Christodoulides pushes EU strategic autonomy, regional cooperation at summit

President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday highlighted the need for stronger European Union strategic autonomy, stressing energy, defence and regional partnerships as key pillars during ongoing discussions at the European summit taking place in Nicosia. 

Speaking upon his arrival at the day’s European Council summit in Nicosia, Christodoulides said talks had centred on how the EU can better position itself independently on the global stage.

“Our discussions last night focused on how to strengthen the European Union’s strategic autonomy and how we can achieve it,” he said, adding that energy, defence and security remain at the core of those efforts.

He noted that Friday’s agenda would also shift toward boosting the bloc’s competitiveness, including the signing of a “One Europe, One Market” roadmap alongside EU leaders. The initiative, he said, sets out specific timelines and targets aimed at strengthening Europe’s economic performance.

The president also underlined the importance of securing adequate financial resources, pointing to upcoming negotiations on the EU’s multiannual financial framework.

“These discussions are expected to be political rather than technical,” he said, adding that the Cypriot presidency aims to present a “mature negotiation framework with very specific figures” by the next European Council summit in June.

A significant part of the summit, he added, involves outreach to the wider Middle East. Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi are expected to participate.

“It was clear from last night’s discussions that we must do much more to enhance and elevate our cooperation with countries in the region in a strategic manner,” Christodoulides said.

He described funding for regional engagement as “an important first step”, but stressed that further initiatives are needed. Cyprus, he said, is putting forward specific proposals as an EU member state situated in the region.

Responding to questions, Christodoulides emphasised that closer cooperation with regional partners is essential for stability.

“We need to work closely with the countries of the region, countries that are trusted partners,  in order to achieve lasting de-escalation,” he said, adding that meaningful progress “is not possible” without the direct involvement of key regional actors.

On concrete measures, the president pointed to the possibility of new agreements and increased diplomatic engagement.

“As we have done with Egypt and Jordan, we should begin discussions with Lebanon on establishing a strategic, comprehensive agreement,” he said. He also called for greater engagement with Syria, noting that while sanctions remain in place, a “step-by-step approach” is needed to “encourage progress while maintaining accountability”.

Christodoulides revealed that he plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia next week to brief leaders on the outcomes of the summit.

Energy policy was another major focus of discussions, with leaders examining both short-term and long-term responses to ongoing challenges.

“The first concerns short-term measures. Discussions are ongoing, and finance ministers will continue deliberations,” he said, referring to upcoming formal and informal meetings in May aimed at producing concrete proposals.

However, he stressed that long-term planning is equally critical.

“We must look at the bigger picture and adopt a long-term approach,” he said, highlighting the importance of energy infrastructure, particularly electricity grid interconnections.

“Energy grid remains a top priority, and we hope to reach a general agreement on key projects by June,” he added.