Cyprus Begins Its EU Presidency – Topics of Importance to Finland on the Agenda

EU member states take turns holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months at a time. From the beginning of January until the end of June 2026, Cyprus will take on this role.

Cyprus’ EU presidency has begun and will last until the end of June 2026. Many issues of importance to Finland are on the agenda, including European security and defense, competitiveness, and enlargement. The Embassy of Finland in Nicosia serves as a link between the Presidency and the Finnish government. We expect participants from Finland to attend dozens of meetings, and we stand ready to assist in every way needed.

Supporting Ukraine and achieving a just peace remain priorities during Cyprus’ Presidency, which is of uppermost importance to Finland. Strengthening Europe’s competitiveness enhances citizens’ well-being, employment, and security. Cyprus’ Presidency will also oversee preparations for the EU’s next budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), where Finland considers adequate support for Europe’s border regions essential. We are in favor of enlargement regarding Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, while maintaining that reforms are key criteria for EU membership.

The European Union is not only about technical decisions; it is also a community of values. This is a challenging time, as multilateralism, international law, and the principles of the UN Charter are under threat in global politics. We must work together to uphold them.

Cyprus remains Europe’s last divided country, with the northern part of the island occupied by Turkey since 1974. Finland and all EU member states share the goal of restarting reunification talks under UN auspices as soon as possible. The EU has appointed its own special representative on the Cyprus issue to support the UN.

Cyprus’ geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia gives it a natural role in bringing urgent issues from these regions to the agenda. Finland values Cyprus’ plans to convene countries from these areas and appreciates its efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through the Amalthea maritime corridor.

Cyprus’ motto for its EU Presidency is “An autonomous union. Open to the World.” Finland and our Embassy fully support this motto in every way. We wish Cyprus success and prosperity during its Presidency!