At the start of 2026, Cyprus took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, setting a clear mandate focused on strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, competitiveness and internal cohesion while maintaining openness to global partners. Under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” the Cypriot Presidency aims to advance key priorities including security and defence cooperation, migration and asylum reform, economic competitiveness, support for Ukraine, and negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework — all against a backdrop of geopolitical challenges and urgent EU policy debates. Cyprus’ six-month term runs from 1 January to 30 June 2026, during which it will work closely with the European Parliament and Commission to deliver tangible results for EU citizens and businesses.

Cyprus will steer work on a range of transport and tourism-related files, with a particular sensitivity to connectivity and mobility challenges in island and coastal regions. The agenda includes discussions on transport competitiveness, resilience and sustainable tourism that are relevant for maritime and coastal activities. These debates offer a useful context to underline the contribution of recreational boating and nautical tourism to local economies, connectivity and Europe’s wider transport and tourism objectives.

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