Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus emerged from its presidency of the Council of the European Union stronger, more influential and better equipped to advance its national interests, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday. He said the six-month term generated lasting political capital beyond its legislative achievements.
Government assessment
Presenting the government’s assessment alongside Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Christodoulides said success should be measured not by the number of agreements reached but by the credibility Cyprus earned among its European partners, the institutional expertise developed across government and the stronger position from which it can pursue European and national priorities.
He said the end of the presidency marked the beginning of a new responsibility.
Geopolitical context
Christodoulides said Cyprus assumed the presidency on January 1 during one of the most difficult geopolitical periods in recent years, citing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, growing economic uncertainty and increasing pressure on Europe to respond more quickly and decisively to global crises.
He said that in that context Cyprus did more than chair meetings of the Council of the EU, helping to build consensus on difficult decisions at a time when Europe needed unity, strategic direction and effective leadership.
National priorities
Christodoulides said the presidency had significantly strengthened Cyprus’ credibility within the European Union, creating political capital that the government intends to use to advance the country’s strategic priorities, including efforts to reunify the island.
He said Cyprus served the common European interest with consistency, credibility and responsibility, and that this had strengthened its ability to pursue national objectives, including the Cyprus problem.
Permanent structures
The president said the legacy of the presidency would become permanent, announcing that the government would retain the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs while transforming the Presidency Secretariat into a permanent structure to coordinate European affairs across government.
He said the expertise, cooperation and institutional culture developed over the past two and a half years should not be lost, describing them as valuable national capital that would continue to serve Cyprus after the presidency ended.
Raouna’s remarks
Raouna said the conclusion of the presidency marked both the end of a major chapter in Cyprus’ European journey and the beginning of a new one, with the experience gained becoming a lasting asset for the public service.
