Nicosia (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Cyprus prepares for its 2026 EU Council Presidency, engaging MEPs in strategic discussions on priorities, collaboration, and staffing, while coordinating with Poland and Denmark.
How is Cyprus Preparing for Its 2026 EU Council Presidency?
Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna debated issues concerning the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026, as well as collaboration with the European Parliament, during a session she had with MEPs Loucas Fourlas, George Georgiou, Geadis Geadi and Costas Mavridis.
What Are the Key Issues Discussed Between Cyprus and MEPs?
According to Cyprus Presidency Secretariat of the EU Council sources, the session took place in the context of the preparations for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU. The Deputy Minister for European Affairs informed the MEPs on the work that has been put forward and swapped views on cooperation issues during the Presidency and the importance of the Presidency Trio, in which
What Are the Priorities for Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency?
Cyprus partakes together with Poland and Denmark. According to the same sources, the consultation procedure on the Trio’s priorities is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed towards the end of the year and before the start of the Polish Presidency in January 2025. At the same time, talks will begin on the preparation of Cyprus’ national programme, which will be concluded by the end of 2025.
How Is Cyprus Staffing Its EU Presidency Secretariat?
Responding to a query, the same sources expressed that the process of staffing the Secretariat and the Permanent Representation in Brussels for the requirements of the Cyprus Presidency is also underway and is expected to be conducted in different phases and based on an overall plan supported by the Council of Ministers.
Finally, they stated that due to other commitments of MEP Michael Hadjipantela, a discussion with him was scheduled to take place, while due to other obligations of MEP Fidias Panagiotou, no meeting was going to take place with him on Monday.
