EU Summit: Cyprus's First and Second Presidency

Cyprus is holding the presidency of the European Union for the second time, a period that contrasts with its first presidency in 2012. The EU Summit proceedings, taking place over these two days, mark a change from the past.

Erató Kozákou-Markoullí, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that after the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, Summits were held in Brussels under the permanent President of the European Council. The Eurozone crisis also limited the events and proceedings that took place during presidencies.

Dimitris Christofias, then President of the Republic, referred to the first Cypriot presidency in December 2012, highlighting the difficult economic conditions but also the successful cooperation.

Despite the challenges, several EU ministerial summits were held in Cyprus during the Cypriot presidency.