Cyprus will make every effort to open negotiation clusters with Ukraine during its presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This was stated by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, Michalis Firillas, during a meeting with a representative of Interfax-Ukraine.
“Accession to the European Union provides indirect security: economic, social, in terms of democratic norms and values, as well as freedoms for citizens. We will do everything possible during our presidency to open negotiations with Ukraine on clusters of European legislation,” the diplomat said.
Firillas stressed that Cyprus is working closely on this issue with Denmark and Poland, as well as with European institutions in Brussels. “We want to see progress – this is the common conclusion that unites our Polish and Danish colleagues and all relevant EU structures,” he said.
The ambassador also stressed that Cyprus clearly supports the independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty of Ukraine and its European perspective.
Commenting on the decision-making process in the EU, Firilas stressed the importance of preserving the principle of unanimity. “This is the position of many small countries. It is one of the key elements of the political process in Europe – not to hold anyone hostage, but as a mechanism for expressing national interests,” he added.
From July 1, 2025, Denmark will take over the presidency of the EU Council from Poland; it will last until the end of the year. The presidency will then pass to Cyprus.
