COPENHAGEN — Strengthening cooperation between the European Union and NATO was the focus of a meeting Wednesday night between Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a royal dinner hosted by Denmark’s monarchs for leaders attending the European Political Community Summit. It comes ahead of Cyprus assuming the rotating presidency of the EU Council on Jan. 1, 2026.
Christodoulides briefed Rutte on recent developments in the Cyprus issue, stressing that progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on positive steps toward a resolution based on UN resolutions and EU principles.
He also highlighted the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU’s Special Envoy for Cyprus, calling it a potentially valuable tool in advancing negotiations.
Defense and security will be top priorities during Cyprus’ EU presidency, Christodoulides said, with a focus on enhancing the bloc’s strategic autonomy.
Regarding EU-NATO relations and the Readiness 2030 initiative, he emphasized the need for inclusivity and equal treatment of all EU member states.