Mid-term review of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU

The first quarter of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU has yielded tangible, measurable and substantive results. In her review of the work carried out, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, stated that these outcomes confirm the intensive two-year preparatory work that preceded it.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, 17 April 2026, the Deputy Minister said that the Cyprus Presidency is putting forward compromise proposals, including on complex dossiers that require unanimity, and is acting in a constructive spirit. She also underlined the flexibility shown in the light of international and regional developments. 

The Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms Marilena Raouna, stated that the Cyprus Presidency places particular emphasis on the geopolitical importance of the Middle East and the Gulf, as well as on critical security issues such as maritime security. She also underlined the need to strengthen the Union’s strategic autonomy in the fields of defence, the economy and energy.

She underlined that a truly autonomous and strategically independent Union is an urgent priority. She stressed that strengthening strategic autonomy – whether in defence and security, the economy or the Union’s energy independence – lies at the core of the Cyprus Presidency.

Ms Raouna also referred to the Presidency’s achievements during the first quarter, highlighting key issues under each pillar of the priorities set out in the six-month work programme. 

Towards a more autonomous and more secure Europe 

• Under the Cyprus Presidency, the first three packages of implementing decisions were adopted, making financial assistance under SAFE available to 18 member states. The implementation of the programme’s instruments is one of the key objectives of the Cyprus Presidency.
• In the field of migration, negotiations on safe third countries and safe countries of origin were concluded, while talks with the European Parliament on the Return Regulation are ongoing. 
• An agreement was reached with the European Parliament on the Regulation establishing the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, amounting to €90 billion. 
• Council conclusions were adopted on strengthening the EU’s capacity to address hybrid threats. 

A more competitive Europe 

• The Cyprus Presidency has secured a Council mandate to open negotiations with the European Parliament on the revision of the AI Act within the framework of the Digital Package, as well as on a proposal under the Food and Feed Simplification Package. 
• Negotiations with the European Parliament have been launched and are progressing on the Defence Readiness Omnibus, the SME Relief Package, and the revision of the AI Act. 
• Following an agreement between the Council and the European Parliament, one of the most significant reforms of the Customs Union since its establishment in 1968 has moved forward, with the creation of a single data hub expected to reduce bureaucracy and deliver savings of up to €2 billion annually for member states.

Significant progress has also been made on specific legislative files that directly affect citizens’ daily lives, such as: 

• stabilising energy costs for households and businesses through a targeted amendment to the framework of the new Emissions Trading System for buildings, road transport and other sectors (ETS2).
• strengthening farmers’ bargaining position in order to protect them from unfair practices in the food supply chain, through amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy. 
• improving air passenger rights to facilitate compensation (Regulation on the revision of Air Passenger Rights (AIRPAX Régulation)).
• strengthening Europe’s security of supply, circular economy and recycling through amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
• accelerating and simplifying investment in research and innovation to support the green and just transition of the steel sector and coal-producing regions in the EU, through the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel.

Strengthened international presence and role of the EU 

Significant agreements and progress have been achieved, including:

• After 25 years of negotiations, the EU–Mercosur Agreement was signed. The agreement creates one of the world’s largest free trade areas, enhancing opportunities for European businesses and supporting the EU’s economic growth, as well as its geopolitical and economic footprint.
• Approval was secured for the signing of a package of agreements with Switzerland, which modernises the framework for cooperation in areas such as energy, transport and health, as well as participation in European programmes.
• Under the coordination of the Cyprus Presidency, the Council decision to open negotiations with the United Kingdom with a view to its participation in the EU internal electricity market was approved.
• Agreement was facilitated on the United Kingdom’s participation in the Erasmus+ programme for 2027, enhancing mobility opportunities for young people and students. An agreement was also reached at COREPER II level on the signing and provisional application of the EU–UK agreement on Gibraltar.
• The Cyprus Presidency supported negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and the UAE, strengthening relations with Gulf countries. At the same time, a provisional agreement was reached on the new Steel Regulation, introducing a stricter quota framework to protect European industry.
• Progress was made on EU enlargement, with two EU–Montenegro intergovernmental conferences and the provisional closure of two chapters, as well as an acceleration of preparations for Ukraine and Moldova. An agreement was also adopted on the “Global Europe” Instrument, strengthening the effectiveness of the EU’s external action.

The citizen at the centre

• At the initiative of the Cyprus Presidency, Council conclusions on investing in children were adopted, aiming to enhance well-being, promote social inclusion and combat child poverty.
• At the same time, particular emphasis was placed on affordable housing. The Cyprus Presidency coordinated an extraordinary informal meeting of the relevant ministers and promoted discussion on practical solutions under the European Affordable Housing Plan, with a view to increasing the housing supply and making better use of existing housing stock.
• In the field of employment, a provisional agreement was reached with the European Parliament on the Regulation expanding the scope of the EGF, strengthening timely and effective support for workers affected by unemployment.
• At the same time, institutional changes were advanced, with agreement reached in the Council on proxy voting in the European Parliament. The agreement allows pregnant Members of the European Parliament and new mothers to vote remotely, thereby strengthening democratic participation and equality.

Long-term budget: the interim milestone has been reached

In the first quarter of 2026, the technical work was completed and negotiations were elevated to political level, with a view to reaching a political agreement by the end of 2026. 

In closing, the Deputy Minister underlined that a key objective of the Cyprus Presidency is to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy through concrete policies and measurable results. She stated that the Cyprus Presidency is working with commitment and determination to deliver results in a transparent manner and through compromise proposals, in cooperation with partners. The goal remains a stronger EU, with policies that have a tangible and positive impact on the everyday lives of European citizens. 

Photos and video

See photos from the press conference on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.