Christodoulides to discuss EU budget and Cyprus problem with Costa

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides will meet European Council President Antonio Costa at the presidential palace on Friday morning, with the EU’s next long-term budget and the Cyprus problem expected to dominate discussions.

Costa will arrive at the presidential palace at 9am during his tour of EU member state capitals.

Meeting schedule

The two presidents will first hold a private meeting, followed by expanded talks. They are scheduled to make statements to the media at 10.35am.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Thursday that Costa’s visit comes at an important time for the EU and at a critical juncture in efforts to restart substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

EU budget discussions

The EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 will be at the centre of the discussions.

Letymbiotis said that substantial progress was made during the Cyprus Presidency and that groundwork had been laid for the final phase of political negotiations, with the aim of reaching an agreement by the end of 2026.

He said Cyprus would enter the talks with specific positions and clear demands, seeking an ambitious and fair EU budget that addresses challenges including security and competitiveness while recognising the particular needs of small island states.

Nicosia is placing particular emphasis on safeguarding national allocations under cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and migration funding.

Cyprus problem and regional issues

The leaders will also discuss EU enlargement, competitiveness, migration and developments in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Gulf.

Christodoulides will brief Costa on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, including efforts to resume substantive negotiations, the recent visit to Cyprus by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and increased EU involvement.

This includes the role of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, who has taken on the role of the EU’s special envoy for the Cyprus problem.