Denmark has handed over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to Cyprus. This transition comes at a time when the EU agenda is focused mainly on security, support for Ukraine, strengthening competitiveness, and managing the impacts of the green transition. Cyprus has highlighted migration and the management of the EU’s external borders, alongside economic and security issues, as its key priorities. Maintaining unity among member states and ensuring continuity will be essential.

Key takeaways:

• The Danish Presidency focused on security, Ukraine, competitiveness, and the green transition. It also pushed through the adoption of the so-called Chat Control. Denmark’s role was reflected mainly in coordination, maintaining the pace of negotiations, and facilitating compromises.
• Cyprus is taking over the Presidency with priorities focused on migration, security, the economy, and the EU’s southern neighbourhood. Its role will be primarily coordinative and implementationoriented.
• The handover of the Presidency confirms a shift in the role of the Council of the EU towards managing the existing agenda rather than launching new political initiatives.

Analysis – Irena Krcháková

The analysis is in PDF under the link below.