Politis

Giannis Antoniou: Cyprus Aims to Play a Role in Addressing European Citizens' Concerns

Published January 7, 2026, 06:27
Giannis Antoniou: Cyprus Aims to Play a Role in Addressing European Citizens' Concerns

Giannis Antoniou, Deputy Government Spokesman, discussed the priorities and challenges of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He emphasized that Cyprus seeks to play a meaningful role in addressing the problems faced by European citizens. The biggest challenge for Cyprus is to simultaneously advance important legislative files and contribute to the management of major issues, such as defense, security, the Ukrainian crisis, and the economy. The presidency must also be prepared to respond to unforeseen geopolitical developments. Particular emphasis is placed on the social dimension of European policies, with priority given to supporting societies and addressing problems such as the housing issue, which is now considered a problem with a European dimension. It is noted that approximately 30,000 visitors are expected in Cyprus during the presidency, culminating in the informal Council with the participation of European leaders in April.