CY Presidency

02INTRODUCTION

Cyprus is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. In the area of research, the Presidency will work on the following priorities:

  • strengthen the role of research and innovation for competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy;
  • develop Europe’s AI capacities in science and research infrastructures;
  • deepen science diplomacy with the MENA region.

Negotiations will advance on Horizon Europe, Euratom/ITER, the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, and the European Innovation Act, alongside a planned Council Recommendation on science diplomacy.

Research ministers will meet for an informal meeting in Cyprus on 30–31 March 2026, with formal COMPET (Research) Councils on 27 February and 29 May in Brussels and an ERAC meeting on 15–16 April 2026.