Republic of Cyprus
From: Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection
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Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026
22/03/26 11:09 | Speech / Address | Migration, Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026
At the outset, I would like to thank the European Youth Economic and Political Forum for the invitation and the opportunity to engage with all of you. Our discussions are timely – they come half-way through the Cyprus Presidency, and at a moment of inflection – both for the Union, and for the region that Cyprus is an integral part of – the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Republic of Cyprus assumed, on 1 January 2026, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for the second time since its accession to the EU. The assumption of the Presidency took place during one of the most demanding periods in modern European history, at a time when the EU is confronted with a complex set of simultaneous and interconnected geopolitical challenges. These include the escalating instability in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. At the same time, the systematic instrumentalisation of energy and migration has tested not only the Union’s resilience, but also its unity and cohesion. Therefore, we approached the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU both as a national mission and a European responsibility.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We come together at a moment of remarkable uncertainty, heightened tension and volatility across Europe and our wider neighbourhood of the Middle East and the Gulf. Moments such as these create openings and opportunity for decisions that would have never happened otherwise. Opportunity for the EU to stand out, amid unpredictability, as a Reliable, Predictable and Trustworthy partner. And to move decisively for a European Union that is truly Autonomous.
That is, dear friends, the central objective that permeates all five pillars of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency and is reflected in its motto – ‘An Autonomous Union, Open to the World’. Autonomy as the driving force for action and as an indispensable step towards European integration. A Union strong from within, able to demonstrate the necessary internal strength to cooperate with external partners whenever possible, while also acting independently whenever necessary. A Union that looks outward, engages with all its neighbours, remains committed to open trade and partnerships, and strengthens its strategic autonomy. Committed to international law, able to uphold its principles.
Dear friends,
We mark almost three months into our Presidency – and I want to take this opportunity to highlight some key areas of our work. These have been months of intense engagement and negotiation, continuous coordination and steady progress. So much has been achieved, and at the same time work is intensively underway, according to our roadmap, to deliver even more. We have been demonstrating in practice that Europe can Respond, Act and Deliver. That is how we committed to conduct our Presidency from the very beginning: focused on Substance, Cooperation and, above all, Delivery.
Delivery in strengthening Europe’s Defence Readiness, Security and Preparedness. Delivery on Competitiveness. On a true Energy Union. Delivery in strengthening our collective resilience and social cohesion. Addressing challenges faced by our citizens – from housing, to advancing in our quest for a Health Union. And advancing negotiations for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that becomes a real vehicle for a stronger Union.
Let me begin with Security and Defence. Russia’s war against Ukraine shattered any illusion we may have had that peace and stability in Europe was a constant. This armed conflict has made it clear that we must act decisively for stronger European security and defence. And we did. In the past year, as a Union we have achieved more progress than in decades before. Proof of what we can accomplish together, under adverse circumstances.
Defence, Security, and support to Ukraine are at the forefront of our Presidency. The Republic of Cyprus is a member state that understands first-hand what invasion and occupation mean owing to the Turkish invasion and ongoing belligerent occupation since 1974.
As Presidency, we worked rapidly in the Council to translate the political decision of the December European Council for the 90-billion loan into legal texts, so that Ukraine would receive the financial assistance required in a timely manner.
As Council Presidency we also moved forward with the approval of member states’ national plans under the SAFE programme.
Effective migration management is also a core dimension of security. Our Presidency is focused on supporting coordinated preparation across member states to ensure that the Migration and Asylum Pact is fully operational by June 2026. This comprehensive legal framework will enable member states to enhance border management, expedite asylum procedures and preclude misuse of our asylum systems. In parallel, we are advancing work on the Returns Regulation with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of EU return policy. In fact, the trilogues between the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament are expected to commence this week.
Dear friends,
European Strategic Autonomy and Competitiveness go hand in hand. As Presidency we have placed Competitiveness at the heart of our work, organising our work in the Council around the two important summits on Competitiveness – the February Retreat and the recent European Council, where decisions were made based on a roadmap with timelines on how to proceed with this dossier in the months and years ahead.
In today’s interconnected world, the current situation in the Middle East undoubtedly impacts global energy markets, and through that our economies. The volatility of energy prices remains a major concern for citizens, businesses, and industry. Europe must act decisively to address rising energy prices and send a clear message to citizens and industry that we are now experienced enough to address such crises.
