Pafos, Cyprus — Cyprus concluded its Presidency of the Council of the European Union by hosting the High-Level Conference on Strengthening EU Islands and Coastal Communities in Pafos, the flagship closing event of the CY2026EU Presidency.
The conference brought together policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss the future of Europe’s island and coastal regions, with a focus on sustainable development, maritime connectivity, climate resilience, regional cohesion, and economic growth.
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Reflecting on the conclusion of the six-month presidency, Cyprus emphasized the unique role of island nations in shaping Europe’s future.
“As an island nation at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus understands both the challenges and, above all, the opportunities that come with our connection to the sea,” the presidency said in a closing statement.
Cyprus described the conference as a landmark achievement of its presidency, highlighting its contribution to building a stronger European vision for island communities and coastal territories.
Officials said the outcomes of the CY2026EU Presidency demonstrated that islands are not on the margins of Europe but play a central role in the European project.
“The results of the Cyprus Presidency have proven that islands are not at the periphery—they are at the heart of the European project,” the statement said.
Throughout its presidency, Cyprus promoted policies aimed at enhancing the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of island and coastal regions while strengthening cooperation among European Union member states.
The presidency also praised the dedication of the national team, attributing its success to the determination and resilience that define island communities.
“This is Team Cyprus, and it can work miracles,” the statement noted. “Throughout this Presidency journey, we harnessed the unrivalled characteristics of islanders—stubbornness, perseverance and resilience through adversity. We overcame the waves, knowing that the sea that holds us is bigger than us.”
Concluding the presidency, Cyprus described the experience as “the greatest honour,” reaffirming its commitment to advancing a stronger, more united, and more resilient European Union while ensuring that the voices of island and coastal communities remain central to the bloc’s future policies.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna took to X to share highlights from today’s High-Level Conference on Strengthening EU Islands and Coastal Communities in Pafos, marking the final flagship event of the CY2026EU Presidency.
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