Nicosia: EU Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, emphasized Cyprus’ pivotal role in achieving consensus during its EU Presidency in a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday. The meeting, held in Nicosia, highlighted Cyprus’ commitment to advancing the EU budget during its term in the first half of 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides assured Commissioner Serafin that Cyprus would strive to make significant progress on the EU budget during its Presidency. The President, joined by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, emphasized the importance of Cyprus’ role and the timely visit of the Commissioner, following the recent budget proposal submission in July.
Christodoulides reiterated that Cyprus would focus on ensuring progress on the budget and address other key issues, such as migration, during its tenure. Commissioner Serafin, addressing the press post-meeting, noted that Cyprus’ Presidency would be crucial for securing agreement among the 27 EU member states.
Serafin remarked that Nicosia would be a central hub for EU institutions, Heads of State, and Ministers during Cyprus’ Presidency, as it would be here where the EU agenda for 2026 would be established. He underscored the Presidency’s critical role in preparing the groundwork for compromises among member states and assured that the Commission would support Cyprus throughout the process.
The Commissioner highlighted that discussions on the long-term budget involve all member states, each with their own interests and priorities. He acknowledged the opportunity to gain insights into the reactions to the Commission’s proposal and its perceived weaknesses, which would be taken back to Brussels for further work.