Cyprus’ priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union were set out in detail on Monday, as the Minister of Justice and Public Order addressed members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). At the core of the agenda: substantive gender equality, the fight against gender-based and online violence, and a renewed push for inclusion, human rights and social justice across the EU.
Address to the European Parliament’s FEMM Committee
Presenting the Presidency’s priorities, Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris stressed that equality policies are not a side issue but a central political commitment. Speaking before the European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, he highlighted Cyprus’ intention to work closely with FEMM and other EU institutions at a time of complex geopolitical and social challenges.
He underlined that Cyprus aims to act as a bridge of cooperation and a reliable mediator, guided by a strong European orientation and the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Gender Equality and the Fight Against Online Violence
A key priority of the Cypriot Presidency, Fytiris said, is the protection of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence, with particular emphasis on the rapidly growing phenomenon of online abuse.
In this context, Cyprus co-signed a Joint Declaration on Gender Equality at the Informal Meeting of Equality Ministers in Warsaw in April 2025, on behalf of the Presidency Trio with Poland and Denmark, reaffirming a shared political commitment to advancing equality across the EU.
The Presidency will also host the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming on 16–17 February in Nicosia, aiming to strengthen coordinated equality policies and strategic cooperation among member states.
Evidence-Based Policy: Study on Online Violence Against Girls
In cooperation with the European Institute for Gender Equality, the Cypriot Presidency commissioned a study titled “From lived experience to policymaking: Tackling online violence against girls in the EU”.
Conducted in ten EU member states, including Cyprus, the study maps the scale and characteristics of gender-based online violence affecting girls aged 13 to 18, providing a data-driven foundation for future policy action.
Building on these findings, Cyprus has prepared draft Conclusions for the Employment and Social Policy Council (EPSCO) on combating gender-based and online violence. These are expected to be adopted at the EPSCO meeting in Luxembourg on 29 June 2026.
High-Level Conferences in Nicosia, Brussels and New York
Further initiatives include a high-level conference in Nicosia on 18–19 May, dedicated to preventing and combating all forms of gender-based online violence against girls at a pan-European level.
The Presidency also plans a series of actions around the upcoming session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York next March, culminating in a dedicated side event on the same theme.
Gender Mainstreaming in Shipping
Fytiris also highlighted shipping as a strategic sector for Europe, stressing the growing importance of gender mainstreaming in maritime industries.
Within this framework, the Presidency will promote a Declaration at the Informal Meeting of Maritime Ministers on 29 April in Nicosia, focusing on seafarer training and the equal participation of women in the maritime sector. A high-level conference in Limassol on 28 April will address the future of the seafaring profession and the skills needed for a more inclusive industry.
Long-Standing EU Files: Equal Treatment Directive
Special reference was made to the Horizontal Directive on Equal Treatment, one of the EU’s longest-pending legislative initiatives, stalled in the Council for 17 years due to unanimity requirements.
While acknowledging the challenges, Fytiris said the Cypriot Presidency would make every possible effort to advance discussions, with transparency, flexibility and respect for member state sensitivities.
New European Gender Equality Strategy
The forthcoming European Gender Equality Strategy was described as a top shared priority for FEMM and the Cypriot Presidency. Building on the European Roadmap for Women’s Rights, Cyprus supports the development of an ambitious and comprehensive strategy that reflects the real challenges faced by women and girls, as well as men and boys, in today’s Europe.
An event to present the Strategy, in cooperation with the European Commission, is planned for 5 March, ahead of International Women’s Day.
Anti-Racism, LGBTI Equality and Disability Rights
Addressing broader inclusion issues, Fytiris welcomed the adoption of the European Anti-Racism Strategy on 20 January 2026, describing it as essential for substantive equality and full participation in social, economic and political life. A high-level conference on racism is scheduled for 17 March.
He also underlined the importance of the new European LGBTI Equality Strategy for 2026–2030 and the strengthening of the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As part of the Presidency programme, Cyprus will host a high-level conference on disability inclusion, followed by a meeting of the Disability Platform and the annual General Assembly of the European Disability Forum, all to be held in Cyprus.
Remembering Wartime Violence Against Women
Fytiris paid particular tribute to FEMM’s visit to Cyprus in May last year, noting its role in shedding light on long-silenced issues related to women’s experiences of wartime violence following the 1974 Turkish invasion.
He announced that a special monument is currently under construction in Nicosia to honour victims and preserve the memory of wartime sexual and gender-based violence, while also serving as a broader symbol of recognition and empowerment for women today.
Concluding his address, Fytiris stressed that the Cypriot Presidency seeks not merely to manage EU processes but to build bridges, strengthen dialogue and bring member states closer to a shared vision of a Europe grounded in equality, social justice, inclusion and human rights.
“A Europe where rights are not theoretical but real, and where no woman, no girl and no person is left behind,” he said, expressing confidence in close and constructive cooperation with FEMM to make Europe fairer, more resilient and more humane.