Cyprus concludes its six-month presidency of the European Union Council

The Republic of Cyprus has officially concluded its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union with a closing ceremony at the Filoxenia Conference Centre. President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the government will retain the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs and specialized EU units to maintain institutional expertise. Throughout the 181-day term, the presidency oversaw approximately 1,600 meetings in Brussels and over 300 events in Cyprus, hosting more than 30,000 visitors. Key achievements cited by officials include advancements in the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement policy, migration, and union security. Cyprus also acted as a diplomatic mediator during regional conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and managed local security incidents such as a drone crash at Akrotiri. Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna noted that the presidency demonstrated the state's capacity to deliver results despite its small size. Cyprus is now handing over the EU Council presidency to Ireland.