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Cypriot Presidency Prioritizes EU Integration, Cyprus Issue, and Migration

Published January 20, 2026, 14:28
Cypriot Presidency Prioritizes EU Integration, Cyprus Issue, and Migration

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU to the European Parliament, emphasizing that European integration passes through the end of the occupation and the reunification of Cyprus, in accordance with UN resolutions for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. He expressed satisfaction with the appointment of a representative of the President of the Commission for the Cyprus issue. President Christodoulides also addressed issues such as migration, the Middle East, the Multiannual Financial Framework, Schengen, and enlargement. Regarding migration, he stressed that solutions exist and mentioned the significant reduction in arrivals in Cyprus and the increase in returns in recent years. Furthermore, the President reiterated that Cyprus's inclusion in the Schengen area is a strategic goal, while emphasizing the need to be ready to meet the obligations of candidate countries for enlargement. Commenting on discussions about Ukraine and Greenland, he stressed that Cyprus knows better than any other EU member state what invasion, occupation, missing persons, and refugees mean. Regarding the Middle East, President Christodoulides stated that the Cypriot Presidency will work to promote stability and security in the region, leveraging Cyprus's role as a bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.