In her speech marking the start of the Cypriot Presidency in Nicosia, Commission President emphasized the key importance of Ukraine’s defense for Europe’s security. The Ukrainian president said that he believes his country will move closer to the EU over the next six months.
Cyprus technically assumed the European Union’s rotating Presidency already on 1 January 2026. Official ceremonies, however, were taking place only on Wednesday, 7 January evening in Nicosia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides were present. Among the honorable guests were also Middle Eastern leaders including Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Their presence highlighted the ambition of the east Mediterranean island to serve as a bridge between Europe and Middle East.
“Responsibility begins in Ukraine”
In her speech, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid close attention to security and pan-European responsibility. “Our responsibility begins in Ukraine because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security,” Ms von der Leyen stressed.
Commission President did not shy away from highly topical security issues and repeatedly emphasized the fundamental values on which the EU is based.
Cyprus, as a country at the crossroads of continents, cultures, and crises, understands the strategic importance of peace and stability and the enduring value of international law. – Ursula von der Leyen, Commission President
“Cooperation is stronger than confrontation, law is stronger than force. Principles that apply not only to our European Union, but equally to Greenland (…) . Cyprus, as a country at the crossroads of continents, cultures, and crises, understands the strategic importance of peace and stability in our neighbourhood; the urgency of security in an uncertain world; and the enduring value of international law,” Ms von der Leyen said.
Chance to get closer to the EU: Zelenskyy
Before the official ceremony started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had been welcomed at the presidential palace by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. “We hope that during your Presidency a lot of steps can be taken, closer to our membership in the EU,” President Zelenskyy told Mr Christodoulides.
The meeting, he added, would provide an opportunity to discuss details of a meeting in Paris held on Tuesday, where the United States backed a broad coalition of Ukraine’s allies in vowing to provide security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire to support the country if Russia attacks again.
Cyprus, which traditionally had close political and cultural ties with Russia, has fully backed sanctions on Moscow. Many Cypriots draw parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Turkey’s invasion of north Cyprus in 1974 after a brief coup engineered by the military.
Mr Zelensky’s presence was seen as a political sign of continued EU backing for Kyiv as its war with Russia will soon enter a fifth year.
