EP leaders will meet with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and with members of the Council of Ministers at the Presidential Palace. They will also hold discussions with the President of the House of Representatives, Ms Annita Demetriou, and with the leaders/representatives of the political parties in parliament.

On 1 January 2026, Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU, taking on a central role in shaping the direction of the Union.
In preparation for this task, the upcoming Presidency will welcome the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents – President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders – to discuss priorities for the six-month Presidency with government officials and members of the House of Representatives.

“Cyprus takes the EU’s steering wheel at a time of rapid change and rising expectations from our citizens. From cutting red tape for businesses to enlargement and finding solutions to migration challenges, Europe is on the move and Cyprus will be leading the momentum. I look forward to working with President Christodoulides and the Cypriot Presidency. This visit is proof of that,” says Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, ahead of the visit.

Following their meeting, President Roberta Metsola and President Nikos Christodoulides will speak to the press at 19:15 (local time) on Monday. The press conference will be streamed live on the EP multimedia website and on EBS.

President Metsola will also take part in a dialogue with students on Tuesday, 2 December at 10:35, together with President Christodoulides

Cyprus will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January 2026, taking over from Denmark and followed by Ireland from July 2026.

What is the Conference of Presidents?

The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the work of the EU’s directly elected legislature. The Conference is composed of the President of the European Parliament, the leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament, and a non-voting representative of the non-attached Members.

Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint action on, the upcoming priorities.