Christodoulides: Cyprus ready for EU Presidency, Concerns over Buffer Zone

The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed Cyprus' readiness to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU and his concern about the situation in the Buffer Zone.

Speaking from Paphos, Mr. Christodoulides linked the start of the Cypriot Presidency with developments in the Cyprus issue, following the reports of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

President Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus is "fully prepared" to fulfill its institutional obligation, with the aim of strengthening European autonomy and further European integration. He reiterated the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to resume talks on the Cyprus issue from where they left off in Crans Montana.

Referring to the situation in the buffer zone, Mr. Christodoulides described it as "particularly worrying" and revealed communication with the head of UNFICYP. Priority, he said, is the safety of farmers and those legally operating within the buffer zone, following recent incidents of harassment and threats by Turkish soldiers.

Nicosia has assumed the Presidency of the EU since January 1, 2026.