Cyprus Presidency debriefs European Parliament committees on priorities

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council.

Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council until the end of June 2026. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

On 26 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fitiris highlighted gender equality as a core focus of the presidency, with particular emphasis on combating gender-based violence, including online violence. He also referenced strengthening prevention, support to victims and promoting gender mainstreaming across EU policies, plus the upcoming 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy, as key priorities.

MEPs pushed for a stronger intersectional approach, calling for continued attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI equality, and gender budgeting. They warned of an ongoing and widespread backlash against women’s rights, highlighted emerging risks linked to digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), and called for progress on the long-stalled anti-discrimination directive.

Culture and Education Committee

On 27 January, Deputy Minister for Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou highlighted the “cultural compass for Europe” as key step towards placing culture at the heart of EU policymaking, and the AgoraEU 2028–2034 programme as an initiative to strengthen culture and media as democratic public goods. The Cyprus Presidency also plans to advance discussions on the EU work programme for culture, enhance media literacy, and address the protection and return of cultural goods.

Many MEPs stressed the need for adequate funding for culture and media in the EU’s next long-term budget. Some highlighted the role of culture and media in countering disinformation, while others called for stronger support for independent cultural creators, better working conditions in the artistic sector, and improved media literacy.

Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

On 27 January, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos said the presidency will prioritise the 2030 consumer agenda, the protection of minors online, and action to tackle deceptive consumer practices. Other priorities outlined by Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy included progressing quickly on all digital omnibus files and concluding negotiations on the customs reform and posting of workers rules.

MEPs questioned the presidency on its plans to strengthen EU digital sovereignty and leadership, notably on digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, amid growing foreign algorithmic interference. They called for stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act and asked about a potential social media ban for minors. MEPs sought further clarity on the presidency’s support for a European preference in public procurement and on the stalled late payments file.

Transport and Tourism Committee

On 27 January, Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, stressed that the presidency will focus on air passenger rights, greener, safer, more efficient and competitive transport, and advancing dual use infrastructure. Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister of Shipping, highlighted the upcoming EU industrial maritime strategy and a declaration on seafarers. Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said that his country will drive the evaluation of a 2030 EU tourism agenda to implement and debate the EU strategy on sustainable tourism.

MEPs emphasised that Parliament stands united behind air passengers and will not allow the watering down of their existing rights. Some MEPs committed to deliver on Parliament’s position on roadworthiness, and asked the presidency to advance the work on the automotive package. Securing adequate financial support for EU cross-border infrastructure, resilience and alternative fuels were amongst other points mentioned by MEPs.

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

On 27 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Constantinos Fitiris highlighted the fight against serious and organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, child sexual abuse and digital threats, as well as the need to reinforce cooperation through Europol and strengthen external borders. Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas A. Ioannides identified migration as a priority, with a focus on implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact and strengthening returns through deeper partnerships with non-EU countries.

Many MEPs called for stronger interoperability to support law enforcement and asylum systems. Several MEPs stressed the need to protect those fighting organised crime, strengthen action on deradicalisation and safeguard data protection. Others raised questions on border control, returns and solidarity, and the need to address hate crime.

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stressed that the rule of law is a cornerstone of the European project and essential for the functioning of the single market. She highlighted the presidency’s focus on advancing the Article 7 procedure and taking forward simplification and better regulation.

Many MEPs raised questions on how to respond to new threats such as organised crime, foreign interference and disinformation. Some MEPs stressed the need to ensure judicial independence and a consistent application of rule of law principles, while others highlighted the importance of adequate funding in the next EU long-term budget.

Fisheries Committee

On 27 January, Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, said the presidency will work on strengthening the common fisheries policy (CFP). They will also try to ensure that the needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are reflected in the EU’s new long-term budget. The presidency also expects to finalise negotiations on the implementation into EU law of the rules on regional fisheries management organisations and to make progress on the sustainable fisheries partnerships with Mauritania and Morocco.

MEPs unanimously considered “unacceptable” the reduction envisaged in the next long-term budget for fisheries. They called for the simplification of fisheries laws, modernisation of the EU’s fishing fleet, and for a pragmatic approach to decarbonisation. MEPs also asked questions about guaranteeing equal opportunities between EU and third-country fisheries and on the use of flags of convenience.

International Trade Committee

On 27 January, Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry said that a rules-based, open but frank relationship with other countries should be at the heart of EU trade relations. At the same time, the EU must defend its values and its legislative independence.

MEPs questioned the minister on the Presidency’s strategy on transatlantic relations, Mercosur, a proposal to counteract steel overcapacity, and the ratification of free trade agreements (notably India and the Philippines). Other questions focused on the reform and strengthening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), preserving the resilience of the EU’s supply chains, and intensifying the EU response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Legal Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Constantinos Fytiris stressed the need to make advances on legislation relating to the protection of adults, with negotiations expected to start in March. He also committed to bridging differences between EU countries on parenthood rules. Other priorities are the 28th regime – a new set of company rules applicable across the EU, EU rules on patents, and a copyright framework adapted to new technologies.

MEPs inquired about possible investment in the judicial system in the EU’s next long-term budget, European cross-border associations – on which member states raised serious concerns, the temporary application of the Mercosur deal, and Russia’s accountability for its war on Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Minister for Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos focused on European autonomy and enhanced partnerships around the world as the best way to protect the EU’s security. Supporting Ukraine remains a priority, including throughout sanctions, he said, adding that transatlantic relations should be preserved via constructive dialogue and by working with confidence on contentious issues. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stressed the importance of EU enlargement as a strategic investment in the EU’s future.

