Migration, the situation in Ukraine, and the economy, along with issues affecting the daily lives of citizens, are among the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday during a meeting with European Commission Secretary-General Ilze Juhansone at the Presidential Palace.

Welcoming the Commission’s Secretary-General, the President said that “we look forward to working with the Commission”. He noted Nicosia’s “excellent relationship” with the President and with everyone at the Commission, and to the close cooperation to advance the European agenda.

President Christodoulides noted that Cyprus faces a series of challenges ahead, the files that it will inherit from the Danish Presidency, and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean region. “During our Presidency we will work in order to bring the region closer to the European Union”, he said.

He also said that from the files that will be inherited from the Danish Presidency, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) “is a great priority”. “We are looking forward to have substantial progress in order to finish, hopefully, everything by the end of 2026,” he added.

The President also said that Ukraine “will continue to be a top priority during our Presidency” and referred to his visit next week to Kiev.

Defence and security and migration, were also very important issues, as well as the bloc’s competitiveness, he said, adding that the Cyprus EU presidency is to also deal with issues that affect the daily lives of EU citizens, such as housing.

Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1, 2026.