The Presidency of the Council of the EU passed from Denmark to Cyprus.

The Cyprus Presidency program emphasizes an autonomous Union that is open to the world. Improving security and competitiveness remain priorities. The presidency begins in a challenging situation, with the peace process in Ukraine, the Mercosur trade agreement, and the situation in Greenland keeping EU leaders busy. The Presidency of the Council of the EU rotates every six months.

At the beginning of 2026, the Council of the EU presidency also changed. Denmark handed the baton to Cyprus. When a new presidency takes over, it is customary for the country to publish its priorities for the next six months. In challenging and rapidly changing geopolitical times, Cyprus’s top priority is to develop EU’s autonomy. The new presidency’s program slogan is “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.”

If the geopolitical situation was challenging when Denmark took over the presidency six months ago, it will not be any easier for Cyprus. The U.S.’s actions in Venezuela are dividing EU leaders, and pressure from the U.S. on Greenland is increasing. Defense and security remain at the top of Cyprus’s list of priorities, as they were so during Denmark’s term. In the area of security, Cyprus emphasizes immigration control and support for Ukraine. Support for Ukraine was highlighted at the opening ceremony of the presidency on January 7, for which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected to attend. Cyprus’s priorities also include promoting competitiveness and social cohesion, as well as advancing negotiations on the future multiannual financial framework (MFF).

Compared to Denmark, Cyprus is more likely to place a greater emphasis on the MFF, ensuring the role of cohesion policy, reducing social exclusion, and taking into account differences in development between countries during the negotiations. According to its program, Cyprus’s goal is to develop a balanced negotiation package that includes indicative figures to keep the negotiations on schedule and ensure that preparations are completed on time.

Cyprus naturally highlights safety at sea in its program. The program also prioritizes supporting fishermen and agricultural producers in responding to the effects of climate change, market disruptions, and rising production costs. Cyprus emphasizes promoting the EU’s research and innovation framework. The program especially mentions space technologies and the importance of investing in them.

Of course only a limited number of things can happen in six months, Cyprus’s presidency will be significant on many levels. The EU’s relations with the United States are uncertain and expected to evolve positively and constructively in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, peace talks are underway in Ukraine, the situation in Greenland is uncertain, and the EU is trying to finalize the long-negotiated Mercosur agreement with South American countries. These issues are all interlinked, and EU countries are trying not to upset the delicate balance keeping everything together. Meanwhile, negotiations on the future MFF are entering an important phase. The coming period is likely to be challenging.

So Cyprus will hold the presidency from January 1st to June 30th. The presidency rotates every six months, and three consecutive presidencies form the Council Presidency. The presidency leads negotiations at all Council levels, from working groups to ministerial meetings. Additionally, the presidency represents the council in its relations with other EU institutions. This involves seeking agreement with the European Parliament and the Commission on various legislative initiatives. You can find the full presidency program here.