Cyprus assumes responsibility for a strong and open-minded Europe.

Under the theme “An autonomous union, open to the world,” Cyprus has taken over the presidency of the Council of the EU from Denmark for the first half of 2026, the second time in the history of the European Union (EU). The Cypriot program prioritizes defense and security policy, economic strengthening and stabilization of the financial situation, and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. These measures are intended to strengthen the EU's autonomous capacity to act and prepare it for future challenges.

Fair labor mobility and inclusive employment

Challenges and opportunities are seen in labor and social policy. The Cypriot Presidency emphasizes the importance of fair labor mobility for a stable and efficient European labor market. The focus is on discussions on the fair labor mobility package and the conclusion of negotiations on modernizing social security coordination. The issue of fair and inclusive employment is also a priority. Against the backdrop of digital and AI-driven change in the labor market, the main focus is on supporting innovation-driven measures to improve working conditions in the long term, reduce social inequalities, and ensure a just transition for workers.

The Cypriot Presidency continues to pursue the goal of strengthening the role of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) in the European Semester, reaching a partial general approach on the adaptation of the existing European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Regulation, and advancing progress on the Internship Directive.

Another focus is on health and safety at work. In this context, the sixth amendment to Directive 2004/37/EC on carcinogens, mutagens, and substances toxic to reproduction is being pushed forward. Cyprus also intends to start work on the upcoming revision of the REACH Regulation.

Social security

In its program, the Cypriot Presidency makes it clear that social security remains a central tenet of the European Community. Within the framework of the social strategy, the focus is on responsibly addressing demographic change and promoting gender equality. According to Cyprus, combating violence against girls and women online will be a priority in the context of the upcoming European Strategy for Gender Equality 2026–2030. Based on the European Institute for Gender Equality's report on the prevalence, impact, and current policy gaps, the Council Presidency has undertaken to propose conclusions on improving the protection and rights of girls and women in the digital space.

In addition, the EU strategy for combating poverty and the European Child Guarantee will continue to be supported. A conference on the well-being of children and a conference on the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities are planned for May 2026.

The Cypriot Presidency will also promote the issue of affordable housing in line with greater European integration of housing policy and on the basis of existing EU initiatives. Housing is understood as a cross-cutting issue that encompasses both demographic aspects and energy poverty.

Health

During Cyprus' Presidency, health policy will place a particular focus on mental health issues. An informal EPSCO meeting will be held in February, which will focus in particular on youth and inclusion. Furthermore, the action plan for cardiovascular diseases (“Safe Hearts Plan”) will continue to be highlighted.

Cyprus has also set itself the goal of advancing the current legislative procedures in the field of medicinal products, in particular the Critical Medicine Act, the amendments to the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR). The plan is to further promote Europe as a center of excellence for research and pharmaceutical production. The Cypriot Presidency also mentions further efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the area of emerging health threats. The implementation of the European Health Data Space will continue to be promoted in a targeted manner in order to complete the European Health Union. In addition, initial negotiations on the Biotech Act in the health sector have been announced.

Competitiveness and digitalization

At the same time, the Cypriot Presidency is committed to building a secure, efficient, and innovation-oriented digital Europe. The aim is to advance work on key legislative initiatives on digital networks, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, and to promote omnibus measures already taken to strengthen the cross-border digital economy, in particular through progress on the European Business Wallet.