MEPs asked about advancing the enlargement process and the associated need to reform the EU. They inquired about Türkiye’s role in the EU’s security and defence, and if the Greenland crisis could be resolved during the Cypriot Presidency. MEPs also focused on the EU’s engagement in Gaza, measures against the regime in Iran, and the Middle East more generally.

Security and Defence Committee

On 28 January, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the Presidency will focus on continuing to support Ukraine, strengthening Europe’s defence industry, speeding up defence readiness and innovation, investing in maritime security and supporting humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of non-combatant personnel. He also highlighted issues linked to economic security, including addressing threats to critical infrastructure and defence supply-chain vulnerabilities.

MEPs asked about a range of topics, including maritime security, European flagship defence projects, and how to address the use of drones in modern warfare. The possible operationalisation of the EU’s mutual defence clause, EU support loan for Ukraine, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and EU countries’ increasing defence spending, were also raised.

Constitutional Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said that internal EU reforms linked to enlargement, the next long-term budget and competitiveness are key priorities. She also highlighted the pending reform of the European Electoral Act, including the targeted amendment on proxy voting, discussions on Parliament’s right of inquiry, and the Transparency Directive.

Many MEPs called for progress on treaty reform, particularly to address the continued reliance on unanimity in foreign policy decision-making against a backdrop of geopolitical challenges and EU enlargement. Some pressed for a quick agreement on Parliament’s recent initiative on proxy voting and broader electoral reform, while others urged progress on the right of inquiry and the interinstitutional ethics body.

Industry, Research and Energy Committee

On 28 January, Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defence, emphasised as priorities simplifying defence procurement, strengthening the defence industrial base, and supporting innovative SMEs. He also highlighted the importance of EU-NATO cooperation and territorial sovereignty, particularly in the context of Cyprus’s illegal occupation.

Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry referenced securing energy supply through interconnections, decarbonisation without deindustrialisation, reducing critical dependencies, and simplifying rules to accelerate industrial and energy projects. The Presidency will also focus, he said, on the new legislative proposal on electricity grids.

Nicodemos Damianou, Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said that the Presidency will work on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) for the modernisation of telecom infrastructure (5G/6G), online child protection through age verification, and boosting research to drive innovation and retain talents. The Presidency will also try to finalise the work on the EU Space Act.

MEPs questioned the ministers on balancing accelerated energy permitting with environmental protection, the impact of the green transition on households and SMEs, and the ban on Russian oil imports while ensuring energy security. They discussed regulatory simplification for SMEs, reducing reliance on non-European suppliers, and integrating SMEs into strategic supply chains. MEPs also mentioned cybersecurity, EU ownership of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, talent retention, and effective online child protection through age verification.

Development Committee

On 28 January Constantinos Kombos, Minister for Foreign Affairs identified water security, resilient health systems, youth opportunities, and women’s empowerment as priorities. The Presidency also aims to deliver a partial general approach among EU governments on the future Global Europe instrument by June 2026. Additionally, he referenced the Global Gateway initiative, humanitarian aid as focus issues, alongside highlighting Eastern Africa, the Middle East – including the reconstruction of Gaza – and Ukraine as geographical areas of particular relevance.

MEPs questioned Minister Kombos on the importance decent job creation for young people, the relationship with the USA at a time when they are reducing aid support, the situation in Syria, asylum and migration, and progress on member state negotiations on Global Europe.

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

On 28 January, Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, identified the following as priorities: innovation, sustainable farming, and simplification, as well as a set of robust crisis-proof measures. She added that the Presidency is committed to a constructive discussion on the next long-term budget as well as the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). Adequate funding for the CAP and a stable, resilient, and affordable food supply chain are also priorities, she said.

MEPs expressed concerns about the new CAP and asked for more clarity on the proposal. Several MEPs want to make sure that imports from outside the EU meet the same strict criteria EU farmers have to respect. Other MEPs called for measures to make farming more attractive for young people and for broad solutions to deal with the different crises affecting the sector.

Employment and Social Affairs Committee

On 29 January, Minster for Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Moushouttas said fair and inclusive employment and fair mobility were Preisdency priorities. Clea Hadjistephanou-Papaellina, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, stressed their commitment to fighting poverty, focusing on child poverty, reinforcing long-term care and active aging, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Access to sustainable and affordable housing should be a fundamental right for all, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, while stressing the need to boost investment and supply and sharing information across EU countries.

MEPs quizzed the ministers about the coordination of social security systems, the traineeships directive, and the revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive. They welcomed the Presidency’s commitment to fighting child poverty and stressed the need for a dedicated budget for the child guarantee in the next long-term budget. Housing, occupational health and safety, Europe’s care agenda and fair mobility were also discussed.

Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee

On 29 January, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, highlighted the importance of water resilience as a security, economic stability, and public health concern. She stressed the need to continue legislative simplification without lowering the EU’s environmental ambition, and to boost the transition to a circular economy to reduce dependency on raw materials. Other priorities referenced included the revision of the C02 standards for cars and vans.

Many MEPs called for a more effective water management approach to address water scarcity across the EU. On simplification, a number of political groups agreed that the EU must maintain its level of protection, pointing to realistic environmental legislation as a way forward. Others raised concerns about the proposed cuts to EU agriculture policy in the next long-term budget, questioning how the Presidency will guarantee the green transition, food security and a long-term funding for nature, while building a competitive and resilient Europe.

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