The Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee convened in Lefkosia
The 743rd meeting of the Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) took place in Lefkosia in November 2025. The meeting conveyed messages of close cooperation with the forthcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) 2026, focusing on areas of common interest.
This was the first institutional meeting hosted in the Republic of Cyprus ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 January 2026.
The EESC Bureau proceedings took place at the Presidential Palace. On the afternoon of 18 November, an extended meeting was held, during which three working groups convened. The 743rd EESC Bureau meeting took place on 19 November 2025.
The proceedings began with a speech from the EESC President, Mr Séamus Boland, followed by a speech from the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides. Next, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, presented the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. This was followed by a plenary conference on “Water scarcity and preparedness”, featuring Professor Fadi Comair, Director of the Energy, Environment and Water Resources Research Centre at the Cyprus Institute, and Mr Durk Krol, Executive Director of Water Europe.
Today, at the southeastern edge of the EU, the Republic of Cyprus is a gateway to the Middle East and a pillar of Europe’s presence and democratic values.
Cyprus Presidency aligned with EESC’s vision for Europe
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, addressed the meeting, noting that the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU would be fully aligned with the EESC’s vision of a Europe centred around civil society, including active citizens and the business community.
We will work hand in hand with the EESC, as well as with all EU Institutions, as honest brokers, in a spirit of sincere cooperation, to turn this vision into tangible progress and outcomes, for the benefit and the shared prosperity of all EU member states, regions and citizens.
During the subsequent discussion, the expected key themes of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU were discussed. The keynote speaker was the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna.
The Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency with a clear vision: for a strategically independent Union, truly autonomous – a Europe that protects, empowers and unites.
The Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus announced that, during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Republic of Cyprus will chair over 1,500 meetings in Brussels and over 190 working groups and subgroups. It will also host over 250 meetings, including an informal meeting of heads of state and government, as well as 19 informal ministerial councils. Around 30,000 visitors and delegates are expected to arrive during the six-month presidency period.
The European Economic and Social Committee, an advisory body to the EU, will prepare 14 opinions on behalf of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency on issues that fall within areas of mutual interest and priority.
