On Tuesday, Nikos Christodoulides set out Cyprus’s approach for an “Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, against the backdrop of an array of global challenges.
Welcoming the President of the Republic of Cyprus, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted that this is a pivotal time for Europe and the world, noting that we all know that the next six months will not be easy. She stressed that Europe will remain focused on securing its competitiveness and making things easier for families and businesses, while investing in new realities - especially in the areas of security and defence, and in ensuring that Europe’s voice remains strong on the global level. President Metsola reiterated that the EP will always be on Cyprus’s side towards a single sovereign European state: a bicommunal, bizonal federation in line with the UN resolutions and rooted in our shared values and EU law.
President Christodoulides said the Cyprus Presidency begins at a defining moment for the EU, marked by geopolitical instability, geoeconomic competition, war on the continent, and pressures from the twin digital and environmental transitions, as well as migration. He stressed that the international order can no longer be taken for granted and that Europe must respond with unity, deeper integration, and decisive action - choosing cooperation, solidarity, and progress.
Reiterating the Presidency’s central objective for an autonomous and open Union, he pointed out that autonomy is the next stage in European integration, requiring internal strength, competitiveness, security, and firm anchoring in EU values. Citizens, he underlined, expect Europe to protect its borders, defend democracy, and safeguard its way of life, while remaining an open and reliable global partner.
On security and defence, Christodoulides said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has exposed the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s security architecture and defence readiness. He reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine and stressed that borders cannot be changed by force, whether in Ukraine, Greenland, or anywhere else.
On competitiveness, he argued for a pragmatic agenda focused on investment, innovation, simplification, and support for SMEs, alongside completion of the single market and deeper capital markets.
He also stressed that an autonomous Union must remain open to the world, describing enlargement as the EU’s most powerful geopolitical tool and calling for credible progress with Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye. He underlined the importance of relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and the Gulf region, an ambitious EU trade agenda, and strong partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom.
On values and social cohesion, he said the EU must remain a Union that leaves no one behind, with democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights protected in practice. He highlighted priorities including affordable housing, tackling child poverty, protecting young people, strengthening the Health Union, and access to essential medicines.
Reactions by MEPs
In their responses, many MEPs welcomed the Cyprus Presidency’s emphasis on European autonomy, security and unity in a challenging geopolitical context. Several underlined the need for a stronger and more resilient Europe, able to act decisively while remaining open to the world and stressed the importance of deepening integration.
A number of MEPs highlighted Cyprus’s situation as the only EU member state under military occupation, calling for renewed efforts to uphold territorial integrity and international law, and work towards reunification of the island. Enlargement was described by several speakers as a key geopolitical tool for strengthening Europe’s stability and influence.
Migration and competitiveness also featured prominently. Some MEPs called for stronger border controls, effective returns and reduced bureaucracy for businesses, while others stressed solidarity, social cohesion and the need for the EU’s next long-term budget to be fair and people-centred.
You can watch the debate again here.