12 February 2026 European Movement Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today held a briefing on The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Iveagh House in Dublin. Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland His Excellency Louis Telemachou and Secretary General of the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Joe Hackett, provided keynote addresses for attendees on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency.
The Cyprus Presidency commenced on the 1st of January with the motto ‘An Autonomous Union. Open to the World’. Its policy priorities include security, defence readiness and preparedness, competitiveness, a Union of values that leaves no one behind and a long-term budget promoting a more autonomous Europe into the future.
H.E. Ambassador Louis Telemachou said; “I am delighted to address today’s important briefing on the Cyprus Presidency. In Cyprus we firmly believe this is Europe’s moment to define and reshape its future through a more assertive and autonomous course. Europe has faced complex and at times existential crises in the past, however the scale and intensity of the challenges we face today call for greater European integration and unity. A more autonomous Union will provide the necessary internal strength to cooperate with external partners, while act independently when necessary, safeguarding the EU and its values into the future.”
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, which oversaw the Union’s largest-ever enlargement, welcoming ten new Member States. This is Cyprus’ second EU Presidency which will involves an informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the EU in April, nineteen informal ministerial meetings and over 230 other meetings and conferences.
Acting Co-CEO of European Movement Ireland Lorna Hayes said: “Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency at a moment of significant geopolitical upheaval. Its policy priorities focus on a more autonomous secure Europe; at European Movement Ireland we also welcome its commitment to the green transition, digital innovation and social cohesion and a Union of values where no one is left behind.”
The Cyprus Presidency will conclude on the 31 June, following a trio with Poland and Denmark. Ireland will assume its Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2026, beginning a trio with Lithuania and Greece. Further details about European Movement Ireland can be found at europeanmovement.ie.