**Cyprus Concludes EU Presidency with High Praise and Future Aspirations**
On Tuesday, Cyprus officially concluded its six-month presidency of the European Union Council, marking the end of a tenure characterized by emotional reflections and commendations for its effectiveness. The closing ceremony took place at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, which served as the central hub for the presidency's activities over the past six months.
European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna, who spearheaded the preparations for this presidency for over two years, delivered a heartfelt address to a gathering of officials, civil servants, and volunteers. Struggling to contain her emotions, Raouna expressed gratitude to those who contributed to what has been widely recognized as one of the most successful recent presidencies within the EU. “I promised myself I would try not to become emotional,” she remarked, acknowledging the challenges faced throughout the presidency.
The event was attended by numerous officials who played crucial roles in organizing nearly 300 meetings across Cyprus, including 19 informal ministerial councils and a historic informal summit that brought together EU leaders and regional counterparts. Raouna noted that over 30,000 visitors arrived in Cyprus during the presidency, highlighting the international engagement facilitated by the initiative. “The success of the Cyprus presidency is you,” she told the attendees, emphasizing the collective effort that made the presidency possible.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos echoed Raouna's sentiments, commending the unprecedented collaboration that characterized the presidency. He noted that skepticism surrounded Cyprus's ability to lead effectively, given its status as one of the smallest EU member states. However, Kombos asserted that the presidency demonstrated that “what matters is not the size of the country, but the quality of its preparation, coordination, and determination.” He expressed confidence that Cyprus had established a legacy that would enhance its role within the European Union.
President Nikos Christodoulides also adopted a personal tone during his address, moving away from traditional political rhetoric. “Today, I don’t want to talk about political priorities or conclusions,” he stated, instead focusing on the individuals who dedicated their time and effort to the presidency. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by many, who often worked late nights and weekends, stating, “I am truly proud… you proved that a small country under occupation can organise, coordinate and deliver a presidency that earned the respect of all 26 other member states, of the European institutions, and of international media.”
The presidency occurred against a backdrop of significant geopolitical challenges, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and broader regional instability. Christodoulides remarked, “Every presidency faces a crisis. Ours faced several. But we turned those challenges into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, unity, and effectiveness.”
Reflecting on the future, Christodoulides noted that Cyprus would not have to wait another 17 years before assuming the presidency again, as was previously indicated. He announced that the structures established during the presidency, including the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs and specialized EU units across government, would be retained. He emphasized that European matters are integral to everyday life and influence all areas of government policy.
Raouna received special recognition from the president, who credited her leadership as pivotal to the presidency's achievements. Throughout the closing ceremony, a recurring theme emerged: the presidency's most significant accomplishment may not be any specific diplomatic agreement but rather the confidence it instilled in Cyprus itself. “We proved that what matters is not the size of a country,” Raouna concluded, “What matters is what you bring to the table.”
As Cyprus transitions from its presidency, the sentiments expressed during the closing ceremony reflect a commitment to maintaining the momentum gained and continuing to contribute to the European Union's objectives. The emotional farewell serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work that went into this pivotal role on the European stage.