Cyprus takes up EU Presidency

Cyprus has taken over the 6 month rotating EU presidency from Denmark this week, with a commitment to emphasising social cohesion.
Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Cypriot President DemetrisChristofias, the EU’s only communist head of state, criticised austerity, arguing that it has made the European economic crisis worse, and that a more social Europe is required.

During Cyprus' presidency, there will be more than 60 ministerial meetings, two meetings of heads of states or government and 1,500 working groups in Brussels. Beyond the Brussels-based meetings, it is estimated that there will be 45,000 visitors to Cyprus, which will host close to 300 meetings. Finally, there will be 15 informal ministerial meetings, 180 meetings of working groups and about 100 meetings of NGOs and interest groups under the auspices of this presidency.

It is the first time that Cyprus has held the Council Presidency of the EU.

Full presentation of Cypriot Presidency to the European Parliament available to view here.