Organised by Oxygen for Democracy in collaboration with Member of the European Parliament Loucas Fourlas, the second Cyprus Forum Brussels took place on November 18 at the European Parliament, bringing together high-level policymakers, officials, experts and stakeholders for a timely discussion centred on Cyprus’ priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

In his opening address, Nicolas Kyriakides, Executive President of the Cyprus Forum, emphasized Cyprus’ growing role as a meaningful contributor within the European Union. He highlighted that competitiveness and migration, two central themes of this year’s event come at a crucial moment as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency.

Kyriakides underlined that despite its size, Cyprus can “lead by example” through evidence-based policymaking, transparency and a steadfast commitment to European values. He noted the country’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing that regional trust remains essential to Europe’s energy security and neighbourhood policy.

He also announced plans for the Cyprus Forum to return to Brussels in February, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and political figures as part of the Presidency’s preparatory process. Kyriakides concluded by calling on Europe to recognise Cyprus as a country “ready to contribute with purpose” in 2026.

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis praised the Cyprus Forum as a timely platform for dialogue ahead of the Cypriot EU Presidency, noting that Europe faces major geopolitical and economic challenges. He highlighted key initiatives that will unfold during the Presidency, including the European Ocean Pact, the launch of a high-level Ocean Board, the rollout of the NAUTILOS ocean observation system, and the completion of the Common Fisheries Policy evaluation, which will be presented at an informal ministerial meeting in Cyprus. Kadis also announced a high-level conference on the MedFish4Ever roadmap and the presentation of a new EU strategy for islands and coastal communities with Executive Vice President Šefčovič. He said Cyprus brings regional insight and added value to the EU, expressing confidence that close cooperation during the Presidency will deliver meaningful progress for oceans, fisheries and coastal regions.

MEP Loucas Fourlas welcomed the Cyprus Forum’s presence in Brussels, describing it as a vital democratic platform at the heart of EU decision-making. He stressed that Cyprus’ Presidency coincides with pivotal European priorities, including the full implementation of the EU Migration Pact by 2026.

Fourlas reaffirmed that safeguarding Cyprus’ national interest remains his foremost duty as a Member of the European Parliament. Through his committee work, he aims to ensure that Cyprus’ concerns and those of EU citizens are fully represented. He pledged to support the country throughout the Presidency, thanking the organisers, speakers, colleagues, and attendees for their collaboration.

Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the EU Christina Rafti welcomed the second Cyprus Forum Brussels and stressed that Cyprus assumes the Presidency at a demanding institutional moment. She reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to a more competitive, defence-ready and globally capable Europe, and underscored the country’s unwavering support for Ukraine, linking it to Cyprus’ own experience of occupation. Rafti emphasised that EU enlargement must remain a rule-based, credibility-driven process. She highlighted core Presidency priorities such as steering negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, strengthening defence through military mobility and industry transformation, enhancing competitiveness through simpler and more coherent regulation, and ensuring implementation of the Migration Pact. She noted that social issues including housing and cohesion will also feature prominently. Rafti concluded by expressing confidence in Cyprus’ readiness to lead and deliver meaningful progress in early 2026.

The first panel focused on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, underscoring both its strategic importance and the significant challenges for frontline states like Cyprus. Speakers highlighted the need for predictable solidarity, faster border procedures, coordinated returns and stronger cooperation with EU agencies, while also warning about evidence gaps, rule-of-law concerns and the risks of over-reliance on external partners. 

The second panel examined how Cyprus intends to guide the EU’s digital agenda during its upcoming Presidency, emphasising competitiveness, simplification and technological resilience. Discussions centred on avoiding regulatory overlaps, ensuring predictable rules, advancing cybersecurity reforms, and delivering practical tools such as the Business Wallet, with experts stressing that decisions taken now will define Europe’s digital strength for the next decade.