Nicosia: The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, comprising President Roberta Metsola and the leaders of all political groups, arrives in Cyprus on Monday for a two-day mission considered as an important step in the country’s preparations to assume the EU Council Presidency on 1 January 2026. The visit, taking place 1-2 December, places the Conference of Presidents at the centre of a dense round of meetings aimed at coordinating priorities between Nicosia and the European Parliament.
According to Cyprus News Agency, meetings at the Presidential Palace will begin at 17:15 on 1 December. President Nikos Christodoulides will welcome Metsola for a private meeting that will include introductory statements, followed by an expanded meeting and a joint plenary session between the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament and the Cypriot Cabinet. After a family photo, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference, before attending an official dinner at 20:00.
On Tuesday, the delegation will hold contacts and meetings at the House of Representatives. At 08:40, House President Annita Demetriou will meet Metsola for a private discussion before hosting a broader meeting with the Conference of Presidents. At 09:00, they will join party leaders and parliamentary representatives for further exchanges on legislative priorities for 2026.
A youth dialogue at 10:35, hosted at the Larnaca Technical Vocational School as part of ‘Christmas in Europe 2025,’ will bring together Metsola, President Christodoulides, and students. The delegation departs Cyprus at noon.
In statements ahead of the visit, Metsola pointed out the significance of the Conference of Presidents’ presence on the island, noting that Cyprus will take over the EU’s rotating presidency ‘at a time of rapid developments and rising expectations.’
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis described the visit as a moment of ‘particular political importance,’ stressing that the presence of the Conference of Presidents in Cyprus signals recognition of the country’s contribution to the European project. He noted that discussions will focus on shaping an ‘ambitious yet realistic’ agenda for the upcoming Presidency, with emphasis on issues affecting the Eastern Mediterranean, European security, energy, migration, and the green and digital transitions.
‘Cyprus approaches the great responsibility of the Presidency with confidence, political seriousness, and a clear aim to make a substantive contribution to our shared European future,’ Letymbiotis said, adding that initiatives promoting European unity and adherence to EU principles will guide the country’s efforts.