Nicosia: The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents concluded a significant visit to Cyprus as the nation prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency on January 1, 2026. This visit, occurring on December 1-2, 2025, involves high-level meetings to align Cyprus' priorities with the European Parliament as it steps into a pivotal leadership role within the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the country's economic outlook appears optimistic, with the tourism sector experiencing a notable 10.1% revenue increase in September 2025 compared to the previous year. The GDP growth rate for the third quarter of 2025 is estimated at 3.6%, signaling a robust economic environment as Cyprus gears up for its presidency.
The Cyprus EU Presidency is set to emphasize education as a cornerstone for a resilient and innovative Europe. Minister of Education, Sport, and Youth, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, highlighted this focus at a high-level meeting in Nicosia, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives in fostering long-term EU resilience.
In the financial arena, Cyprus' Finance Minister Makis Keravnos engaged in discussions with European Commission officials, focusing on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The discussions aim to ensure financial stability and strategic investment across the EU.
The political climate also reflects Cyprus' commitment to international cooperation and support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. The Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, reiterated Cyprus' stance on safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty through political solutions during a meeting in Brussels.
On the energy front, Cyprus is set to benefit from the European Commission's approval of 235 new cross-border energy projects, which include the Great Sea Interconnector and EastMed projects. These initiatives are expected to bolster the EU's energy system, with Cyprus playing a strategic role.
President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed a vision for enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy and strengthening regional ties during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The Cyprus Presidency is poised to act as a bridge for cooperation, addressing critical issues such as migration and housing.
Meanwhile, Cyprus' Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, emphasized the need for coordinated EU action to address the housing crisis, a priority for the upcoming presidency. The lack of affordable housing poses a threat to social cohesion, demanding immediate attention.
As Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency, it aims to focus on strategic objectives such as digital capabilities, cyber resilience, and strategic partnerships, as highlighted by the Deputy Minister for Innovation, Research, and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou.
The Cyprus News Agency reports that the country is fully prepared to take on this leadership role, with a focus on economic growth, international cooperation, and strategic initiatives to strengthen the European Union's position on the global stage.