European Policy Centre

“Autonomy is no longer a theoretical aspiration but a driving force for action – the next necessary step in European integration,” emphasised Nikos Christodoulides @Christodulides. Read our summary of his speech @CY2026EU epc.eu/publication/ni… ,

Cyprus President @Christodulides publicly disagrees with @NATO's Mark Rutte over the ability of European Union to become autonomous and to show mutual support; praises Greece France Italy Spain and Netherlands for de facto activation of EU's Article 42.7. @epc_eu

#Cyprus is a strong believer in the European project and sees the presidency @CY2026EU as an opportunity to deliver tangible results, despite the ongoing crisis. We do not stop because of the crisis; instead, we accelerate our goals.

Current geostrategic instability has shown that the EU is the most trusted international partner. But it must become more autonomous. @Christodulides did not agree with the Sec General of NATO that autonomy is non-attainable, he stressed it's achievable and real.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, @Christodulides, speaking in Brussels, as head of the rotating EU presidency, @CY2026EU, stated that moments like the Iran crisis are a test of unity and leadership, creating opportunities that would never have happened.

She spoke of how #Russia had used numerous forms of suppression in Crimea, which is now used in Russia against its own citizens. There have been terrible human rights violations since the occupation, including the forced recruitment of Ukrainians to fight for the Russians.

EPC welcomed @UA_EUMission Deputy Head Oksana Diakun @OksanaDiakun to highlight 12 years of #Russia’s illegal occupation of #Crimea. With all that is going on, it is a reminder to the world of what happens if you do not respond to international aggression immediately.

With #Indian Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar meeting #EU foreign ministers in #Brussels today, including Vice President @kajakallas, following the recent #EUIndia summit. Read our latest analysis epc.eu/publication/un…, epc.eu/publication/wh…

🌍 EPC Analysis: How the #Iran War could reshape Europe. As #US - #Israeli attacks on Iran enter their third week, Europe faces spillovers it cannot ignore. This Round-Up maps what to watch 👇 epc.eu/publication/ep…