President Nikos Christodoulides is due to welcome European Council President António Costa to the Presidential Palace on Friday as part of Costa's tour of EU member-state capitals.
The discussions are expected to focus on the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, broader European priorities and the latest developments on the Cyprus issue.
Costa is scheduled to arrive at the Presidential Palace at 9am, followed by a one-to-one meeting with Christodoulides and broader talks involving their delegations. The two leaders are expected to make statements to the media at 10.35am.
EU budget at the forefront
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the visit comes at a significant moment both for the European Union and for efforts aimed at restarting substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
At the centre of the talks will be the EU's next long-term budget covering the period 2028-2034.
According to Letymbiotis, substantial progress was achieved during the Cypriot Presidency and a foundation has been laid for the final phase of political negotiations, with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of 2026.
Cyprus priorities
The Republic of Cyprus is expected to present specific positions and demands during the discussions.
According to the government, Nicosia is seeking:
- An ambitious and fair EU budget.
- Greater support for security and competitiveness.
- Recognition of the particular needs of small island states.
- Stronger backing for development and social cohesion.
Particular importance is also being attached to safeguarding national allocations under:
- Cohesion Policy.
- The Common Agricultural Policy.
- Migration-related funding.
Cyprus issue and international developments
The two leaders are also expected to discuss:
- EU enlargement.
- European competitiveness.
- Migration.
- The war in Ukraine.
- Developments in the Middle East and the Gulf.
Christodoulides is expected to brief Costa on recent developments in the Cyprus issue, efforts to restart substantive negotiations, the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus and the EU's enhanced involvement in the process.
The President is also expected to refer to the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the EU's Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue.
Letymbiotis described the meeting as another opportunity for meaningful dialogue on major European challenges and issues of particular importance to Cyprus.
Source: CNA
