The importance of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and NATO, and its further strengthening for the benefit of all member states of both organisations, was underlined during the meeting of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, which took place last night in Copenhagen.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the dinner hosted by the royal couple of Denmark in honour of the leaders of the member states participating in the Summit of the European Political Community, and in view of the forthcoming assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus.

President Christodoulides informed Mr Rutte of the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue, referring to EU-Turkey relations, the progress of which presupposes positive developments towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant United Nations (UN) Resolutions and the principles and values of the EU.

In this context, the President referred to the recent appointment of Johannes Hahn as EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue, stressing that this can be an important tool in moving matters forward.

During the meeting, President Christodoulides emphasised that Defence and Security will be among the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, which begins on 1 January 2026, with a particular focus on strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy.

With regard to EU-NATO relations and their cooperation under the Readiness 2030 initiative, he underlined that this requires non-exclusion and equal treatment of all EU member states.

The meeting also touched on recent Russian challenges directed at EU member states that are also NATO allies. Concerning Ukraine, the President of the Republic stressed that the country must be part of any peace initiative or plan, and he reaffirmed that continued support for Ukraine will be a priority during the Cyprus Presidency of the EU.

Referring to the participation of third countries in the SAFE Regulation, the President of the Republic highlighted that respect for International Law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states is a prerequisite, in line with the relevant provisions of the Regulation.

Source: Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus 

*Archive photo

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*This article was translated and summarised from its Greek original.