Support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression will be one of the key priorities of Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. Nicosia plans to focus on strengthening European security and protection from hybrid threats. These positions were outlined by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
The president emphasized that the country’s stance on the war in Ukraine is based on its own historical experience. He noted:
“We know what invasion means, what occupation means, what it means to violate fundamental principles and human rights. That is why, at the helm of the Council of the EU, we will strive to strengthen the Union’s security and defense architecture.”
– President of Cyprus
Cyprus’s position and plans for supporting Ukraine and defending the EU
Cyprus will chair the Council of the EU from January 1, 2026. The main tasks in the defense field will be to continue assisting in repelling Russian aggression and to develop mechanisms to shield the EU from external destabilizing influences.
The presidency of the Council of the EU rotates every six months. The current Danish presidency is coming to an end, while Cyprus’s preparations to take on these functions are taking place against the backdrop of discussions of new security packages for Ukraine, including a loan of $105 billion and guarantees for 2026–2027.
On December 4, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, visited Kyiv for the first time, where he discussed with Zelensky the preparations for his country’s presidency of the Council of the EU. During the meeting, the leaders focused on Ukraine’s euro-integration and peaceful efforts to end the war, and Christodoulides confirmed that Ukraine’s path to the EU would be one of the main items on the agenda during Nicosia’s presidency.
According to Knews, the Cypriot delegation at the time was developing a package of concrete proposals to support Kyiv, among which was the possibility of holding an informal meeting of the EU’s Council of Foreign Ministers in Kyiv.