eu presidency — eu presidency — Cyprus takes great joy in handing over the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency to Ireland, as expressed by European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna during an event at Nicosia’s EU House.
- During the event, Irish ambassador in Nicosia, Sarah Hamilton, outlined Ireland’s priorities for its six-month presidency, focusing on three main areas: competitiveness, values, and security.
Speaking on Thursday, Raouna highlighted the unique bond between Cyprus and Ireland, both island nations at opposite ends of Europe. “Cyprus and Ireland stand at opposite ends of our continent, yet Ireland and Cyprus are united by so much more than meets the eye – island countries, with common historical references,” she remarked.
Raouna emphasised that both nations have faced division and understand the significance of peace, stating that they are “united as members of our large European family.” She expressed confidence in Ireland’s ability to carry forward the shared commitment for a more autonomous and stronger European Union.
During the event, Irish ambassador in Nicosia, Sarah Hamilton, outlined Ireland’s priorities for its six-month presidency, focusing on three main areas: competitiveness, values, and security.
Eu presidency: Fostering Competitiveness in Europe
On the topic of competitiveness, the Irish government stressed the urgency of enhancing Europe’s economic future. “To deliver a secure economic future, which meets the needs and expectations of its people, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity,” Hamilton said. This aligns with the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, signed earlier this year by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and the leaders of the European Parliament and Commission, Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen, which aims for decisive progress by 2026.
Ireland’s approach to competitiveness will be guided by five key building blocks: simplifying rules, fostering a more integrated single market, supporting strong trade, advancing the energy transition, and promoting digital and artificial intelligence sectors.
Upholding European Values
Hamilton also addressed the importance of values, highlighting that the EU is founded on principles such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law. “Now more than ever, the EU needs to defend and vindicate those values within Europe and globally,” she noted, referencing current challenges including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rights of LGBT persons.
She expressed a commitment to building on the peacebuilding experiences of Ireland, particularly the power-sharing agreement that ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland, to foster stability in regions facing unrest.
Focus on Security Amidst Global Conflicts
Security was another significant focus of Ireland’s presidency, with the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East underscoring the need for proactive measures. Hamilton stated that “active support for Ukraine will be a defining priority” during Ireland’s tenure. The Irish government plans to advance initiatives outlined in last year’s white paper on the future of European defence, aiming to address critical capability gaps and enhance resilience against hybrid threats.
As Ireland prepares to take on the presidency, they will hold this influential position until the end of the year, when Lithuania will take over. The collaboration between Cyprus and Ireland signals a commitment to a robust and united Europe, as both nations look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming months.
