The European Union cannot accept violations of international law in Cyprus, Latin America, Greenland, Ukraine, or Gaza, the President of the European Council, António Costa said, during his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Nicosia.
During his speech, António Costa stressed the importance of the Cyprus’ Presidency to continue supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, to advance on the path towards European integration, and to prepare the next stage of budget discussions.
Addressing the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, Costa said that under Christodoulides’ leadership, ‘we will continue to make Europe more secure, more prosperous, more engaged, and more united’. He noted that the motto of the Cyprus Presidency ‘An autonomous Union. Open to the World’ could not be more timely, saying that Cyprus brings a unique perspective to this task, as a Mediterranean island nation at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. ‘Cyprus understands the importance of building bridges, fostering dialogue, and working toward inclusive, European solutions,’ he further noted.
He also said that Cyprus takes the helm of the Council at a very challenging moment, when the international rules-based order is under attack, undermining multilateralism, fair trade, and the fundamental principles of the United Nation Charter. ‘Cyprus’ own history of occupation and division has given it a very concrete understanding of the crucial value of international law for peace and stability among nations’, he said.
‘The European Union cannot accept violations of international law – whether in Cyprus, Latin America, Greenland, Ukraine, or Gaza’, Costa stressed. Regarding Greenland, he underlined that it belongs to its people. ‘Nothing can be decided about Denmark and about Greenland without Denmark, or without Greenland. They have the full support and solidarity of the European Union’, he said.
He went on to say that Europe will remain a firm and unwavering champion of international law and multilateralism. ‘We, Europeans, have learned from our own history that unilateralism is a fast track to conflict, violence and instability. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated this once again very clearly. A war of aggression that constitutes a gross violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter’, he said, underlining EU’s steadfast support for Ukraine, that, as he stressed, represents a bold defence of those principles, shared by nations around the world.
‘That is why we will continue to fight for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. At the last European Council, we committed to providing Ukraine with the financial resources it needs for the next two years. And yesterday, in Paris, together with likeminded partners, we agreed on the security guarantees Ukraine needs to deter further aggression’, Costa noted, saying that Cyprus’s presidency will also be a critical moment to continue supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction and to advance decisively on the path towards European integration.
‘This will be the best investment the European Union can make to ensure long-term peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. In this multipolar world, an enlarged European Union means a stronger, safer, and more peaceful Europe at home and abroad’, Antonio Costa said.
He also noted that the next enlargement, to Ukraine, to Moldova and to the Western Balkans, is crucial to strengthen the Union as a geopolitical player. ‘To make enlargement a reality, we must act on two fronts at the same time. First, we need to continue with reforms in the candidate countries. Second, the European Union must prepare itself to accommodate new members’, he stressed.
Regarding Ukraine, he said that progress on enlargement is especially urgent over the next months, in order to reflect the impressive pace of reforms by Ukraine. ‘Accession is central to any peace deal – as a key foundation for Ukraine’s future prosperity and development’, he highlighted.
He also added that 2026 is also important for the accession of Moldova and the Western Balkans partners. For Montenegro, he said, the next 12 months can see the completion of their accession negotiations, ‘and we hope that the drafting of their accession treaty can start very soon’, during Cyprus’ presidency.
Costa said that in 2025, the priority was to create the building blocks of the Europe of Defence. ‘We must continue to implement that agenda and accelerate our work towards European Defence Readiness. In 2026, working hand in hand with the Commission, we must give a new impetus to Europe’s economic competitiveness. We must deliver for our citizens. Because social cohesion without prosperity is unsustainable. That is why, on the 12th of February, I will convene a strategic brainstorming session of European Leaders to discuss how best to harness the full potential of Europe’s single market’, he stressed.
Referring to the EU’s extensive network of trade agreements, covering 78 countries, he said that it keeps growing further, not only with Mercosur, but with progress in negotiations with countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. ‘As a predictable and reliable partner, the European Union’s fair-trade agenda is shaping global economic rules and fostering shared prosperity with partners around the world’, he added.
He continued saying that EU’s ambitions in security, competitiveness, and social cohesion require a long-term budget that equips it with the necessary resources. ‘By the end of 2026, we must agree on a framework that reflects the needs and ambitions of a Europe that is not only secure and competitive but also fair and resilient. Cyprus’s leadership will be crucial to prepare the next stage of budget discussions, ensuring that our financial resources are aligned with our goals’, he stressed.
Additionally, Costa pointed out that Cyprus’ proximity and diplomatic engagement with the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Gulf are a key asset for Europe’s relations with all these regions. ‘Cyprus plays a central role, notably through its leadership in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, with the Amalthea initiative ensuring aid reaches civilians safely’, he added. It will also make a crucial contribution to the European Union’s role in implementing the Peace Plan for Gaza endorsed by the UN Security Council. ‘Cyprus’ leadership will be equally important to strengthen ties through the Pact for the Mediterranean’, he also said.
In the same spirit, he noted that President Von der Leyen and himself will be in Jordan, in the next days, to hold the first EU-Jordan Summit, and they will visit Syria and Lebanon. ‘I am looking forward to the European Union Leaders’ meeting with our Mediterranean partners, scheduled for April 2026 here in Cyprus’, he also added.
Concluding, he said that Cyprus’s dedication to the European course, along with its deep understanding of the challenges the EU faces, will enable it to fulfil this role with success and effectiveness. ‘Together, we will ensure that our Union remains united, acting decisively for the benefit of all our citizens. Thank you, and I wish the Cyprus Presidency all the best in the months ahead’, he said.