Council of the European Union Presidency

Rule Changes

Currently held by Cyprus (Jan-Jun 2026)

Cyprus—a divided island of one million people—took control of the EU Council on January 1, 2026. The presidency comes at a moment when Europe faces Russia's war in Ukraine entering year four, crumbling transatlantic unity, and a €2 trillion budget battle. Cyprus kicked off its term with a high-profile opening ceremony in Nicosia on January 7 featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling Ukraine's centrality to the six-month agenda. The presidency promises a 'new approach' to Ukraine's EU accession while juggling 330 legislative files.

Updated Jan 30