Cyprus will take over the presidency of the EU Council on January 1, but tensions with Turkey may affect the defense priorities of the European Union.

Starting January 1, Cyprus, a neutral country, will take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union, in a context where defense is a major priority. NATO and EU diplomats are concerned that Cyprus's hostility towards Turkey will interfere with military cooperation between the EU and NATO. Cyprus, which has a complicated relationship with Ankara, refuses to allow Turkey's participation in the EU program "Action for Security in Europe" (SAFE).

The Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulides, stated that he will try to improve relations with Turkey, proposing Cyprus's accession to NATO's Partnership for Peace program. However, persistent tensions could sabotage efforts to strengthen defense ties. Cyprus will need to advance important files in the defense sector, but excluding Turkey from the EU's defense plans could undermine unity in the face of external threats.