The programme, priorities and logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 unveiled
On 21 December 2025, at the Lefkara Conference Centre, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, presented the programme and the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) 2026, as well as its logo. Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2026.
An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.
The motto of the Cyprus Presidency “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.” reflects a forward-looking approach that combines internal strength and independence with openness, cooperation and global engagement.
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.
Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU against the backdrop of acute geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability. But this moment is not without precedent. Europe has faced complex crises before, even existential ones, and has responded by evolving and stepping up to meet the demands of the times. What is new is the intensity, plurality and complexity of the challenges, as well as what this moment asks of our Union. Autonomy is the next necessary step in the evolution of our European integration project. We need a Europe without divisions.
Against this backdrop, the Cyprus Presidency will adopt an ambitious and results-oriented approach based on the following overarching priorities:
- Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness
- Autonomy through Competitiveness
- Open to the World, Autonomous
- An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves No One Behind
- A long-term budget for an Autonomous Union
Transforming challenges into opportunities
European autonomy is layered and multifaceted, extending from security and defence to energy and trade, competitiveness alongside the green transition and digital innovation with social cohesion, including affordable housing.
Now is the time for Europe to define and reshape its future by taking an assertive approach to autonomy. This is what is expected of a global leader and a stable, predictable partner that is firmly anchored in multilateralism and fully committed to the UN Charter and international law, including the international law of the sea. These principles guide the building of strength through robust partnerships based on rules.
The Cyprus Presidency will act as a responsible and honest broker in full respect of institutional propriety, and in close cooperation with the European Parliament and the European Commission to transform challenges into opportunities and ensure our ambition is matched by action and tangible results.
The Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, addressed the Presentation of the Programme and the Priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
Our goal is to achieve an ambitious yet realistic Presidency that delivers tangible results for all European citizens. We aim to develop solutions to the challenges facing our wider European community.
The event, coordinated by Ms Stella Michael, Spokesperson in Lefkosia for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, was attended by government officials, local authority representatives, diplomats, stakeholders and members of the media, among others.
Read more about the Programme of the Cyprus Presidency.
Logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU
The newly presented logo draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of Lefkara embroidery. With this technique, threads are woven together to create shapes and patterns that form a unified, continuous design, symbolising harmony and unity.
The design evokes the radiant Cypriot sun, a source of life, light, energy, renewal and hope, for a shared, sustainable and brighter European future.
The colour palette reinforces this narrative. Warm shades of orange reflect the copper hue of the Cypriot flag and the glow of the sun, symbolising warmth, openness and collaboration. Meanwhile, the deep blue of the EU in the background emphasises Cyprus’ identity as an integral, yet distinct, part of the EU, seamlessly interwoven into the European tapestry.
Read more about the Cyprus Presidency logo.
The Cyprus Presidency
The Cyprus Presidency is concluding the 18-month Poland-Denmark-Cyprus Trio Presidency of the Council of the EU, building on their shared programme of upholding European values within the EU.
This marks the second occasion on which Cyprus has assumed the Presidency, following its first term in 2012.
During its six-month Presidency, the Republic of Cyprus will chair numerous meetings and conferences in Brussels and Luxembourg, as well as in Cameroon. Around 260 meetings will be held in Cyprus, including 27 high-level meetings such as an informal meeting of heads of state and government, and 19 informal ministerial councils.
To find out more, check the events calendar.
You can also follow the activities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on the following social media platforms:
The venue: Lefkara village
As preparations for the Cyprus Presidency intensify, Lefkara’s serene, yet inspiring, backdrop served as a reminder of Cyprus’ unique role as a bridge between cultures, continents and ideas.
The village of Lefkara is located in the Larnaka region, at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the southeastern area of Cyprus. The village's narrow, winding streets and traditional, terracotta-roofed buildings give it a charming character.
It is world-renowned for its traditional lace embroidery and filigree silverwork, which has been practised in the village since Venetian times. Visitors can watch local artisans at work in the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing and small workshops around the village.
Lefkara is also home to beautiful, ancient chapels, including the Timiou Stavrou Church (Church of the Holy Cross) and the Archangelou Michail Chapel (Chapel of Archangel Michael) in Kato Lefkara, which house frescoes dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries.
Live at the event: The art of Lefkaritiko embroidery
During the reception after the event, embroiderers of Lefkara demonstrated their expertise, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the art of Lefkaritiko embroidery.
Recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Lefkaritiko embroidery continues to inspire, bridging the past with the present and keeping a centuries-old legacy alive. Each piece of embroidery is unique – bearing witness to the embroiderer’s skill, imagination and deep respect for tradition.
Photos and videos
See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.
In order to read this content from Youtube, please review and agree to our privacy policy and use of cookies
Presentation of the programme, priorities, and logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
