Cyprus concludes its EU Council presidency

The Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union concluded on June 30, 2026, after a 181-day term. President Nikos Christodoulides officially marked the end of the presidency at a ceremony held at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia. The Cypriot government plans to maintain the Deputy Ministry of European Affairs and existing European specialized units within ministries to preserve institutional expertise. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly commended the presidency, specifically citing progress on competitiveness, enlargement, and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Ireland is scheduled to take over the rotating presidency on July 1, 2026, with an opening ceremony in Dublin. President Christodoulides emphasized that the presidency succeeded despite the geopolitical challenges of the region and Cyprus's status as an occupied territory. Key officials, including Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, also participated in the closing event.