Cyprus takes EU Presidency: Impact on relations with Turkey

WISE NEWS PRESS / BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — JAN. 1, 2026

The Republic of Cyprus officially assumed the six-month rotating Presidency of the European Union on Jan. 1, 2026, marking its second term after 14 years and sparking debate over its impact on EU-Turkey relations.

The presidency begins at a critical juncture as the EU intensifies its focus on strategic autonomy and defense. While Cypriot officials claim they will not use the platform to prioritize national issues, Nicosia continues to block Turkey's participation in major EU defense projects, such as the SAFE program and the European Defense Agency, citing "national interests". Brussels remains concerned that persistent tensions over the Cyprus problem could hinder necessary security cooperation with Ankara, despite growing calls from many EU member states to strengthen ties with Turkey in the defense sector.

Strategic priorities and the Turkey factor

The Cypriot presidency program is built on three main pillars: strengthening EU strategic autonomy, bridging ties with the Middle East, and addressing citizen-centric issues like energy and health costs. President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed a desire for Turkey to follow a European path, stating that progress in relations depends entirely on Ankara's attitude and fulfillment of membership obligations. However, the EU Council's framework from April 2024 remains the benchmark, which explicitly links the development of cooperation to progress in Cyprus settlement negotiations.

NATO-EU defense equation and political maneuvers

Nikos Christodoulides has signaled a potential "NATO for EU" trade-off, suggesting that Nicosia could soften its stance on EU-Turkey relations if Turkey allows Cyprus to join the Partnership for Peace (PFP) project. Despite Nicosia seeking support from Washington and the newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ankara maintains its "red line" against Cyprus's institutional relationship with NATO. As tactical steps, Nicosia may invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan or Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to informal summits in Nicosia and Limassol this spring, though Turkish participation is considered unlikely.

Turkey’s expected policy of non-recognition

Ankara is expected to maintain its policy of non-engagement with the Cypriot presidency, mirroring its stance during the 2012 term. Turkish officials are likely to bypass the rotating presidency by conducting all EU affairs through institutional channels such as the European Commission. While Cyprus may offer mild diplomatic overtures before its term ends on June 30, 2026, analysts do not expect Turkey to take any steps that could be interpreted as formal recognition of the Cypriot administration.

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