Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides concludes EU Council presidency and seeks deeper EU‑Lebanon partnership

Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides marked the end of the country's two‑year Presidency of the European Council on 19 June 2026. In a joint press conference he highlighted progress on key EU priorities, including enlargement talks, competitiveness, simplification of legislation, defence and security cooperation, and the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. He also noted an agreement on a multi‑year fiscal framework for the EU budget 2028‑2034 and enhanced relations with the Western Balkans and the Middle East.

That same day Christodoulides met Lebanese Foreign Minister Yusuf Razzzi at the Presidential Palace. The leaders reaffirmed Cyprus’ support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and expressed a commitment to strengthen EU‑Lebanon ties. Christodoulides said Cyprus will push for a comprehensive EU‑Lebanon strategic agreement, similar to initiatives with Jordan and Egypt, and praised the personal friendship between the two heads of state.