Cyprus' EU Presidency has come to an end - Topics of importance to Finland gained momentum

Cyprus held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from the beginning of January until the end of June. Key topics for Finland on the agenda included security and defense, competitiveness, and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.

Cyprus’ six-month term as the holder of the EU Council Presidency has come to an end. Cyprus organized a total of 300 high-level events across the island, including 24 informal ministerial meetings. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen were among the high-level visitors. The Embassy congratulates its Cypriot colleagues on a successful term and thanks them for the excellent cooperation with the arrangements of Finnish visitors! Attached is a collection of photos from the Presidency.

The Cypriot Presidency was guided by the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”. Key themes for Finland included security and defence, competitiveness, the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement, energy and migration. Owing to its geographical location and the acute conflicts in the Middle East, Cyprus placed greater emphasis than its predecessors on Mediterranean issues and the EU’s southern dimension.

Due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, strengthening European security and defence remains at the top of Finland’s priorities. Ukraine needs increased political, economic, and military support from both the EU and its Member States. The opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova stands among the main foreign policy achievements of Cyprus’ term.

Due to the war in Ukraine, Finland and other Eastern European countries require additional support for their border regions. Finland is responsible for more than 1,300 kilometres of eastern border, which is also an external border of the EU. Finland is one of the so-called “Eastern flank” countries and therefore has a strong understanding of the concerns of southern European border states as well. European defence has a 360-degree dimension.

The suffering of people caught in the middle of conflicts continues also in the Middle East. The EU must continue its efforts to defend human rights and promote a just peace not only in Ukraine and the Middle East, but also in other conflict areas around the world.

The presidency baton was passed to Ireland in the beginning of July. One of the most important issues is deciding on the next EU budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Finland’s economy is facing challenges, which makes EU's budgetary discipline particularly important for Finland at this time. Finland has been a net contributor to the EU budget from the outset. The EU needs competitiveness, innovations, and green transition to succeed in global competition. Cyprus’ motto of an autonomous Europe open to the world will remain relevant going forward.