Cyprus is ready to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, welcoming European Council President, António Costa, to Nicosia, as part of his tour of EU capitals.

On his part, Costa highlighted the importance of unity and inclusiveness in preparing the EU’s upcoming agenda.

“We are ready to take our responsibility,” President Christodoulides said at the Presidential Palace, noting that the Cypriot Presidency will need to handle both traditional EU priorities — such as the Multiannual Financial Framework, cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy — as well as “new priorities on competitiveness, security and defence, migration.”

The President also pointed out the regional dimension of Cyprus’ role within the EU.

“For us as a member state of the European Union in the region, it’s very important to work with the countries of the region, bring the countries of the region closer to the European Union. We have the same challenges, and we need to work with them,” he said.

Christodoulides also welcomed Costa’s initiative to visit all EU capitals ahead of the October European Council.

“It’s very important and shows how you approach all member states of the European Union, either small or big,” he told the European Council President, adding that Cyprus looks forward to receiving him again during its Presidency.

Costa highlighted the importance of unity and inclusiveness in preparing the EU’s upcoming agenda.

“It’s all the member states that matter. It is very important to build unity among the member states, to talk face to face with the different leaders, take into account the different priorities and the different points of view,” he said.

He stressed that Cyprus’ Presidency will come at a critical time.

“This year is very special because we are preparing your Presidency in the first semester of 2026, and we count on you to put in motion our priorities: competitiveness, security, but also to engage more Europe with the region,” Costa noted.

Referring to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Costa said these regions are “a critical point for the world” and emphasised that the EU must work “for good, for peace, for stability, and for prosperity in the Mediterranean.”

The two leaders held bilateral talks in Nicosia, focusing on the European Council’s upcoming agenda and the role of the Cypriot Presidency.