President Nikos Christodoulides and European Council President António Costa discussed the European Union's next long-term budget, the Cyprus problem and key international developments during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Friday, according to the Presidency of the Republic.
Welcoming Costa, who is on a working visit to Cyprus, Christodoulides thanked him and the General Secretariat of the Council for their support during Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.
The President also praised Costa's initiative to visit all EU member states ahead of crucial European Council discussions, describing compromise as "the key word in the European Union".
Budget negotiations take centre stage
Christodoulides described the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as the most important issue currently facing the bloc and stressed the need to secure a political agreement before the end of the year.
"We need to do our utmost in order to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026. We don't have an alternative," he said.
The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in Ukraine, the Middle East, EU enlargement, competitiveness, defence and security.
Cyprus issue discussed
The Cyprus problem featured prominently in the talks, with Christodoulides thanking Costa for his personal interest in efforts to resume negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.
The President reiterated that any settlement must be based on UN Security Council resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
"The Cyprus problem is a European problem and the European Union can play a decisive role in order to reunite our country," Christodoulides said.
He also referred to the UN Secretary-General's efforts to restart negotiations and noted Costa's contacts with António Guterres.
Costa praises Cyprus Presidency
For his part, Costa congratulated Cyprus on its recent EU Presidency, saying the work carried out during the first half of the year would need to continue as member states prepare to negotiate the bloc's next budget.
"We need to work hand-in-hand because only together we can deliver, and our strength is based on our unity," he said.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, Costa said the reunification of the island remained an important objective for the European Union.
"In a united Europe, the unification of Cyprus is a key issue," he said.
Costa added that any solution must be consistent with international law and expressed hope that a settlement could be achieved.
