A safer, stronger, more autonomous EU: EP leaders in Cyprus ahead of Presidency

During a visit to Nicosia, President Metsola and EP political group leaders laid the groundwork for effective cooperation ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council from 1 January 2026.

The Conference of Presidents – political group leaders as well as the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola – were in Nicosia on 1-2 December to discuss priorities ahead of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Together with the country’s President and members of the Council of Ministers, the Conference of Presidents discussed the themes of the upcoming Presidency, the importance of a strong, secure and autonomous Europe, as well as the questions of prosperity and competitiveness.

At a joint press conference, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides both underlined their commitment to work as partners.

“Cyprus takes on the Council Presidency at a moment of rapid change and rising expectations from our citizens. We know we must push further on security, on competitiveness, and on our simplification agenda. And with Cyprus in charge, as a strong partner, I know we will deliver – together,” President Metsola said.

“We have two main goals. The first one is to enhance the strategic autonomy of the EU. The second goal is bringing the EU much closer to the region. We know very well that in order to have a successful Presidency, we need to work with the European Parliament. And there is a clear political will to work together in order to have a successful outcome,” President Christodoulides said.

In this spirit of effective cooperation with the Parliament, he also announced the willingness of the Cypriot Presidency to invite EP committee chairs to join in the 19 informal Council meetings organised by the Presidency.

“I have always known Cyprus as an honest broker – a bridge between continents, countries and people. Cyprus will be Europe’s centre of gravity for the next months, and I look forward to continuing the excellent cooperation in moving Europe forward. Parliament looks forward to the presentation and exchange of views on the Cypriot Presidency priorities to take place in plenary in Strasbourg on 20 January 2026,” President Metsola added.

The EP leaders also had a fruitful exchange with the President of the House of Representatives and prominent members representing the political parties in the Cypriot parliament. Discussions focussed on the shared drive to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, improve the lives of Europeans and ensure a more secure Union. They also addressed the need for continued and unwavering support for Ukraine, and challenges and opportunities in upholding the EU’s fundamental values in Europe and beyond.

Cyprus will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2026, after which Ireland will assume the Presidency.

On the margins of the official visit, President Metsola and President Christodoulides participated in a dialogue with European students from 20 different schools representing 12 Member States. They discussed several issues: security, democracy, migration and youth participation in EU projects.

What is the Conference of Presidents?

The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work.

Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint actions on, the upcoming priorities.