Maia Sandu congratulates Cyprus for taking over the EU Presidency: “We look with hope and confidence to the coming months”
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, congratulated Cyprus for taking over the Presidency of the European Union, stressing that she looks “with hope and confidence to the coming months”.
Maia Sandu congratulated Cyprus for taking over the EU Presidency. PHOTO: President.md
“Best wishes to Cyprus on the occasion of taking over the Presidency of the European Union and President Nikos Christodoulides. We look with hope and confidence to the months ahead. Sincere thanks to Denmark for the leadership and dedication shown in the last six months,” noted the leader from Chisinau on the X platform.
On Thursday, January 1, Cyprus took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union, which rotates every six months between the 27 member states of the European bloc. Following Denmark's presidency, until the end of June, Cypriot representatives will lead ministerial meetings and mediate in disputes between EU member states.
The EU's main themes in the first half of 2026 are expected to be reforms to boost competitiveness, continued support for Ukraine and further steps to combat irregular migration.
Agreeing the next long-term Union budget is expected to be a challenge, along with other ongoing legislative projects. The European Commission's new proposals, which do not aim to completely phase out internal combustion engines by 2035, are also to be discussed under the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council.
Cyprus, which adopted the motto “An autonomous Union. Open to the world” during its presidency of the EU Council, has a population of around one million.
The island nation in the Mediterranean Sea is divided in two: Greek Cypriots rule the southern part, while Turkish Cypriots rule the northern part. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.
