that effectively supports the goal of an Autonomous Union.
In this framework, during our Presidency, we will have to manage the very important dossier of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which must become the vehicle through which the EU will implement its strategic priorities. Only in this way will we be able to achieve the goal of a truly autonomous EU.
Therefore, during our Presidency, we aim to work towards achieving a strong, ambitious and balanced budget for the future of Europe.
And as the Presidency, through cooperation, transparency and dialogue, to deliver a mature negotiating box with indicative figures, which we aim to achieve by June 2026.
Dear friends,
The EU, as we all know, was not built in conditions of security and certainty. It was built through the unwavering courage of visionaries striving to lead it forward.
At its core, the EU has always been a work in progress, an edifice that transforms, adapts and strengthens itself through challenges.
On this journey, European autonomy and the further deepening of European integration that comes with it are – for us, without a doubt – the natural evolution of the European project.
And precisely through this reasoning, the Cyprus Presidency will work with determination, to give new momentum to the European edifice and contribute substantially to the next step in our common journey.
Of our common journey, our common effort for an Autonomous Union, Open to the World, which is also the best safeguard for a secure future for all of its EU citizens and a European continent of peace, security and cooperation.
