Cyprus to push for opening Ukraine's negotiation clusters during its EU presidency from Jan 1

The Republic of Cyprus will make every effort to open negotiation clusters with Ukraine during its presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2026, newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine Michalis Firillas has said.

"Accession to the European Union provides indirect security: economic, social, in terms of democratic norms and values, as well as freedoms for citizens. We will do everything possible during our presidency to open negotiations with Ukraine on clusters of European legislation," Firillas said at a meeting with a representative of Interfax-Ukraine.

The diplomat stressed that the Cypriot side is closely cooperating on this issue with Denmark and Poland, as well as with the European institutions in Brussels. "We want to see progress – this is a common conclusion that unites our Polish and Danish colleagues and all relevant EU structures," he said.

The ambassador also said Cyprus firmly supports Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity, sovereignty and its European perspective.

Commenting on EU decision-making, Firillas underlined the importance of preserving the principle of unanimity. "This is the position of many small countries. This is one of the key elements of the political process in Europe – not to hold anyone hostage, but as a mechanism to express national interests," he added.

On July 1, 2025, Denmark took over the EU Council presidency from Poland, and will hold it until the end of the year. Afterward, Cyprus will assume the presidency.