Yesterday at 20:05
UATV English reports that Cyprus’s 2026 presidency of the EU Council will not change the Union’s priorities regarding Ukraine or the broader enlargement policy, according to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
Speaking during the government’s question hour, Kachka stressed that opening accession negotiation clusters requires unanimous support from all 27 EU members. While 26 states are ready, Hungary continues to object. He said Ukraine, together with the current Danish presidency and through bilateral channels, is actively working to shift Budapest’s position.
“We still have time this year. There are several points in the calendar when this decision can be made. And the change of presidency will not affect the work,” Kachka noted. He added that Ukraine has maintained a close dialogue with Cyprus’ minister for European affairs since summer, and does not expect any shift in priorities once Nicosia assumes the rotating presidency.
Kachka underlined that the EU agenda remains extensive — from security issues to discussions on the reparations loan — and these processes continue regardless of the presidency.
“On Ukraine and enlargement policy, there will be no changes in priorities — we are confident in this,” he emphasized.
Cyprus is set to take over the EU Council presidency on 1 January 2026, succeeding Denmark.
