In its work programme, the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council has highlighted Ukraine as a “central priority”, along with the Southern Neighbourhood and transatlantic relations in the field of EU foreign policy - which falls within the remit of the High Representative. The situation in Venezuela could also be on the ministers’ agenda.
Ukraine. For Cyprus, the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine remains “crucial”. The Cyprus Presidency is ready to provide additional political, diplomatic, economic, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary, making full use of all available EU instruments, including the Common Security and Defence Policy missions in Ukraine.
To strengthen the Ukrainian army, the Presidency intends to support the implementation of existing European instruments, in particular the ‘European Peace Facility’ - still blocked by Hungary - and assistance to the Ukrainian defence industry.
It intends as well to promote “long-term strategic planning” to ensure a lasting EU commitment to Ukraine in terms of security, reconstruction and recovery.
Cyprus also wants to increase pressure on Russia, including through new sanctions, and to strengthen dialogue and coordination between the EU and the United States on Ukraine, particularly in the context of diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement.
Finally, the Presidency will give priority to the issue of the abduction of Ukrainian children, the promotion of accountability and support for legal instruments.
Southern Neighbourhood. Because of its geographical position, Cyprus is also making the Southern Neighbourhood a priority. “In the Southern Neighbourhood, a region of strategic importance, it is essential to promote the EU’s goals of stability, security, and prosperity through implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean”, the programme states. The Presidency will promote and implement the Pact, in particular by ensuring complementarity with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU also stresses the need to develop a structured partnership with the Gulf States and to conclude trade agreements. It will support the deepening of relations with regional organisations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a second EU-GCC Summit in 2026, and the League of Arab States. According to Cyprus, promoting intercultural and inter-religious dialogue is an essential tool for fostering mutual understanding, social cohesion and regional stability in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood.
With regard to the Middle East, the Presidency remains determined to support the peace efforts and initiatives underway to implement the Gaza peace plan, and to facilitate the distribution of large-scale humanitarian aid, notably via the Cypriot maritime corridor.
Transatlantic relations. The Cyprus Presidency believes that the EU needs to extend its diplomatic influence to like-minded partners. “Strong and mutually beneficial transatlantic relations, with both the US and Canada, remain vital in maintaining the rules-based order”. At a time when relations are complicated, the Presidency intends to promote a constructive, inclusive and mutually beneficial EU-US dialogue in all major areas of cooperation.
The Cyprus Presidency is also “firmly committed” to advancing the enlargement agenda in a “credible manner, by delivering tangible results on a merit-based process”.
Links to the Presidency programme and ministerial meetings: https://aeur.eu/f/k4d ; https://aeur.eu/f/k5o (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)