Zelenskyy and Sandu take part in official opening ceremony of Cyprus Presidency of the Council of EU

With the Republic of Cyprus having assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2026, the official opening ceremony took place in Nicosia on 7 January.

The ceremony paid tribute to the island’s history and traditions while also recognising the Republic of Cyprus’ role in shaping the European Union over its 22 years of EU membership. 

The opening ceremony featured the addresses delivered by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, also attended the event.

The Cypriot President said the current geopolitical environment offered an opportunity for stronger, more secure, united and autonomous Europe. 

António Costa referred to Europe’s commitment to international law, unity, security and support for Ukraine, as well as EU enlargement. He also highlighted Cyprus’ leadership role in strengthening EU unity, supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement, and contributing to regional stability and humanitarian efforts.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the support his country receives from the EU, highlighting the importance of Cyprus’ solidarity and leadership in supporting Ukraine, advancing enlargement and contributing to Europe’s stability, security and unity.

“I truly hope that during these months, Europe will become stronger, and that people across our continent will feel that tomorrow can be safer, more stable and better than today,” Zelenskyy said. “I also deeply believe that together, we can help deliver one of the most important guarantees of peace and security for our nation and for the whole of Europe – Ukraine’s membership in the EU.”

During the ceremony, Cypriot art in all its forms – music, dance and poetry – reflected how Cyprus perceives the European Union as a unifying force in Europe.

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Press release