Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides detailed Cyprus' three main priorities during its EU presidency at a meeting on Monday with a delegation of the European Committee of the Regions at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. Cyprus currently holds the EU Presidency for the six-month term.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between European citizens and the EU, noting that public support for the EU in Cyprus is over 70%, one of the highest within the Union. The second priority he outlined is to work towards European autonomy, focusing on independence in defense, security, competitiveness, and cohesion. The final priority involves leveraging Cyprus' geographical position to bring the Middle East closer to the EU.
President Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus' role as a small, agenda-free member state acting as an honest broker in addressing daily challenges faced by citizens. He acknowledged housing as a pressing European issue and welcomed EU initiatives targeting affordable housing. The President also expressed eagerness for collaboration with the Committee of the Regions during Cyprus' Presidency, with its representatives set to participate in numerous meetings in Cyprus.
Kata Ttt¶, President of the European Committee of the Regions, thanked President Christodoulides and underscored the vital role local and regional authorities play in connecting Europe with its citizens. She emphasized that the mission is not about centralizing power in Brussels but about engaging with citizens directly, particularly amid rapid technological changes and misinformation.
Discussions on the upcoming EU budget were also addressed, with Ttt¶ expressing concerns over increasing centralization at both national and European Commission levels. The meeting saw participation from several high-ranking members of the European Committee of the Regions, including Juanma Moreno, Sari Rautio, Luca Menesini, and others.
A press release from the Union of Cyprus Municipalities announced that the Bureau of the European Committee of the Regions will hold its 238th meeting in Nicosia on 9-10 February 2026. Discussions will focus on how digital innovation, research, and blue technologies can enhance the resilience of Europe's cities and regions. The role of local and regional authorities in promoting and implementing these solutions, especially amid rising environmental and social challenges, will also be explored.