The EU is facing acute geopolitical upheaval and unpredictability. This moment is not without precedent. Europe has previously faced complex and existential crises and managed to respond to the demands of the times by evolving and stepping up.
What is new is the intensity, plurality and complexity of the challenges, and what this moment asks of our Union. Autonomy is the necessary next step of our evolving European integration project. A Europe without divisions.
A more autonomous Union will demonstrate the necessary internal strength to cooperate with external partners whenever possible, while also acting independently when necessary. Autonomy yields strength, and from that strength will spring greater autonomy.
The Cyprus Presidency will act as a responsible, honest broker, to ensure that challenges are transformed into opportunities, and that ambition is matched with action and tangible results.
Read below about the work of the Council during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU:
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The Cyprus Presidency begins at a critical moment, against the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape which is calling on Europe to act decisively, with unity and resilience, for greater European autonomy. In this context and informed by the Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, the Presidency will fully uphold the GAC’s central role in ensuring coherence across all Council configurations and in steering the Union’s horizontal agenda.
Ensuring a balanced and forward-looking EU budget will be a top priority. Building on the progress achieved, the Presidency will significantly advance negotiations on all sectoral legislative files of the new MFF 2028-2034, as part of the ambition to reach an agreement by the end of 2026.
Driving the EU’s simplification agenda forward will also be a central priority with the aim of reducing regulatory and administrative burdens and boosting competitiveness, especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
The Cyprus Presidency will place strong emphasis on defending and promoting the Union’s fundamental values, democracy and the rule of law, reinforcing citizens’ trust in the European project and strengthening democratic resilience.
Recognising that enlargement remains one of the Union’s most transformative and geostrategic instruments for the security and prosperity of the European space, the Presidency is committed to delivering concrete progress while upholding the credibility of the established methodology and its merit-based character.
The Cyprus Presidency will also work to further enhance EU–UK relations, building on the positive momentum of the London Summit of May 2025, while ensuring the full implementation of existing agreements.
The Presidency will endeavour to strengthen cooperation with EFTA countries and other non-EU Western European partners, thereby reinforcing the Union’s wider network.
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In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the EU must strengthen its ability for effective and autonomous external action, while remaining outward-looking and closely engaged with international partners.
Strengthening the Union’s capabilities is essential to protect citizens’ security and prosperity, and to enhance the competitiveness of the Union. This is most evident in security and defence, where the EU must assume a greater responsibility by ensuring defence readiness by 2030, investing across all security tools, applying a comprehensive 360-degree approach to address the entire range of threats.
The EU's unwavering support to Ukraine -through diplomatic, political, economic, humanitarian, military, and energy channels - remains crucial as Russia's war of aggression continues to violate the international legal order and undermine European security. The Union will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine, committed to a just and lasting peace that respects its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
In the Southern Neighbourhood, a region of strategic importance, it is essential to promote the EU’s goals of stability, security, and prosperity through implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean. Developing a structured partnership with Gulf countries and pursuing mutually advantageous trade agreements are key. The EU should also remain committed to supporting the implementation of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza and facilitating the distribution of humanitarian aid.
The EU must broaden its diplomatic reach with like-minded partners. Strong and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations, with both the US and Canada, remain vital in maintaining the rules-based order. Continuous constructive dialogue with the US is essential across all key areas.
Deepening and diversifying trade relationships with partners in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, is vital to maintaining the EU’s economic strength, reinforcing critical supply-chain resilience, and advancing broader geopolitical objectives.
The EU must remain committed to a strong multilateral system grounded on the UN Charter, international law including the law of the sea, and promoting human rights worldwide. The EU has also a responsibility to sustain its leadership in protecting the most vulnerable, especially in conflict-affected regions.
The Cyprus Presidency will work closely with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to advance these priorities and to contribute to a more capable, present, engaging, confident, and influential EU on the global stage.
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Enhancing the EU’s financial autonomy and reinforcing its global economic position will be the guiding principles of the Cyprus Presidency in steering ECOFIN’s agenda. The Presidency will seek to effectively address the challenges posed by the EU’s economic and financial landscape, by prioritising and advancing policies that strengthen the EU’s long-term competitiveness and productivity, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
To this end, the Presidency will further pursue the efforts to advance the legislative work on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU), by making sufficient progress on the Capital Markets Union agenda on initiatives aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and integration of the EU banking sector.
In the area of Taxation, the Cyprus Presidency will focus on promoting the EU tax decluttering and simplification agenda, as part of the broader efforts to strengthen competitiveness. Furthermore, the Presidency aims to progress legislative work towards a modernised Customs Union.
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A strong and autonomous Europe needs the tools and capacities to ensure a secure, resilient, and integrated European area—capable of managing external borders, protecting citizens from internal and external threats, and upholding fundamental values.
The Cyprus Presidency will guide the JHA agenda on effective migration management, with a focus on the implementation of the Pact for Migration and Asylum, ahead of its full operationalisation, the efficiency of the asylum and return system, and the development of comprehensive partnerships with third countries.
