On 30 June 2026, the Republic of Cyprus concluded its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union, having held the rotating Presidency since 1 January 2026 before handing over to Ireland on 1 July 2026. The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) congratulates the Republic on the successful completion of its Presidency, describing a term marked by decisive leadership, constructive diplomacy and a clear strategic vision that strengthened Europe's maritime agenda and reinforced the Union's collective priorities.
The achievement reflected the professionalism, commitment and resilience of all those who represented Cyprus throughout the Presidency. The CUS reaffirms its support for Cyprus's continued role as a leading and influential voice in European shipping. During the Presidency, the Union actively participated in several key institutional events, including the Opening Ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency in Nicosia, the High-Level Ministerial & Stakeholders Conference "Investing in Seafarers – Securing the Future of Global Shipping" in Limassol, the EU Trade Policy Retreat in Geneva, and the European Maritime Day 2026 in Limassol.
At the Ministerial Conference, held on 28 April 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol under the Cyprus Presidency, CUS President, Mr. Polys V. Hajioannou, called for greater cooperation between governments, the shipping industry and international organisations to advance the welfare of seafarers, stressing that their wellbeing, recognition and visibility must be supported by tangible action rather than rhetoric. European Maritime Day 2026, hosted in Limassol on 21–22 May 2026 by the European Commission, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus and the Limassol Municipality, further highlighted the strong maritime dimension of the Cypriot Presidency.
The CUS congratulates the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms. Marilena Raouna, whose leadership and contribution were instrumental to the Presidency's achievements.
Holding the Presidency for the second time since its first term in 2012, Cyprus organised three summits, 19 informal ministerial meetings and 52 formal ministerial meetings during the six-month period, welcoming more than 30,000 visitors to the island.