Nicosia: The first informal European Council ever held in Cyprus concluded on Friday afternoon in Nicosia, under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Council began on Thursday evening at the Ayia Napa marina, with EU leaders holding discussions with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In remarks upon his arrival, he thanked the Cypriot Presidency, noting that during its term two important decisions for Ukraine were approved: a new sanctions package and a £90 billion loan.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the leaders attended a working dinner where they discussed geopolitical developments and their impact on the EU. Among other topics, EU heads of state and government discussed the energy toolbox proposed by the European Commission, emphasizing the need for energy autonomy and security, with a focus on accelerating the energy transition and developing domestic clean energy sources. The leaders also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for respect for international law and stating that diplomacy is the only way forward.
On Friday morning, the informal Council continued at the 'Filoxenia' Conference Center in Nicosia. Leaders listened to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who noted that Europe cannot face a new era with an outdated framework, stressing the need for a budget that is fit for purpose and ready to deliver where and when it matters most. Subsequently, EU leaders discussed the Multiannual Financial Framework, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stressing the need to increase new own resources. The Cypriot Presidency, having achieved its goal for the first half of its term by completing technical work and ensuring a timely transition of negotiations to the political level, is expected to prepare and submit numerical data for the first time at the June European Council.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Council, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, representing the Council of the EU, along with Metsola and von der Leyen, signed a roadmap for EU competitiveness titled 'One Europe, One Market.' Additionally, at the initiative of President Christodoulides, leaders discussed the mutual assistance clause (Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty). According to reports, a simulation exercise for the clause is expected to take place in May, while member states are likely to submit proposals and ideas for integrating Article 42.7 into a structured operational mechanism.
The informal European Council continued with consultations involving regional leaders. Leaders from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, as well as the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, attended in Nicosia. In the joint press conference that followed, the need to strengthen Europe's cooperation with its partners in the Middle East and the Gulf was highlighted, along with the point that Europe's security is intrinsically linked to the security of the region. The informal Council attracted significant international media attention, with more than 350 journalists from across the EU covering the event on site.