President Christodoulides: EU Presidency is a National Mission

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, characterized the Presidency of the Council of the EU as a national mission and priority, emphasizing the need for a more autonomous European Union.

At a dinner at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides stated that Cyprus' accession to the EU was the most significant development since 1960.

He explained that Cyprus' Presidency is unique, as Cyprus is a small member state with a European and Western orientation in foreign policy, located close to the Middle East and able to understand Ukraine.

President Christodoulides noted that Cyprus is no longer a 'one-issue' country and that its economy is growing at a rate of over 3%, with unemployment below 5% and public debt decreasing. Immigration is no longer a major issue.