Cyprus to host informal European Council meeting

Cyprus will host an informal European Council meeting this Thursday and Friday, marking the first such event in the country since its accession to the EU in 2004. President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the summit will focus on regional developments and their implications. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to present a package of measures aimed at addressing the ongoing energy crisis and rising costs. For the first time at the Council level, leaders will discuss the operational plan regarding the potential activation of EU Treaty Article 42.7. The agenda also includes the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, with leaders expected to provide political direction following recent technical preparations. Furthermore, President Christodoulides intends to meet with leaders from Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon to discuss upgrading regional strategic relations. Separately, the Cypriot Cabinet decided to provide pharmaceutical aid to Lebanon.