**Title: Christodoulides and Costa Discuss EU Budget and Cyprus Issue**
**Date: [Insert Date]**
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus held a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa at the presidential palace on Friday. The discussions focused on several critical topics, including the European Union’s upcoming long-term budget, the ongoing Cyprus problem, and various regional developments.
During the meeting, President Christodoulides expressed gratitude to Costa for his support during Cyprus’ recent EU Council presidency. He highlighted Costa's initiative to visit all EU member states ahead of the forthcoming European Council discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among member nations.
A significant point of discussion was the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2028 to 2034. Christodoulides underscored that reaching a political agreement on this budget is paramount, stating, “We need to do our utmost to reach a political agreement by the end of 2026. We don’t have an alternative.” He stressed that the budget would be a pivotal issue for the EU in the coming years.
In addition to the budget, the leaders discussed broader topics, including the situation in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, EU enlargement, and matters concerning competitiveness, defense, and security within the union.
President Christodoulides also took the opportunity to thank Costa for his “personal interest” in the Cyprus problem, indicating that they would address the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resume negotiations regarding the island's division. He remarked, “The Cyprus problem is a European problem and the European Union can play a decisive role in order to reunite our country.” Christodoulides emphasized that any potential settlement should align with UN Security Council resolutions and the principles of EU law.
In response, Costa congratulated Christodoulides on the successful execution of Cyprus’ EU Council presidency during the first half of the year. He acknowledged the challenging decisions facing the EU in the months ahead, particularly concerning the 2028-2034 budget. Costa reiterated the importance of maintaining close ties between European institutions and the citizens of member states, stating, “We need to work hand-in-hand because only together can we deliver, and our strength is based on our unity.”
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Costa remarked that “in a united Europe, the unification of Cyprus is a key issue.” He expressed optimism about finding a viable solution to the longstanding division of the island, emphasizing that any resolution must adhere to international law.
The meeting between Christodoulides and Costa reflects ongoing efforts to address critical issues facing Cyprus and the European Union as a whole, highlighting the importance of cooperation and dialogue in achieving political and economic stability in the region.