Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus welcomed Ireland as the new holder of the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency at an event in Nicosia on Thursday, where officials highlighted shared ties and Ireland outlined its priorities for the next six months.
Cyprus welcomes Ireland’s succession
European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna said Cyprus took “particular joy” in being succeeded by Ireland as holder of the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency, speaking at an event at Nicosia’s EU House to launch Ireland’s six-month term.
Raouna said Cyprus and Ireland stand at opposite ends of Europe but are united by more than geography, describing them as island countries with common historical references.
She said both countries “have endured division” and “know the value of peace”, and are also “united as members of our large European family”.
“While the order of the rotating presidency is, of course, set by the council, we take particular joy in being succeeded by Ireland at the helm, confident that you will carry forward our shared commitment for a stronger union, a more autonomous union,” she said.
Ireland sets out three priorities
At the same event, Irish ambassador in Nicosia Sarah Hamilton presented Ireland’s priorities for its forthcoming six-month term, which are based on three axes: competitiveness, values, and security.
On competitiveness, the Irish government said that “to deliver a secure economic future, which meets the needs and expectations of its people, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity”.
It referred to the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, signed in April by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and the presidents of the European Parliament and European Commission, Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen, saying it “provides a blueprint to achieve decisive progress in 2026”.
It said its work on competitiveness will be guided by five “building blocks”: simplifying rules, a more integrated single market, championing strong trade, the energy transition, and the digital and artificial intelligence sector.
Focus on EU values
Regarding values, the Irish government said the EU is “founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities”.
“Now more than ever, the EU needs to defend and vindicate those values within Europe and globally,” it said, referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rights of LGBT persons, and efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.
