Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus marked the conclusion of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union with an official reception at the House of the European Union – Europa Pont in Budapest on 26 June 2026, attended by Gábor Zupkó, Head of Representation at European Commission in Hungary. The event brought together ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Hungarian institutions, and friends of the European project to celebrate the successful completion of the six-month Presidency before Ireland formally assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2026.
The reception celebrated the outstanding achievements of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, whose professionalism, efficiency and meticulous preparation earned widespread praise in Brussels and across the European institutions. Although Cyprus is one of the smallest member states of the European Union, it has demonstrated that determination, careful planning and outstanding teamwork can lead to results of the highest standard. During the six-month Presidency, an exceptional team of ministers, state secretaries, diplomats, experts, civil servants and volunteers successfully steered the Council’s work in a period marked by multiple geopolitical crises. Their dedication, commitment and professionalism helped make the second Cypriot Presidency one of the most highly regarded in recent years, leaving behind a legacy recognised and praised by European leaders and institutions alike.
The evening also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of H.E. Homer Mavrommatis, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Hungary.
During the Presidency, he worked with exceptional dedication and energy, taking a highly active role within Budapest’s diplomatic community. He regularly convened meetings with European Union ambassadors and Hungarian officials, keeping them closely informed about the Presidency’s priorities, legislative progress and key European developments, while fostering dialogue, coordination and European unity during a period of significant political change in Hungary.
The event – marking the conclusion of Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union – was opened by Ambassador Mavrommatis, who reflected on the achievements of this presidency:
“Dear Friends, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, when Cyprus assumed the Presidency on 1 January 2026, we adopted the motto: ‘An Autonomous Union. Open to the World’. Six months later, as we gather here today, I believe we can say that this motto has not remained simply a slogan. What we achieved or advanced in these six months:
– On the next Multiannual Financial Framework, we achieved our goal of presenting a mature negotiating box with figures and securing partial general approaches on the key financial instruments and other sectoral proposals.
– On Ukraine, we maintained our unwavering support through agreement on a substantial financial assistance package of €90 billion and the adoption of the 20th package of restrictive measures against Russia.
– On security and defence, we implemented SAFE for 18 Member States, concluded the Defence Readiness Omnibus, advanced the Military Mobility Agenda and agreed on the Military Mobility Package.
We also initiated discussions, now progressing at multiple levels, on giving substance to the mutual assistance clause of Article 42.7, strengthening European strategic autonomy.
– On migration, we reached agreement on the Returns Regulation and supported the entry into application of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
– On enlargement, accession negotiations advanced with Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro.
– We enhanced trade partnerships through progress on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, the EU-Mexico agreements, Switzerland and the EU-US Joint Statement.
– Further progress was achieved in EU-UK relations.
– We strengthened Europe’s competitiveness by advancing ‘One Europe, One Market’.
– We simplified legislation through the AI regulations of the Digital Omnibus and three additional legislative packages.
– We concluded the reform of the Union Customs Code.
– We secured agreement within the Council on the European Business Wallet and advanced negotiations on the e-Declaration.
– Significant progress was made towards a more integrated Energy Union.
– We achieved a decisive breakthrough on the Air Passenger Rights Regulation.
This evening is also an opportunity to express our gratitude. I would like to thank the institutions of the European Union, our partners in the Member States, the diplomatic community, and everyone from academia, the student community and the business sector who contributed to the success of the Cypriot Presidency.
I would especially like to thank the staff of our Embassy: Viktória Ács-Lévai, Christina Tsaroucha, Danka Mavrommatis and Vasiliki Arapatsakou, without whom all our events would have remained only ideas.
I would also like to thank our friends here in Hungary, particularly Europa Pont, for providing a place where Europeans can meet, exchange ideas and celebrate our common project.
On 1 July 2026, Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ireland takes it over at a time when Europe continues to face significant challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities.
At this moment, I invite the Ambassador of Ireland to come to the stage. In the spirit of European continuity and friendship, it is my great pleasure to present this symbolic baton to Ireland.
May it serve as a reminder that the Presidency is not about any one country. It is about a collective European effort, built upon cooperation, trust and shared responsibility.
To our Irish friends, we wish you every success in the months ahead. And to all of you, thank you for accompanying Cyprus on this memorable journey. Thank you.”
“Sláinte, Yamas, Egészségetekre, and Long Live Europe!”
Following the handover of the symbolic presidency baton, H.E. Ragnar Almqvist, Ambassador of Ireland to Hungary addressed the audience on behalf of the incoming Irish Presidency:
“Like many ambassadors – indeed, like all Irishmen – I am seldom happier than in the company of my own voice. In the coming months, I am afraid I will have far too many opportunities to indulge myself.
So, this evening, I shall try to go against character and instead follow President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s advice to members of Congress on public speaking: ‘Be brief. Be sincere. Be seated.’ Advice not followed very often then – or now.
Homer comes from a sun-kissed island on Europe’s eastern Mediterranean frontier. I represent a rain-swept island on Europe’s wild Atlantic edge. Our shared home today – Hungary – lies at the very heart of our continent, almost exactly halfway between us. Three different geographies. Three proud nations, each with its own history, rich culture and beautiful – if sometimes rather mysterious – languages. Yet, despite our differences, we share a common European heritage and membership of a Union that, far from diminishing our sovereignty, amplifies our influence.
