Brussels, 1 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Cyprus takes on the EU presidency on Thursday, a post which rotates every six months through the bloc's 27 member states.

Following on from Denmark's presidency, the step will now see Cypriot representatives chair ministerial meetings and mediate in disputes between EU countries, through to the end of June.

Key EU issues in the first half of 2026 are expected to be reforms to boost competitiveness, continuing support for Ukraine and further steps to counter irregular migration.

Agreeing the next long-term EU budget is set to pose a challenge, among other ongoing legislative projects. The new proposals from the European Commission not to pursue a total phase-out of the combustion engine by 2035 is also set to be discussed under the Cypriot presidency.

Cyprus, which adopted the motto "An autonomous Union. Open to the world," has a population of around 1 million. The island nation is divided, with Greek Cypriots governing the southern part and Turkish Cypriots governing the northern part. Only Turkey recognizes the latter.

MIA file photo