Cyprus has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union as of 1 January 2026, placing a strong emphasis on social cohesion, fundamental rights and inclusion alongside the Union’s broader priorities on autonomy, competitiveness and global engagement. The Cypriot Presidency will run until 30 June 2026, forming part of the Trio Presidency together with Denmark and Poland.
Under the overarching motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” Cyprus has signalled its intention to reinforce the social dimension of the European project, with a programme that integrates key policy initiatives on social rights, equality and protection of vulnerable groups into the Council’s legislative and political agenda.
A central element of the Presidency will be the advancement of work on a new Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, aimed at consolidating progress on employment, social protection and equal opportunities. In parallel, the Cyprus Presidency plans to steer discussions on a renewed EU Strategy against Poverty, with a focus on reducing inequalities and addressing the social consequences of economic transitions and demographic change.
The Presidency will also continue efforts to strengthen the Union’s commitment to equality and non-discrimination, including follow-up work on the EU Anti-Racism Strategy, of great relevance to the Roma, and the launch of a new European Gender Equality Strategy.
Housing affordability and access will feature prominently on the agenda, with the Cyprus Presidency hosting an Interministerial Conference on Housing in May 2026, bringing together national authorities and EU institutions to exchange views on policy responses to rising housing costs and social exclusion, which also affects Roma to a large extent.
In the area of fundamental rights, the Cypriot Presidency will facilitate Council discussions leading to Council recommendations related to the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, reinforcing its role as a guiding framework for EU legislation and policy-making.
These initiatives are expected to frame Council debates on inclusive policies, equal access to services and the promotion of equal rights across Member States.
Special attention will also be given to children’s rights and well-being. The Cyprus Presidency plans to organise a Council-level event on childhood and well-being, culminating in Council conclusions
From the EURoma perspective, we welcome the Cyprus Presidency’s focusing on the EU’s social agenda with very relevant initiatives for Roma inclusion and equality. It is of particular relevance the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the specific maintenance of the European Social Fund and its focus on the social inclusion of most vulnerable groups such as Roma.
Overall, we expect that the Presidency social programme to include explicit reference to the Roma population in the upcoming social and equality policy instruments, given the persistent socio-economic inequalities, discrimination, and barriers to services that Roma communities face across the EU. Without explicit mentions and targeted interventions, policies or programmes risk failing to address the inequality gap affecting the Roma population
Further information:
Official website of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU (programme and priorities): https://cyprus-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/
