The new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), health, energy, water scarcity and environment are among the issues Cyprus is going to address during its EU Presidency term, at the first half of 2026. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and this is the second time it assumes the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. Sources have told the Cyprus News Agency that a road map is being implemented and there is close cooperation with the other member states of the trio (Poland-Denmark-Cyprus). Other issues on the agenda include competitiveness, EU security and defense, enlargement and migration, the sources told the agency. The final program of the trio is expected to be announce in December 2024, while the consultation on the six-month Program of the Cyprus Presidency will begin in January 2025. The preparation of the Council's agenda is also expected to begin in 2025. Cyprus, the sources said, has raised a series of issues and suggestions on common topics to the Gener al Secretariat of the Council and these matters were the subject of negotiation at both political and technocratic level. More specifically Cyprus raised issues that have to do with the relations with the southern neighborhood countries and the Gulf states, health, employment, innovation and research matters, among others. The priorities of Cyprus' program should be consistent with the wider EU program and current social, economic and other conditions, the sources noted. The same sources pointed out that the Cyprus EU Presidency is an opportunity to prove that Nicosia does not have a monothematic approach, but also a chance to highlight the Cyprus issue as a European one. The fact that Cyprus is the last divided member state of the EU will be highlighted during the visits of various officials, the sources said. The various events and Councils will take place at the "Filoxenia" Conference Center which is under renovation. The press center will be located where the former Higher Hotel Institute used to be. C yprus EU Presidency will host more than 15 informal Ministerial Councils and more than 200 meetings, sessions and events. A total of 20,000 individuals are expected to be visiting Cyprus, according to estimates. The same sources said that some Turkish Cypriots applied for the vacancies announced by the MFA for Brussels postings. They also said that the air connectivity issue is being discussed with the Transport Ministry. The Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is also in constant cooperation and coordination with the MFA and other ministries and deputy ministries. Filling various posts has already began and there is also a mobilization of both the public and private sector. Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks to reunite the island under a federal roof have yet to yield results. Source: Cyprus News Agency