Nicosia: The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized the nation’s commitment to enhancing the European Union’s strategic autonomy and strengthening its ties with the region as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Speaking at a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides outlined the primary goals for Cyprus during its upcoming term.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides stated that the presidency would serve as a national mission for Cyprus, a smaller EU member state. He identified two main objectives: bolstering the EU’s strategic autonomy across various sectors, including business, competitiveness, defense, security, migration, and housing, and bringing the EU closer to the politically significant region by achieving concrete outcomes and substantial progress in regional relations.
President Christodoulides stressed the importance of collaboration with the European Parliament to ensure a successful presidency. He welcomed Metsola and the Conference of EP Presidents to Cyprus, expressing eagerness to discuss coordination and deliver more to European citizens.
Metsola, accompanied by leaders of the European Parliament’s eight political groups, expressed her pleasure and honor to be in Cyprus. She highlighted the high workload anticipated during the presidency, noting that there are over 250 open legislative files, including those related to the Migration Pact, the Multiannual Financial Framework, and significant climate and digital legislation.
Metsola commended the preparatory work done by Christodoulides and his cabinet, expressing confidence in Cyprus’s leadership and affirming the European Parliament’s commitment to partnering with Cyprus in achieving shared goals.