Beyond the current turmoil in the Middle East, Europe will need a lot more energy in the coming years; for industry, new technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data infrastructure, to name a few. This is why strengthening Europe’s energy sovereignty – through a true Energy Union – is a strategic priority. This means accelerating investment in infrastructure and interconnections, as well as advancing initiatives such as the EU Grids Package.
Simplification is another key component of Competitiveness. It is extremely important to our businesses, citizens, and to attract investment. As Council Presidency, we are working intensively on the omnibus packages presented by the Commission. We also need to address strategic dependencies by diversifying and securing market access. This forms part of the third pillar of our priorities – a Union Open to the World. In this respect, expanding our network of trade agreements is key.
The Mercosur and India Free Trade Agreements were historic successes. One of the earliest deliverables of the Cyprus Presidency was the adoption of two Council decisions authorising the signing of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement between the EU and Mercosur, marking a major step after 25 years of negotiations. We have also advanced important legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, including the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, which supports Innovation and the Green Transition of industrial sectors.
At the same time, we need more Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). We must conclude the soonest possible FTAs with the United Arab Emirates – particularly now. This will also allow us to capitalise further on the India FTA, and to give substance to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). We also need to resume discussions on implementation of the EU-US Trade Framework Agreement, which is essential for predictability and market confidence.
Dear friends,
We are currently experiencing a situation of profound instability in our wider region. Rapidly unfolding developments remind us that whatever happens in the Middle East has a broader impact. It directly affects European interests; our security, our stability in terms of energy and migration flows.
The EU has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability. We have called for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and full respect of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law.
For Cyprus, the situation is not abstract. Our geography links us directly to the region. And it connects Europe to this region. In the past weeks, Cyprus has proven that European Autonomy is both possible and real. Greece, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands immediately reacted positively to President Christodoulides’ request and deployed means and personnel to enhance the defence and security of Cyprus. We will never forget this act of tangible solidarity. This is European unity and solidarity in action. A message that the security of a member state is the security of the EU. And an example of European autonomy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Cyprus may be a small member state. But we are a member state that, being located at the south-eastern frontier of the Union, understands better than most what is at stake – what lack of security means in real terms and how indispensable cooperation and diplomacy are. For Cyprus, engagement with our neighbourhood is both a geographical reality and a strategic necessity. It should be stressed that long before this crisis, Cyprus worked on strengthening relations with the Middle East and Gulf, as well as enhancing maritime security. As Presidency, we have placed these strategic goals at the heart of our work. This focus could not be more pertinent.
Cyprus’ long-standing role is a humanitarian one. As a safe haven. Always part of the solution, never part of the problem. A responsible actor that becomes a driver and a vessel of dialogue and diplomacy. A pillar of Stability, Security and Cooperation. It is not only about geography. It is actually a conscious political choice.
That is what we have done since the start of our Presidency and this will culminate at the April informal European Council in Cyprus, when we will host discussions bringing together European leaders and partners from the wider Middle East, on concrete projects of cooperation at the regional level.
The Cyprus Presidency remains fully committed to its mission, despite the volatility around it, fully implementing its programme. And let me convey a significant message from this podium: there is normalcy, safety and security in Cyprus. Our economy – one of the highest performing economies in the Union with estimated growth for 2026 at 4%, conditions of full employment, unemployment in youth one of the lowest in Europe and public debt in 2026 estimated at approximately 50% – continues to operate normally, and our tourism sector remains fully active. Cyprus continues to serve as a reliable hub of stability and connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Dear friends,
I take this opportunity to highlight the vital role young people play in shaping our shared EU future. Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today, whose voices, ideas, energy and engagement are essential for building a stronger, more resilient Europe. By engaging in initiatives such as this forum, young people gain the skills, confidence and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to democratic processes. By strengthening opportunities for involvement and ensuring that young voices and heard and valued, the EU can foster a generation of useful citizens, in the way the Ancient Greek utilised the term, committed to shaping a better future for all.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Crises may shape the moment, but they do not define our direction. Our direction is to be defined by us. And our direction is clear: An Autonomous Union, Open to the World.
I thank you for your attention and wish you thoughtful discussions, meaningful exchanges and every success in the Forum’s deliberations.
(AN/MS/KA)
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