European Council President António Costa will meet President Nikos Christodoulides as part of a European capitals tour focused on the EU’s next long-term budget, defence, competitiveness, enlargement and Ukraine.
European Council President António Costa is expected to visit Cyprus on 4 September 2026 as part of his annual Tour des Capitales, during which he will hold consultations with leaders across the European Union.
The tour began on 25 August and will continue until 17 September. Costa is expected to meet President Nikos Christodoulides during his visit to Nicosia, following a stop in Greece.
According to the European Council, the meetings are intended to gather the views of EU heads of state and government and prepare the ground for upcoming European Council meetings and international summits.
EU’s Next Long-Term Budget Takes Centre Stage
The principal issue is expected to be the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, covering the period from 2028 to 2034.
The long-term budget will determine how EU resources are allocated across areas including regional development, defence, energy, innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure, migration and support for businesses.
Costa said that defence, competitiveness, enlargement and continued support for Ukraine would feature prominently in his discussions, but confirmed that the next EU budget would be a central focus.
The visit has particular relevance for Cyprus. During its Presidency of the Council of the EU, which ran from 1 January to 30 June 2026, Cyprus played an active role in advancing negotiations on the new budget.
On 11 June, the Cyprus Presidency presented a revised negotiating framework with financial figures. The proposal was intended to identify areas requiring political direction and facilitate an agreement among EU leaders before the end of 2026.
Costa’s meeting with Christodoulides will therefore provide Cyprus with an opportunity to restate its priorities as negotiations move into their next phase.
Defence, Competitiveness and Enlargement
Beyond the budget, discussions will address Europe’s defence capabilities, economic competitiveness, the completion of the single market and the EU enlargement process.
Continued support for Ukraine will also remain high on the agenda, together with the broader security challenges facing Europe.
For Cyprus, these discussions carry both political and economic importance. Decisions on EU funding and competitiveness could influence investment opportunities across technology, energy, shipping, infrastructure, research and innovation, as well as the availability of European support for Cypriot businesses and public-sector projects.
Cyprus Problem and Regional Developments
Cyprus-specific matters, including the Cyprus problem and EU–Turkey relations, are also expected to feature in the discussions between Costa and Christodoulides.
Nicosia has consistently maintained that progress in EU–Turkey relations should be accompanied by constructive movement toward resolving the Cyprus problem in accordance with the relevant United Nations framework.
The meeting is also expected to consider developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Cyprus strengthened its position as a link between the EU and the wider region during its six-month Presidency, hosting high-level meetings and promoting closer European engagement with regional partners.
Costa has previously described Cyprus as an important anchor for European cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Building on the Cyprus EU Presidency
The September visit follows the completion of Cyprus’s second Presidency of the Council of the EU. During its 181-day term, Cyprus hosted three summits, 19 informal ministerial meetings and 52 formal ministerial meetings.
Although Ireland now holds the rotating Presidency, Cyprus remains closely involved in discussions on the EU budget and the strategic priorities advanced during its term.
Costa’s visit will allow both sides to assess progress, coordinate their positions and prepare for the European decisions expected during the remainder of 2026.