Cyprus has been holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU since 1 January 2026. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as well as the 26 Commissioners completed their official visit to Cyprus from 15 to 16 January. In the press conference held on 15 January, President von der Leyen stressed that the Council will be working with the Commission on 3 key strands to strengthen Europe's independence: security and defence, competitiveness and decarbonisation, democracy and