Cyprus’s six-point plan aims to bolster the implementation of Trump’s Gaza agreement, as President Christodoulides presented the initiative to European Union leaders ahead of the upcoming European Council summit on 23 October.
Gaza agreement: Focus on Immediate Implementation
During a recent phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, President Christodoulides stressed the critical importance of the Gaza agreement and the necessity for its immediate and comprehensive execution. This aligns with the framework outlined in President Trump’s 20-point plan, which seeks to establish lasting peace in the region.
Details of the Six-Point Proposal
Christodoulides informed Costa about the specifics of Cyprus’s initiative, which he previously submitted at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and shared with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The six-point proposal encompasses three main areas: humanitarian support, security measures, and reconstruction efforts. This comprehensive approach is designed to complement various aspects of Trump’s plan, aiming to facilitate a cohesive strategy for peace.
Highlighting the EU’s Role
The Cypriot president intends to elaborate on this initiative during the European Council summit, emphasising the need for active EU engagement in the next phase of the Gaza agreement’s implementation. He remarked that Cyprus’s forthcoming EU Council presidency in the first half of 2026 presents an opportunity to further underscore the Union’s involvement in promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Engagement with European Leaders
Christodoulides also discussed the initiative at a recent videoconference attended by leaders of the European People’s Party, European Commission President Von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament. This meeting featured discussions on the European Council’s agenda, focusing on the latest developments in the region, notably the Gaza agreement and the Peace Summit Agreement signed in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Support from EU Officials
Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for the initiative document from Cyprus and indicated her plans to integrate it into the agenda for the forthcoming MED-9 summit, scheduled for 20 October in Slovenia. This reflects a strong collaborative effort among EU member states to address pressing issues in the region.
Strengthening Ties with Egypt
In conjunction with the discussions surrounding the Gaza agreement, President Christodoulides welcomed the inaugural EU-Egypt summit occurring alongside the European Council. He remarked on Egypt’s pivotal role in maintaining security and stability within the Eastern Mediterranean, advocating for enhanced cooperation between the EU and Egypt to foster regional peace.
Financial Aid for Stability
Christodoulides highlighted the urgency of disbursing the second financial aid package to Egypt, underscoring its critical importance for maintaining stability in the EU’s southern neighbourhood. This financial support is seen as essential for bolstering Egypt’s ability to contribute to regional security.
Enhancing EU Defence and Competitiveness
On the subject of EU defence and security, Christodoulides acknowledged ongoing initiatives while stressing the necessity for further targeted actions. He noted several key initiatives Cyprus has launched to enhance its national security, utilising EU tools and programmes such as the SAFE mechanism. Cyprus is committed to fully leveraging the funding secured for these initiatives.
Addressing Housing Issues in the EU
Christodoulides also raised concerns regarding the housing issue affecting EU member states, which he has prioritised at a national level. He briefed other leaders on initiatives Cyprus has implemented to tackle this challenge and announced plans for an informal Council of Ministers in Cyprus to specifically address housing during the Cypriot presidency.
