Cyprus assumes the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, championing autonomy through competitiveness

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU has set out its priorities for the first half of 2026, taking over the six-month rotating Presidency from Denmark in January. Guided by the theme “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, the Presidency will focus on strengthening Europe’s ability to act with confidence and resilience, while continuing to work closely with partners around the world.

The Presidency places autonomy at the centre of Europe’s future, recognising that internal strength is essential to resilience, competitiveness and cooperation. This approach spans multiple policy areas:

• Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness
• Autonomy through Competitiveness
• Open to the World, Autonomous
• An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves No One Behind
• A long-term budget for an autonomous Union

A central part of the programme is autonomy through competitiveness. The Cyprus Presidency highlights that a stronger, more competitive Europe is better placed to grow sustainably and respond to global challenges.

To support this, the Presidency will focus on simplifying rules and reducing red tape, helping businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups, to invest, innovate and compete. Strengthening the Single Market and improving access to finance are also key priorities, aimed at making it easier for companies to scale across Europe.

The Competitiveness Council (COMPET) will be a core aspect of the Presidency’s programme, driving priorities on industrial modernisation, stronger value chains, a simpler business environment, and a more competitive European research and innovation landscape.

👉 Discover the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities and programme, and explore how they will shape Europe’s agenda in 2026.

Many of these priorities echo the focus on competitiveness highlighted at SME Assembly 2025 hosted by the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission, held under the theme “Successful SMEs, Competitive Europe”, reinforcing the central role of small businesses in Europe’s economic resilience.

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