Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Cyprus has been holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU since 1 January 2026. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as well as the 26 Commissioners completed their official visit to Cyprus from 15 to 16 January.
In the press conference held on 15 January, President von der Leyen stressed that the Council will be working with the Commission on 3 key strands to strengthen Europe's independence: security and defence, competitiveness and decarbonisation, democracy and partnerships.
Key initiatives include advancing the European security strategy, upholding strong support for Ukraine, promoting economic independence through innovation and trade agreements, and streamlining the migration pact. Von der Leyen also stressed the importance of finalizing the EU's long-term budget to support the Union's goals of independence and global openness.
Chapters
00:00 Opening remarks President Nikos Christodoulides
01:51 Discussion of priorities of Cyprus' Presidency
02:25 Defence, security and readiness
03:35 Migration
03:50 Climate, maritime Security, water supply
04:09 Strengthening European competitiveness
04:46 Approval of Mercosur
05:40 Pact for the Mediterranean: First Projects
06:05 Social justice and quality of life
06:54 Multiannual Financial Framework MFF
07:43 Schengen
08:09 Appreciation of the support by the Commission
09:07 Welcome remarks by President von der Leyen
09:28 Special position of Cyprus
10:09 Three key strands of the Presidency
10:32 Defence and SAFE
11:46 Ukraine: Support & funds
12:33 Accession of Ukraine
14:24 A competitive European Union
16:41 Trade agreements: Mercosur
18:04 Migration
19:17 Budget outlook
19:59 Q&A firefighting hub in Cyprus
22:25 Q&A situation in Greenland and security
25:17 Q&A Cyprus' neighboring countries
30:01 Q&A Situation in Iran
33:00 End of press conference
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Disclaimer: Comments considered in breach of our social media moderation policy may be removed. Please read more here: https://europa.eu/!q4KMP8
Cyprus has been holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU since 1 January 2026. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as well as the 26 Commissioners completed their official visit to Cyprus from 15 to 16 January.
In the press conference held on 15 January, President von der Leyen stressed that the Council will be working with the Commission on 3 key strands to strengthen Europe's independence: security and defence, competitiveness and decarbonisation, democracy and partnerships.
Key initiatives include advancing the European security strategy, upholding strong support for Ukraine, promoting economic independence through innovation and trade agreements, and streamlining the migration pact. Von der Leyen also stressed the importance of finalizing the EU's long-term budget to support the Union's goals of independence and global openness.
Chapters
00:00 Opening remarks President Nikos Christodoulides
01:51 Discussion of priorities of Cyprus' Presidency
02:25 Defence, security and readiness
03:35 Migration
03:50 Climate, maritime Security, water supply
04:09 Strengthening European competitiveness
04:46 Approval of Mercosur
05:40 Pact for the Mediterranean: First Projects
06:05 Social justice and quality of life
06:54 Multiannual Financial Framework MFF
07:43 Schengen
08:09 Appreciation of the support by the Commission
09:07 Welcome remarks by President von der Leyen
09:28 Special position of Cyprus
10:09 Three key strands of the Presidency
10:32 Defence and SAFE
11:46 Ukraine: Support & funds
12:33 Accession of Ukraine
14:24 A competitive European Union
16:41 Trade agreements: Mercosur
18:04 Migration
19:17 Budget outlook
19:59 Q&A firefighting hub in Cyprus
22:25 Q&A situation in Greenland and security
25:17 Q&A Cyprus' neighboring countries
30:01 Q&A Situation in Iran
33:00 End of press conference
Visit our website: https://commission.europa.eu/
Follow us on:
-X: twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: instagram.com/europeancommission
-Facebook: facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/european-commission
-Medium: medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
Disclaimer: Comments considered in breach of our social media moderation policy may be removed. Please read more here: https://europa.eu/!q4KMP8
