in-cyprus 27 December 2025 - by Andreas Bimbishis
January 2026 marks the start of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will commence with strong symbolism reflecting the goals and priorities set by the Republic of Cyprus for the first half of the year.
The Cypriot Presidency will kick off with two significant events: the opening ceremony on 7 January and the meeting of the College of Commissioners on 15 and 16 January.
The primary goal of the Cypriot EU Presidency is for these two events to establish the context and messaging Cyprus intends to convey.
Opening ceremony signals regional outreach
The opening ceremony in Nicosia will host European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as several foreign leaders, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and other officials.
These attendance figures send an initial message about Cyprus’s ambition to forge closer ties with the wider region. For Nicosia, a highlight of the Presidency will be an informal EU summit next April, which will invite leaders from the wider region alongside European leaders.
Commissioners visit Limassol Port
Between 15 and 16 January, the College of Commissioners—the body comprising all European Commissioners under Ursula von der Leyen—will meet in Limassol. The event holds intense symbolic significance, which is why the new Limassol Port building was chosen as the venue. The symbolism is centred on the Sea, the Mediterranean, and the EU’s southeasternmost port, where the sea connects the region via the “Amalthea” plan.
Connectivity will serve as one of the pillars of the Cypriot Presidency. During its term, the first European Union Strategy for Ports is expected to be agreed upon, and the Pact for the Mediterranean is scheduled for implementation.
Other key January events
Immediately following the opening ceremony, the informal meeting of the Standing Committee on Operational Cooperation on Internal Security (COSI) will take place in Nicosia on 8 and 9 January.
On 12 and 13 January, the meeting of Directors-General for European Affairs will be held in Paphos.
The 108th meeting of the Management Board of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) will take place in Nicosia between 19 and 21 January. The Frontex Management Board is the primary body overseeing the agency’s operation, ensuring it functions effectively and in line with EU rules.
The board includes the Chairperson, the Executive Director, and high-level representatives from EU member states’ National Border Guard Authorities and the European Commission. It meets regularly to set the agency’s strategic direction and key policies, including approving the Frontex budget, controlling its execution, and appointing the Executive Director and their deputies.
Justice and Home Affairs summit
The first informal ministerial summit on Cypriot soil will be held between 21 and 23 January, involving the Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA). Every Presidency of the Council of the EU hosts an informal JHA ministerial meeting in the presiding country.
These meetings focus on non-legislative Justice and Home Affairs issues, offering ministers and invited stakeholders a chance for informal, open discussions on topics of mutual interest. At this particular meeting, ministers will discuss issues concerning returns, the Schengen Area, asset recovery, the cross-border return of illegally removed cultural goods, and the treatment of adolescents and young adults within the criminal justice system.
Other January events include an exhibition in Brussels titled “Nicosia International Airport” by Andros Efstathiou, featuring photographs of the abandoned Nicosia International Airport. Additionally, the decoration of the Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings will be unveiled. The event on 23 January 2026 will present the reasoning behind the selection of the artworks placed in the Council of the EU’s Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings by the project’s curator and designer, Michalis Anastasiades.
