Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, outlined on Tuesday ahead of the final EU Environment Council before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Nicosia’s vision and priorities, emphasizing the climate crisis, biodiversity, and green transition.
She stressed that “at the heart of our agenda is, of course, the European Green Deal and tackling the triple planetary crisis.”
In her remarks before the Council meeting, the Minister congratulated the Danish Presidency for its work, highlighting the importance of continuity within the Presidency trio. “I would like to congratulate the Danish Presidency for the strong leadership it has demonstrated over the past six months. Together with Poland, our partners in the trio, they have created momentum, and Cyprus is ready to continue it,” she stated.
As the incoming Presidency, Cyprus is approaching its role with a clear strategic direction, Panayiotou noted. “Our vision is clear: a Europe that protects people’s lives today and secures the future of tomorrow,” she said.
The Minister stressed that the challenges facing the EU are not future scenarios but present realities. “We know the challenges ahead of us. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are not distant threats-they are here, threatening the health of our citizens, the security of our societies, and the strength of our economies,” she noted.
Panayiotou also said that “it is absolutely clear that Europe cannot delay, cannot hesitate, cannot afford procrastination, and cannot afford indecision.”
She explained that Cyprus’ response as Presidency will be based on realism and the effectiveness of policies. “We will respond with realism. We want policies that deliver results,” she emphasized.
The Minister clarified that the core of Cyprus’ environmental agenda during its Presidency will be the European Green Deal and addressing the “triple planetary crisis.” She expressed readiness to take concrete actions: “At the heart of our agenda is, of course, the European Green Deal and tackling the triple planetary crisis, with specific actions on water resilience, climate policy, circular economy, zero pollution, and bioeconomy,” she said.
Panayiotou highlighted the role Cyprus aspires to play during its Presidency, describing it as a bridge. “Cyprus will act as a bridge: between member states, between EU institutions, and between Europe and the world,” she said.
Moreover, the Minister stressed that the Cypriot Presidency will deliver results “for a Europe that is greener, more competitive, more resilient, a Europe that leads globally and delivers locally.”