Brussels: Escalation in relations is neither in the interest of the EU member states nor of the United States, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated upon his arrival at the informal European Council in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted five key points during his address. Firstly, he commended the decision of European Council President Ant³nio Costa to convene the informal meeting. He noted his proactive engagement with various leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Italy, Croatia, and Greece, as well as officials from EU institutions.
The President's second point underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark. He drew parallels with Cyprus's own experiences regarding sovereignty violations.
In his third point, President Christodoulides mentioned that the council would receive briefings on recent developments and understandings achieved in Davos, influencing their subsequent actions.
The fourth point reiterated the commitment to avoid escalation, emphasizing that increased tensions serve no one and could harm transatlantic relations. The President asserted that maintaining territorial sovereignty and integrity remains a non-negotiable principle.
Finally, he emphasized the Cypriot Presidency's goal for more autonomy across various sectors, including defense, security, and energy, asserting that this approach would bolster the EU's strategic autonomy and independence.
When asked about discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, President Christodoulides indicated that Ukraine would be a topic of discussion, reflecting recent developments.
In response to questions about EU-US relations, he dismissed concerns of irreparable damage, advocating for de-escalation and constructive dialogue to benefit both the EU and the United States, while maintaining unwavering commitment to the sovereignty of member states.