Ministers from Cyprus have presented an extensive policy programme to European Parliament committees, setting out priorities for the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which runs until the end of June 2026.
The series of hearings highlighted a broad focus on security, competitiveness, social resilience and institutional reform, while Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) repeatedly stressed the need for adequate funding in the EU’s next long-term budget and warned against weakening existing standards.
Equality, rights and social resilience
Gender equality was identified as a core priority, with Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fitiris emphasising action against gender-based violence, including online abuse, alongside stronger prevention and victim support. The presidency also intends to advance gender mainstreaming across EU policies and contribute to the preparation of the 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy.
MEPs called for a stronger intersectional approach, continued attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI equality and gender budgeting. Several warned of a growing backlash against women’s rights and highlighted new risks linked to digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
In the employment and social policy field, ministers pledged to promote fair mobility, tackle poverty—particularly child poverty—and strengthen long-term care and disability rights. Access to affordable housing and better coordination of social security systems were also discussed.
Security, migration and the rule of law
Internal security featured prominently. The presidency plans to prioritise the fight against organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism and child sexual abuse, while reinforcing cooperation through Europol and strengthening external borders.
Migration will focus on implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact and improving returns through partnerships with non-EU countries.
MEPs called for stronger interoperability between law enforcement and asylum systems, better protection for those combating organised crime and careful safeguards for data protection and fundamental rights.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stressed that the rule of law remains a cornerstone of the EU and highlighted work on Article 7 procedures, simplification and better regulation. MEPs raised concerns about judicial independence, foreign interference and disinformation.
Economy, digital policy and competitiveness
On the economic front, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said the presidency aims to strengthen the EU’s financial resilience and global position. Key files include negotiations on a digital euro, progress on the savings and investments union and sustainable finance rules.
In the internal market, ministers identified protection of minors online, stronger enforcement against deceptive practices and rapid progress on digital legislation. MEPs pressed for stronger digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and enforcement of the Digital Services Act and Artificial Intelligence Act.
Industry and energy priorities include securing energy supply through interconnections, advancing decarbonisation without harming industrial competitiveness and reducing strategic dependencies. Work will also continue on telecom infrastructure modernisation, cloud and AI capacity, and the EU Space Act.
Foreign policy, defence and trade
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stressed that supporting Ukraine remains a central priority, alongside sanctions and continued engagement with transatlantic partners. EU enlargement was described as a strategic investment, while MEPs also raised issues ranging from the Middle East and Iran to Türkiye and broader geopolitical risks.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the presidency will focus on strengthening Europe’s defence industry, improving readiness and innovation, investing in maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure and supply chains.
On trade, the government pledged to pursue open but rules-based relationships, while defending EU values and legislative autonomy. MEPs questioned strategy on transatlantic ties, Mercosur, WTO reform and supply-chain resilience.
Culture, education and democratic resilience
Cultural policy will centre on a proposed “cultural compass for Europe” and the AgoraEU 2028–2034 programme, aimed at reinforcing culture and media as democratic public goods. Media literacy and the protection and return of cultural goods are also on the agenda.
MEPs stressed the need for strong funding and highlighted the role of culture and independent media in countering disinformation.
Transport, environment and sectoral policies
Transport priorities include strengthening air passenger rights, improving safety and efficiency, and supporting dual-use infrastructure. In maritime policy, the presidency plans to advance an EU industrial strategy and a declaration on seafarers, while tourism discussions will focus on implementing a sustainable 2030 agenda.
Environmental policy will emphasise water resilience, circular economy measures and legislative simplification without lowering environmental standards. MEPs warned against weakening protections and called for stronger action on water scarcity.
In agriculture and fisheries, ministers highlighted sustainable production, innovation and adequate funding under the next budget. MEPs expressed concern about possible funding cuts and called for fair competition with imports and support for younger farmers. Fisheries lawmakers also rejected proposed budget reductions and called for fleet modernisation and pragmatic decarbonisation.
Cohesion, health and development
Cohesion policy will be a central budget priority, with Cyprus aiming to preserve it as a distinct investment tool. Many MEPs criticised proposals to merge cohesion with other instruments.
In health policy, the presidency will focus on improving access to medicines, strengthening healthcare systems and advancing the Critical Medicines Act, alongside work on biotechnology and a proposed European clinical excellence centre.
Development priorities include water security, resilient health systems, youth employment and women’s empowerment, with particular attention to Eastern Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine.
Institutional reform and enlargement
On institutional matters, the presidency intends to advance reforms linked to enlargement, competitiveness and the next long-term budget. Discussions will also cover electoral reform, Parliament’s right of inquiry and transparency rules.
Several MEPs called for treaty reform to reduce reliance on unanimity in foreign policy decision-making, arguing that institutional changes will be necessary as the EU expands.