Ireland joined the European Communities during the first enlargement in 1973. As holder of the EU Presidency in 2004, we presided over the historic enlargement that welcomed Hungary, Cyprus and eight other countries into what has always been, for us, not merely a single market but a community of shared values grounded in democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Three weeks ago, our Taoiseach Micheál Martin became the first Prime Minister to visit Budapest since Hungary’s elections on 12 April. Beating even the V4 meeting here!
His message to Prime Minister Magyar was simple: ‘Üdvözlöm újra’ – ‘Welcome back.’ Ireland welcomes Hungary back as a trusted European partner.
As Presidency, our Taoiseach also assured Prime Minister Magyar that Ireland would do everything possible to support Hungary’s efforts to restore its place at the heart of the European Union and implement the reforms needed to strengthen the rule of law, institutional independence and respect for fundamental rights – including, during this week of Budapest Pride, the full protection of minorities.
For Ireland, that work begins immediately.
The slogan for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is: Ní neart go cur le chéile – Strength with unity. The slogan sets out a people-centred and future-oriented vision for the EU based around three core themes: competitiveness, values and security.
At the ECOFIN Council on 10 July, our Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, will chair the vote on Hungary’s revised Recovery and Resilience Plan, opening the way for the release of more than €10 billion in vital European funding. These funds will help modernise Hungary’s health and education systems, invest in green infrastructure, support sustainable growth and climate action, and strengthen innovative Hungarian businesses, creating quality jobs for young Hungarians.
As we say in Irish: ‘Tús maith leath na hoibre’ – a good start is half the work.
The Hungarian Government has made a very good start. I hope our Presidency can do the same. Our ambitions are considerable, and there is much work ahead: restoring European competitiveness, reaffirming our shared values, strengthening European security and continuing our steadfast support for the courageous people of Ukraine.
But the Presidency is never a solo sprint. It is simply one leg in an unending relay. Six months from now, we shall pass the baton to our Trio partner, Lithuania.
Today, we receive it from Cyprus – a small Member State that has delivered a truly remarkable Presidency during exceptionally turbulent times.
Here in Hungary, Homer has done an outstanding job as local presidency. No ambassador is more composed under pressure, more modest or more good-humoured.
Two weeks ago, Ambassador Homer kindly joined our Bloomsday celebrations, reading from James Joyce’s Ulysses in honour of its Hungarian-Irish hero, Leopold Bloom – a character whose humanity Homer himself shares.
Homer, my friend, it has been a long six months. I promise to carry this baton with the same care with which you crafted it. I wish you a restful summer, enjoying Brandy Sours beneath the Cypriot sun. As the Hungarian proverb says: ‘Munka után édes a pihenés. Köszönöm, barátaim.’ – Rest is sweetest after work. Thank you, my friends.”
Following the official programme, guests were invited to a relaxed reception featuring a buffet of delicious Cypriot and international specialties. The evening provided an opportunity for lively conversations, networking and warm congratulations to the Ambassador and the dedicated Presidency team, whose outstanding professionalism, efficiency and tireless work throughout Cyprus’s Presidency earned widespread admiration and respect across Europe.
A Presidency that Earned Europe’s Recognition
“Today, Cyprus concludes its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. For 181 days, we have led with purpose, determination and a clear vision: to give substance to Europe’s strategic autonomy and advance European independence. Cyprus leaves behind strong results, and stronger momentum for the future. Bringing Europe closer to an Autonomous Union, Open to the World.” – President Nikos Christodoulides said in his statement.
The official closing ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency was held at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia, where emotion filled the hall as ministers, civil servants, diplomats and volunteers reflected on six remarkable months that many have described as the European Union’s most productive Presidency.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, who had led preparations over the past two and a half years, struggled to hold back her emotions. “The success of the Cyprus Presidency is you.” – she said. Looking at the hundreds of people gathered, she paid tribute to those who had worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, organising nearly 300 meetings across Cyprus, including 19 informal ministerial councils and, for the first time, an informal summit that brought together EU leaders and regional partners. More than 30,000 visitors travelled to Cyprus during the Presidency. Recalling the early days of preparation, she said: “We built a service from scratch. We fell and got back up many times. But never once did we believe we would fail.”
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos praised what he described as an unprecedented collective national effort: “What matters is not the size of the country, but the quality of its preparation, coordination and determination.”
He added that Cyprus had left behind a legacy that would continue to strengthen its role within the European Union.
President Nikos Christodoulides concluded with a heartfelt reflection: “I am truly proud. Proud because you proved that a small country under occupation can organise, coordinate and deliver a Presidency that earned the respect of all 26 other Member States, the European institutions and the international media.”
Thank you, Cyprus, for an exceptionally successful Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. Under the leadership of President Nikos Christodoulides and through the dedication, professionalism and tireless work of the entire Presidency team, Cyprus achieved tangible results for Europe’s citizens, businesses and future, leaving a lasting and widely respected legacy for the European Union!
Source: Embassy of Cyprus in Budapest, gov.cy
Photos from the Embassy of Cyprus in Budapest, gov.cy, “Hellinismos” Magazine: Andreas Oikonomou, and Diplomatic Press Agency
