Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, speaking on behalf of the president, told the European Committee of the Regions that Cyprus’ EU Council presidency will focus on strengthening social cohesion, local governance and the bloc’s strategic autonomy.
Ioannou delivered the remarks in Nicosia during the committee’s 238th Bureau meeting, which Cyprus is hosting as part of preparations for its 2026 presidency. He said the body plays a critical role in linking EU policymaking with the realities faced by cities, regions and citizens.
Local authorities, he said, are on the front line of Europe’s major challenges — from social cohesion and sustainable development to the green and digital transitions — and must be central to shaping policy. “Europe needs strong local governance more than ever,” he told delegates.
Ioannou said Cyprus views its presidency as both an honor and a responsibility, and intends to promote what he called a more autonomous, resilient and outward‑looking European Union that remains closely connected to its citizens and core values.
He highlighted affordable housing as a priority, calling it a shared European challenge and a test of social cohesion. Access to decent and affordable homes, he said, is “a matter of social justice and quality of life,” and essential to the resilience of communities.
The minister also pointed to the needs of islands and coastal regions, saying sustainable development and resilience in those areas will feature prominently once the European Commission unveils its related strategies.
Ioannou stressed that cooperation with the Committee of the Regions will be central to Cyprus’ presidency. “A strategically autonomous Europe must also be cohesive and fair internally,” he said, adding that local and regional authorities are key to turning EU decisions into tangible results for citizens.
He closed by thanking the committee and expressing support for its work in bringing the EU closer to its people.