Ireland will focus its EU Council Presidency on competitiveness, values and security – aimed at building “a Europe that creates opportunity, protects its citizens and remains true to its fundamental values,” Irish Ambassador Sarah Hamilton said on Thursday, as Cyprus formally concluded its term.
Speaking at an event at the EU House in Nicosia, Hamilton said the Irish programme is built around three core pillars and comes at a critical time for Europe, marked by geopolitical uncertainty and economic and technological challenges.
The Presidency’s theme, ‘Strength with Unity’, reflects the belief that Europe is strongest when it acts together, she said.
Hamilton reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine and identified enlargement as a key priority, with the aim of concluding accession talks with Montenegro and advancing negotiations with Albania, Ukraine and Moldova. She said Ireland would also push forward work on the next Multiannual Financial Framework and strengthen the Single Market through simplification, lower energy costs and support for green and digital transitions.
On security, she said priorities include defence cooperation, cybersecurity, tackling hybrid threats and terrorism, as well as implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Cyprus Presidency ‘intense and rewarding’
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described Cyprus’ EU Presidency as “an intense and demanding responsibility” but also “a deeply rewarding experience”.
“With humility, I believe we can now say that we fulfilled the responsibility we undertook on behalf of our European family,” she said, expressing confidence Ireland would continue efforts towards “a stronger and more autonomous European Union”.
Raouna said Cyprus placed strategic autonomy at the centre of its agenda, highlighting progress on security and defence, migration, competitiveness, enlargement and the next EU budget.
Among key developments, she cited work on the SAFE instrument, the 20th sanctions package against Russia and preparations for a 21st package, along with progress on migration rules and the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
She also pointed to advances on the Union Customs Code reform, the Electricity Grids Package, enlargement talks, major EU trade agreements and the Council’s first conclusions on affordable housing.
Negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework were among the biggest challenges, she said, adding that a partial general approach marked “a decisive step” towards concluding talks by the end of 2026.
EU institutions stress continuity
Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus Thea Pieridou said the rotating presidency is “much more than just an institutional milestone”, offering member states a chance to shape the EU agenda and build consensus.
She said the role requires “leadership, commitment and an unwavering dedication to the European project”, adding that Cyprus carried it out “with professionalism, dedication and a genuine European spirit”.
Pieridou said the European Parliament had been “a close and committed partner” throughout the term, stressing that interinstitutional cooperation lies “at the heart” of EU decision-making.
She welcomed Ireland’s leadership, describing the country as having “a longstanding reputation for building bridges, fostering consensus and championing a strong, outward-looking Europe”.
Panicos Pourgourides, head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, likened the handover to a relay race, saying “the baton has passed seamlessly from Cyprus to Ireland”.
“Different runners, one lane, one shared direction and one common European ambition,” he said.
Pourgourides highlighted the symbolism of one island member state succeeding another, adding that size does not determine influence within the EU.
He said the new trio presidency of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece will build on the work of the Denmark–Poland–Cyprus trio, advancing legislative work affecting more than 450 million citizens and focusing on enlargement and the next EU budget.
Pourgourides described Cyprus’ term as “an exceptional six months” that were “frenetic at times, demanding, but also immensely rewarding”. He noted Cyprus hosted more than 50 high-level European Commission visits, including three by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and three by High Representative Kaja Kallas.
Source: CNA
