President Nikos Christodoulides has called for greater European Union flexibility to help member states tackle rising energy costs, while urging leaders to secure a political agreement on the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) before the end of the year.
Arriving at Thursday's European Council meeting in Brussels, Christodoulides said Cyprus supports a further suspension of the ETS 2 emissions trading scheme and additional flexibility for national energy-support measures.
Push for action on energy costs
"The request is simple and clear," Christodoulides said, arguing that member states need greater room to introduce national measures to address energy prices.
He added that Cyprus would also support efforts to further delay the implementation of ETS 2, noting that several EU countries share the same position.
Christodoulides said Cyprus would raise concerns over the Turkey-occupied north energy memorandum during discussions on energy and the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnector (GSI).
He described the interconnector as a project of major geopolitical, economic and energy importance and said Cyprus would also highlight what it considers Turkey's unlawful actions relating to the project.
Budget deal needed by year-end
The president welcomed a new proposal put forward by the Irish Presidency on the EU's next long-term budget, saying it builds on proposals prepared during the Cypriot Presidency.
While supporting increased funding for areas such as:
- Defence and security
- Competitiveness
- Migration management
he stressed that this should not come at the expense of:
- The Common Agricultural Policy
- The Cohesion Fund
- EU cohesion policy
Christodoulides said achieving a political agreement before the end of 2026 was essential.
"It is absolutely necessary to have a political agreement by the end of the year. Otherwise things become much more difficult," he said.
He acknowledged that political developments in countries including Spain, Sweden, France, Italy and Poland could complicate negotiations if discussions were prolonged.
Schengen discussion possible in December
On Cyprus' bid to join the Schengen Area, Christodoulides said technical preparations have been completed and expressed hope that the issue could be discussed by the relevant EU council in December.
He said he intends to continue discussing the matter with European counterparts and with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Cyprus offers support for Lebanon mission
The president also welcomed plans to establish an EU mission for Lebanon, saying Cyprus is ready to serve as an operational hub because of its geographical proximity, infrastructure and existing ties with the country.
He highlighted the CYCLOPS training centre, established in cooperation with the United States, which has already trained participants from dozens of countries in the region.
"We are ready to undertake this very important role," he said.
Migration model and Middle East concerns
Christodoulides said Cyprus' migration policies could serve as a model for other EU countries, citing a reduction in arrivals of more than 90% and a 180% increase in returns compared with 2022.
He also backed the creation of an EU emergency mechanism to address the instrumentalisation of migration.
On wider geopolitical developments, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, the president called for measures with an immediate impact on households and businesses, while emphasising the need to reduce Europe's dependence on the region's energy routes.
He again pointed to the importance of the GSI interconnector as part of that strategy.
EU role in the Gulf
Commenting on plans for an EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit, Christodoulides said Cyprus strongly supports closer ties between the EU and Gulf states and would participate if the summit proceeds.
He argued that the EU should take a more active role in the Gulf and the wider Middle East, saying the security of both regions is closely linked.
Asked whether he would welcome a future return of the United Kingdom to the EU, Christodoulides replied: "If Britain is ready to return, we are ready to welcome it."
Source: CNA
