EPP leaders’ teleconference ahead of European Council
Cyprus is fully institutionally and politically prepared to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during a period of heightened European challenges, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said during a teleconference of heads of state and government of the European People’s Party (EPP) on Friday, according to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
In a post on X, Letymbiotis said the teleconference was convened by EPP President Manfred Weber and was attended, among others, by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The meeting took place ahead of the European Council of 18 December.
Key issues on the European agenda
According to the Government Spokesperson, participants held a substantive exchange of views on the main issues on the agenda of the upcoming European Council. Discussions focused on the latest developments in Ukraine, broader regional and geopolitical developments, and deliberations on the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework.
Cyprus’ readiness for the EU Presidency
During his intervention, President Christodoulides noted that only nineteen days remain until the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He underlined the country’s full institutional and political readiness to take on this role at a time of increased European challenges.
Confidence from European leaders
In the same context, European leaders referred to critical policy areas, including strengthening European competitiveness and managing migration. They expressed confidence in the role of the President of the Republic and in the Cypriot Presidency to deliver further progress and tangible results.
Congratulations to Greece on Eurogroup Presidency
President Christodoulides also congratulated Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Greece’s election to the Presidency of the Eurogroup, following the appointment of Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis as President.
EU enlargement and Moldova visit
Additionally, the President briefed participants on the visit of the President of Moldova to Cyprus on Friday, linking it to the issue of EU enlargement. Enlargement, he noted, is a key political priority of the Republic of Cyprus and of the upcoming Presidency, with the aim of a credible, consistent and substantive European path for countries that meet the required criteria.