High Commission of Cyprus in India Hosts Reception to Celebrate EU Council Presidency
- News Desk
- 9 hours ago
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The High Commission of Cyprus hosted a reception at New Delhi on February 2, 2026, to mark the start of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is for the term starting January 1–June 30, 2026 and it is the country’s second time leading the EU Council.
The main guests at the event included H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, and Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, who shared their vision for strengthening EU–India cooperation across trade, investment, and strategic engagement during Cyprus’s presidency.
Cyprus previously held this rotating presidency in 2012, eight years after joining the European Union in 2004. The reception celebrating the commencement of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union was hosted by H.E. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, and was attended by senior representatives from the Indian government and EU member states.
EICBI Chairman Sujit S. Nair was also invited to participate in the reception. He had the privilege to engage with H.E. the Ambassador of Slovenia - H.E. Tomaz Mencin and members of the EU diplomatic community during the reception.
Strategic Priorities for European Leadership
Cyprus is guiding its presidency under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.” The agenda is structured around five priorities: strengthening security, defence readiness and preparedness; boosting competitiveness; maintaining openness to global engagement while safeguarding autonomy; upholding EU values and social inclusion; and advancing negotiations on a long-term EU budget.
Together, these priorities reflect the Union’s response to evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
Migration and Asylum Implementation in Focus
A central task during Cyprus’s term is the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which enters into force during the presidency period.
The framework introduces new rules for migration management across member states, with emphasis on effective border controls, faster return procedures, and improved coordination. Cyprus is also prioritising cooperation with non-EU countries to strengthen return mechanisms and operational implementation.
Advancing the EU–India Strategic Partnership
Strengthening the EU–India Strategic Partnership is a key diplomatic focus of the presidency.
This follows the 16th India–EU Summit held on January 27, 2026, and the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to India during the Republic Day celebrations. Cyprus aims to build momentum across trade, investment, technology, and strategic cooperation.
Resilience and European Security Framework
Enhancing Europe’s resilience forms another core pillar of the presidency. Cyprus has highlighted the need for comprehensive preparedness to address geopolitical instability, economic disruptions, and climate-related risks.
This approach integrates defence cooperation, economic security, and long-term strategic autonomy to safeguard EU citizens and institutions.
Diplomatic Engagement and High-Level Participation
The February 2 reception brought together ambassadors and diplomats from multiple EU member states, along with senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The gathering underscored the importance of EU–India relations during a pivotal phase for the Union and provided a platform for dialogue on shared priorities and future collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Six Months of EU Leadership
Over the next six months, Cyprus will steer EU Council deliberations on defence, competitiveness, migration, and global partnerships for the Union’s 27 member states. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Cyprus brings a distinct Mediterranean perspective to the role.
The presidency follows Denmark’s completed term, with Ireland set to assume the rotating presidency on July 1, 2026. India views Cyprus’s tenure as an opportunity to further deepen strategic engagement with the European Union during a period of global transition.
