The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament visited Cyprus
In view of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament visited Cyprus from 1 to 2 December 2025. During the visit, they held consultations with the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Council of Ministers. Meetings were also held at the House of Representatives.
On 1 December, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, met with the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, at the Presidential Palace. The programme included a tête-à-tête meeting, followed by an expanded session and a plenary meeting between the Cyprus Government delegation and the European Parliament delegation. The programme concluded with a joint press conference and an official dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus: a bridge for regional cooperation
Speaking to the press, following the discussions, President Christodoulides emphasised the close, transparent and effective cooperation between the Cyprus Presidency and the European Parliament, with the aim of ensuring the speedy and effective progression of legislative initiatives, whilst respecting the institutional balance within the EU.
He also outlined the Cyprus Presidency’s key priorities, which include strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and defence and security capabilities, unwavering support for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, effective implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and enhanced crisis preparedness. The Cyprus Presidency will also seek to boost competitiveness by simplifying processes, reducing bureaucracy, reinforcing the Single Market and supporting Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while addressing citizens’ daily concerns such as housing, energy costs, the protection of vulnerable groups and children’s online safety.
The vision of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is of an autonomous European Union, capable of protecting its citizens and its interests, defending its borders, safeguarding its values and ensuring its own security and defence.
President Christodoulides emphasised the importance of the EU’s strategic partnerships, particularly with the Southern Neighbourhood and the Middle East, noting that Cyprus will act as a bridge for regional cooperation. He identified the negotiation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework and progress on EU enlargement as top priorities, and concluded with a call for unity, consensus and strong interinstitutional cooperation for the benefit of all European citizens.
Focus on security, competitiveness and simplification
For her part, the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, expressed strong confidence in the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during this period of rapid change and heightened public expectations. She commended Cyprus' leadership, determination and engagement in geopolitical affairs, particularly with regard to Ukraine and the Middle East.
She added that the focus is placed on advancing security, competitiveness and simplification, particularly with regard to launching negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, and called for a strategic, responsible and flexible budget. Ms Metsola expressed her belief that meaningful progress can be made with Cyprus as a reliable partner.
Cyprus takes on the Council Presidency at a moment of rapid change, but also at the moment of rising expectations from our citizens. We know we must push further on security, on competitiveness and on our simplification agenda. And with Cyprus in charge as a strong partner, I know that we will deliver and that we will deliver together.
The President of the European Parliament concluded by reaffirming the European Parliament’s solidarity with Cyprus and highlighting that the Cyprus issue is a shared European issue. She also expressed anticipation of continued close cooperation during the Presidency.
Dialogue with the Youth
On 2 December 2025, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, participated in “Dialogue with the Youth” as part of the “Christmas in Europe 2025” event.
Organised by the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, the event took place at the Larnaka Technical and Vocational Education and Training School and was attended by young people from Cyprus, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia.
