On 1 January 2026, Cyprus assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union, marking the final chapter of the current presidency trio, following Poland and the Kingdom of Denmark. With this transition, the trio’s shared agenda, structured around three overarching themes:

• A Strong and Secure Europe, which refers to external actions, security and defence, migration and border protection, enlargement and internal reforms. 
• A Prosperous and Competitive Europe, which deals with various components that make up competitiveness, twin transition, innovation, environment and social affairs. 
• A Free and Democratic Europe, which contains references to EU values such as rule of law and human rights. 

Building on the groundwork laid by the previous two Presidencies, Cyprus assumes the Presidency at a decisive moment for the European Union, as discussions progress on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the future direction of key EU programmes in education, research, and innovation.

Under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World.”, Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time. Its programme is shaped by the recognition that the EU is facing a combination of geopolitical instability, economic pressures, climate challenges, and rapid technological transformation. The Cyprus Presidency will pursue an ambitious and results-oriented approach, guided by the following five overarching priorities:

• Autonomy through security, defence readiness, and preparedness;
• Autonomy through competitiveness;
• An autonomous Union open to the world;
• An autonomous Union of values that leaves no one behind;
• A long-term budget for an autonomous Union.

Within this broader framework, education is recognised as a decisive pillar for Europe’s future. The Cyprus Presidency underlines the essential role of education systems in strengthening skills, expanding learning opportunities, and enhancing social development, while contributing to Europe’s competitiveness, cohesion, and long-term resilience. In this context, the Presidency will prioritise skills development for all, empower teachers and educators, and reinforce vocational education and training and higher education, in line with the objectives of the European Education Area. Particular emphasis will be placed on learning mobility, citizenship education, and inclusive, learner-centred approaches that support lifelong learning, promote social inclusion, and reinforce democratic participation. The Presidency will also drive Erasmus+ negotiations under the new MFF, with a focus on inclusiveness and international outreach.

Research and innovation (R&I) feature also prominently in the Cypriot programme, notably through a renewed emphasis on international cooperation and science diplomacy. Key R&I priorities include further progress on EU's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), with the aim of reaching a partial general approach, linked to broader discussions on the next MFF. Dual-use research will also be addressed, with a strong focus on practical implementation. International cooperation will remain high on the agenda, with expectations of smoother and faster pathways for trusted partners, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Through this approach, the Cyprus Presidency seeks to balance strategic autonomy with openness, reinforcing Europe’s role as a reliable global partner.

Read the Cypriot programme here.