Poland in Cyprus

This was the third formal EU HoMs meeting organized by the Embassy of Poland in Nicosia as part of Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Previous meetings were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, and the President of the Cypriot Parliament, Annita Demetriou. The Embassy also organized two informal meetings – one with Cypriot lawyer and expert in human rights and property law, Achilleas Demetriades, and another in the buffer zone with representatives of the UNFICYP peacekeeping forces.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Marek Szczepanowski recalled the international challenges that Europe faces during the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU and discussed the matters that have been successfully finalized during the Polish leadership, with particular emphasis on the adoption of the Security Action for Europe regulation and the 16th and 17th sanctions packages against Russia. The Ambassador also highlighted the launch of the strategic dialogue between the EU and the United Kingdom, which remains a key partner for Cyprus in the context of resolving the Cyprus issue. This topic has gained new momentum following the reappointment of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy and the appointment of a special EU envoy for Cyprus.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on the Cypriot government’s plans regarding the implementation of the SAFE regulation, the general consensus on the need to reduce regulatory burdens and simplify EU law, the opening of preliminary talks on the next Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027, as well as the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.

President Nikos Christodoulides briefly presented selected priorities of the upcoming Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU, including issues related to migration and the continuation of work on the future Multiannual Financial Framework.

The discussion during the working lunch also provided an opportunity to exchange views on the domestic and foreign policies of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the situation in the Middle East – a region of particular significance for the European Union. Considerable attention was given to the latest developments related to the Cyprus issue and the situation in the Gaza Strip, including relations with Israel.

The event was attended by 24 heads of diplomatic missions of EU member states accredited to Cyprus, as well as, as guests, the ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland and representatives of the European Parliament and the European Commission offices in Cyprus.

As part of the promotion of the Polish presidency, the Embassy is also implementing an expanded cultural programme. Among the most important events are a concert by the University of Warsaw’s “Warszawianka” Dance Theatre combined with the presentation of the “Europe We Share” exhibition, the screening of the Polish-Ukrainian film “People” on the third anniversary of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, a concert on the occasion of the 215th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin, a three-day programme of Polish choreography by IAM titled “In Betweening – The Art of Exchange,” participation in the SCyence Fair 2025, involvement in Europe Day celebrations in Nicosia and Pafos, and a planned ceremonial closing of the presidency with a jazz concert by the Włodek Pawlik Trio combined with the opening of an IAM exhibition dedicated to children’s rights.