It will advance a safer internal area by strengthening law enforcement capabilities and cooperation among Member States and EU Agencies, tackling transnational and organised crime, addressing new threats stemming from technological developments, and protecting minors from online and offline threats. The Presidency will also promote efforts that enhance EU’s preparedness and resilience against all types of threats.
Promoting fundamental European values, including the rule of law and equal access to justice, will remain central priorities throughout these efforts.
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An autonomous Europe begins and centres around its people. EU citizens must be supported to be able to adapt to the current challenges and opportunities arising from the digital and environmental developments, and the demographic realities.
At the same time, everyone — with no exclusions —should live in an environment of social justice and equal opportunities — an environment of dignity where people can access essential goods, affordable housing, quality healthcare, and quality jobs with decent work conditions.
The Cyprus Presidency will lead the work of EPSCO with this vision: strengthening Europe’s social model through the European Pillar of Social Rights, advancing the Union of Skills, and reinforcing a more resilient and integrated European Health Union.
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In an increasingly complex global environment that is reshaping global trade, energy security, and economic policies, Europe must strengthen its economic resilience, secure critical raw materials, and advance long-term growth, while fostering a robust European research and innovation landscape. A strong and competitive Union is essential to sustaining Europe’s open strategic autonomy and its capacity to define and pursue its own strategic choices in a rapidly changing global environment. Competitiveness is the foundation of that strength and will be a central driver of Europe’s future.
In close cooperation with Member States, the European Commission and key stakeholders, the Cyprus Presidency will translate its vision into action in the COMPET Council by advancing industrial modernisation, reinforcing strategic value chains and improving the business environment. This includes creating a predictable and simplified regulatory framework to boost productive investment, and strengthen the Single Market, enhancing the EU’s economic sovereignty and global competitiveness.
Building on these priorities, the Cyprus Presidency will advance a balanced and competitive European research and innovation framework that advances excellence and closes innovation gaps. As space technologies emerge as the next technology frontier, the Presidency will also prioritise efforts to enhance EU’s role in this domain.
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The Cyprus Presidency will drive the TTE Council’s agenda to shape a future-ready Europe by strengthening its competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy in transport, telecommunications and energy. Advancing negotiations that will facilitate the funding for these sectors through the relevant instruments of the new MFF will be a priority. At the same time, decarbonisation efforts in both the transport and energy sectors beyond 2030 will be an area of particular attention.
In transport, the Presidency will accelerate efforts to forge an integrated, well-connected European transport network enabling seamless intermodal mobility.
In telecommunications, the Cyprus Presidency will prioritise secure and resilient connectivity while advancing the EU’s competitiveness and digital sovereignty in an open and inclusive manner. It will promote efforts to simplify digital and data frameworks, and drive innovation in key technologies such as AI and cloud computing. It will strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure and reinforce collective resilience across the Union.
In energy, the Presidency will contribute to building a resilient, self-sufficient and truly integrated Energy Union, with citizen empowerment at its core. Key priorities include enhancing grid infrastructure and interconnections, advancing towards a digitalised and cyber-resilient energy sector and fostering inclusive dialogues and coordinated actions that support energy affordability.
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Agriculture and fisheries are vital economic drivers that sustain Europe's rural and coastal communities, ensuring a stable supply of safe, high-quality food for all citizens while supporting strategic autonomy, environmental management, and the resilience of local regions.
The Cyprus Presidency will promote a fair, competitive and sustainable primary production sector, take forward a comprehensive approach to the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and provide guidance for a reinforced Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The Presidency will advance robust legislative frameworks that support farmers and fishers in facing climate impacts, market disruptions, animal and plant health risks and rising production costs – all of which threaten the stability and viability of these critical sectors.
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The EU faces growing environmental challenges that require coordinated and effective action. The Cyprus Presidency will work to strengthen the Union’s response by supporting a sustainable, resilient and competitive Europe that protects the environment and contributes to global progress.
The Presidency will advance the green transition by promoting climate action and climate adaptation, sustainable resource management and circular economic development, while contributing to the EU’s broader strategic objectives. It will also support efforts that uphold environmental justice and reinforce the Union’s capacity to address environmental risks.
In pursuing these goals, the Cyprus Presidency will aim to deliver meaningful progress and ensure that Europe continues to play a leading role in climate diplomacy, environmental stewardship and green innovation.
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Europe’s education systems play a decisive role in shaping the Union’s future, making it essential to strengthen skills, promote learning opportunities, and enhance social development.
The Cyprus Presidency will advance this agenda by focusing on skills for all, empowering teachers, and reinforcing vocational and higher education in line with the European Education Area. Priority will also be given to learning mobility, citizenship education and inclusive learner-centred approaches that promote lifelong learning and social inclusion.
The EU must continue to invest in its youth, by equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to actively shape Europe’s future. The Presidency will thus promote more youth-friendly policies that strengthen trust and active participation.
In culture, the Cyprus Presidency will highlight culture’s strategic role in safeguarding EU values. The Presidency will also prioritise the protection of cultural rights and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.
In sport, the Presidency will promote sport tourism, active ageing and mental health while strengthening integrity and good governance.