European Council President Antonio Costa to visit Cyprus next Friday

Nicosia, Cyprus. European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Cyprus next Friday as part of his “tour des capitales” of all 27 European Union member-state capitals. He is scheduled to meet President Nikos Christodoulides.

Tour of EU capitals

The European Council said the visits are intended to allow Costa to hear directly from EU leaders about their priorities and concerns, while strengthening cooperation across the bloc.

It said the tour, taking place at the start of the political season, will help set the direction for the months ahead and ensure the European Council’s work remains anchored in realities, priorities and aspirations across Europe.

Costa is also expected to meet Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa in Ljubljana later on the same day.

Budget and policy priorities

Costa has said that defence, competitiveness, enlargement and support for Ukraine will feature in his discussions with European leaders. He added that the EU’s next long-term budget would stand out.

The comment referred to the multiannual financial framework for 2028 to 2034. Negotiations are expected to continue from next week, with the aim of reaching a conclusion and having the budget ready by the end of this year.

No politician had publicly confirmed the reason for the timetable, though it is widely understood that the EU and its 27 member states plan to avoid the risk of elections next year in France and Poland, and the possible election of the far right in both countries, disrupting efforts to reach an agreement.

Cyprus presidency

In June, following Cyprus’ six-month term holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, Costa said the island had submitted a budget proposal and that consensuses were beginning to emerge among member states on aspects of it.

He said the EU was “one step closer to a new European budget … that meets our ambitions”.