Cyprus: Cyprus has concluded its EU Presidency with a stronger voice, having built relationships of trust with every member state and every institution and remains active at the forefront of European developments, said on Wednesday Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna. Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, said that in difficult circumstances, the Republic of Cyprus has shown resilience and adaptability.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos and Raouna made statements to the media during a press conference held on the occasion of the conclusion of the Cyprus EU Presidency at the end of June. Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, assumed the rotating Presidency between January-June 2026 for the second time since its accession to the EU.
In her speech, Raouna stated that the closing of this extremely important chapter in the country's European path simultaneously marks the opening of a new chapter, through the utilization of experience, institutional knowledge in the public service, and the legacy that the Presidency of the Council leaves behind, for the benefit of Cyprus and all Cypriots.
Focusing on the operational dimension, the Deputy Minister noted that for Cyprus the journey began approximately two and a half years ago with the establishment of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and with a clear mission.
She added that in political trilogues with the European Parliament and the Commission, the Cyprus Presidency closed 27 out of the 32 files it undertook, a success rate of over 84%.
She described this as a result that reflects the scope of the effort and was neither self-evident nor given. "We achieved 41 general approaches and 22 Council Conclusions. We completed 10 simplification proposals and secured negotiating mandates for another 4. We managed really difficult files, technically complex and politically sensitive, including files that remained deadlocked for years, in some cases for more than a decade," she pointed out.
Raouna said that Cyprus hosted more than 230 events, with almost 25,000 participants, including the Informal Council of EU leaders in April. She referred to the visits of foreign leaders and delegations to the buffer zone, in order to witness first-hand the consequences of the occupation on European soil, as Turkey still occupies since 1974 37% of Cyprus' territory.
Raouna also referred to the cultural program of the Cyprus EU Presidency, pointing out that events were held in 31 countries.
The Deputy Minister noted that Cyprus worked as a true honest mediator, with impartiality and transparency, in the service of the common European interest and represented all 27 member states equally in all issues and for this earned their trust.
"This credibility was reflected in moments of great challenges, with effective and quick reflexes, adapting where necessary and with our presidency continuing uninterrupted. Our work in Europe continues. We are emerging from the Presidency stronger, with a stronger voice, with relationships of trust with every member state and every institution, remaining active at the forefront of European developments," she said.
FM Constantinos Kombos highlighted in his press statements that Cyprus Presidency was called upon to operate in a time of crises and multiple challenges in a particularly unstable, dangerous and changing international and regional environment.
He stated that they responded to these challenges and this is acknowledged by partners, EU institutions, and third countries. He noted that this is a compass in their foreign policy, which is the expansion of their diplomatic footprint.
"In these difficult circumstances, the Republic of Cyprus functioned not as a defunct, but as an actively present one. And this, because the necessary preparation was made, we showed resilience and the necessary adaptability," he noted.
Kombos went on to say that a key factor in success were the priorities set out within the framework of the planning, including the strengthening of relations with the countries of the wider region and the importance of maritime transport for Cyprus as a maritime state.
He referred to the presence of foreign leaders in the European Council and the Gymnich hosted in Cyprus. The Minister also spoke of impressive results as regards the enlargement process, especially with regard to the Western Balkans.
"The Cyprus Presidency has come to an end. The impression that was formed remains, which is an impression of seriousness, methodicality, stability, efficiency, with recognition abroad," he said.
He also expressed that as a government that was "called upon to handle and manage this national task, we are proud." Kombos also conveyed his congratulations and gratitude to all those who contributed "and worked under the political guidance of our colleagues and always under the guidance and instructions of the President of the Republic."