eu presidency — eu presidency — Cyprus intensified preparations for its EU Council Presidency in 2026 as Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou wrapped up meetings in Stockholm this week, focusing on housing policy and civil protection.
Eu presidency: Meetings with Swedish Officials
During his visit, Ioannou engaged in discussions with Sweden’s civil protection leadership, including Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin and Deputy Minister Johan Berggren. The talks were part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation as Cyprus gears up to assume the rotating presidency in January 2026.
Strengthening Civil Protection
Ioannou outlined a restructuring plan for Cyprus’ civil protection sector, stating the government’s commitment “to improve and strengthen the level of response of the competent services to emergency incidents,” particularly in response to natural disasters. Swedish officials highlighted the importance of fostering deeper collaboration among EU member states to enhance national and collective resilience.
Focus on Affordable Housing
In tandem with discussions on civil protection, Ioannou met with Infrastructure and Housing Minister Andreas Carlson to review the European affordable housing plan. They focused on strategies to increase EU-level support for member states, emphasising the necessity of reducing construction costs and easing pressures in national housing markets.
Licensing Reform in Cyprus
Ioannou shared insights into Cyprus’ recent licensing reforms, noting that government actions over the past two years had accelerated approvals for 50 per cent of developments. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address domestic housing challenges, with Carlson expressing interest in Cyprus’ model and readiness to collaborate on a common affordable housing policy during the upcoming Cypriot presidency.
Tour of Civil Defence Facilities
As part of his visit, Ioannou toured Sweden’s civil defence facilities, gaining insights into modernisation efforts and operational responsibilities. He extended an invitation to Carlson to visit Cyprus in May for an informal meeting on housing, aligning with the goals of the Cypriot EU Council Presidency.
