By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - The Greek Cypriot Administration assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union on Thursday for the first six months of the year under the motto "An Autonomous Union. Open to the World," with the stated goal of strengthening Europe's autonomy while maintaining global engagement.
Fourteen years after it first held the role in 2012, when it navigated the eurozone crisis and banking sector turmoil, the context is now markedly different.
The European Union is currently being called on to redefine its role amid prolonged geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides said the administration will "work with determination to give new momentum to the European edifice and contribute substantially to the next step in our common journey."
The presidency will focus on five priorities: security and defense readiness, competitiveness, openness to the world, an autonomous union of values, and a long-term EU budget.
Marilena Raouna, the Greek Cypriot deputy minister for European affairs, said the goal is "an ambitious yet realistic program that delivers tangible results for all European citizens."
Christodoulides emphasized advancing EU defense initiatives, energy security and the diversification of supply sources, highlighting the importance of EU enlargement, particularly for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans, describing it as a "geopolitical necessity" to strengthen Europe's collective security and democratic resilience.
The Greek Cypriot Administration also linked its presidency priorities to crises on the EU's eastern borders and developments in the Middle East, aiming to enhance EU cooperation with the region.
The EU Council presidency rotates among member states every six months, with the presiding country chairing meetings at all levels of the council. Following the Greek Cypriot Administration's turn, Ireland will take the presidency from July 1 to Dec. 31.