Cyprus Unveils Programme and Logo for Its 2026 EU Council Presidency

Cyprus has officially presented its programme, priorities, and logo for its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, commencing on 1 January 2026. President Nicos Christodoulides unveiled the comprehensive framework at an event held in Pano Lefkara on 21 December, marking what he described as a milestone moment in Cyprus' European engagement and institutional responsibility toward the 27 member states and European citizens.​

The Central Vision

The presidency operates around a guiding objective: an "Autonomous Union Open to the World." This framework reflects Cyprus' commitment to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy while maintaining openness to global partnerships and international cooperation.​

Five Pillars of Governance

Cyprus will advance its agenda through five interconnected pillars. The first emphasizes autonomy through security, defence, and preparedness, encompassing support for Ukraine, advancement of the EU's defence industrial framework, and implementation of the White Paper on European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap by 2030. The presidency prioritises strengthening transatlantic relations and Euro-NATO cooperation as cornerstones of European security.​

The second pillar addresses autonomy through competitiveness, focusing on administrative simplification, particularly for small and medium enterprises, energy security through alternative supply routes, and digital sovereignty to reduce external dependencies.​

The third pillar centres on an EU open to the world, advancing the enlargement agenda with Ukraine as a key priority, while strengthening relations with the Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood and Gulf states, including support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.​

The fourth pillar focuses on an autonomous Union of values, prioritising the rule of law, affordable housing, child protection, online safety, and gender equality.​

The fifth pillar addresses the EU budget, with Cyprus tasked with advancing negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, aiming to deliver an indicative framework by mid-2026.​

Additional Focus Areas

Migration management emerges as a central security priority, with commitment to full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and strengthening of return systems. Maritime security and freedom of navigation in maritime corridors also feature prominently.​

The Presidential Logo

The presidency unveiled its official logo, designed by graphic designer Marios Kouroufexis and inspired by traditional Lefkari embroidery. The design features 27 tiles representing the EU member states, symbolising unity and cultural heritage.​

Over its tenure, Cyprus will host approximately 260 meetings across the island and preside over more than 1,500 meetings in Brussels, welcoming around 30,000 visitors from across Europe.