How will these Presidency priorities shape the political space SOLIDAR members operate in and what risks and opportunities do they create for their work? 

The Cypriot Presidency’s priorities will shape the political environment in which SOLIDAR, and its members operate at both EU and national level. The Presidency’s programme follows a familiar pattern, placing security, competitiveness and strategic autonomy at the centre of Europe’s future. This exclusionary and security-oriented direction limits the social, political and civic space for right-based actions and participation in policy discussions, leaving people behind rather than placing their wellbeing and participation at the heart of priorities. For our members, there is a high risk  that this translates into increased pressure to align social, education and lifelong learning, migration and just transition work to labour market, security or economic objectives that the Presidency sets to achieve at the expense of the inclusion of vulnerable groups, participation and social justice.  

There are some highlights to watch out for though: the work announced in relation to the European Pillar of Social Rights, the first-ever Anti-poverty Strategy and Housing Plan offers optimism. Together with a more learner centred approach, The EU Strategy for Civil Society and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy we have hopes for a constructive Presidency in terms of advancing social rights with entry points for joint advocacy actions and engagement.   

The Assessment of the Presidency’s Priorities 

Social Rights in Europe 

The European Pillar of Social Rights will guide the Cypriot Presidency’s efforts to strengthen the EU social model, including through the European Semester. This is a welcome approach, particularly considering expected progress on key initiatives such as the European Affordable Housing Plan, the Anti-Poverty Strategy, the new Social Pillar Action Plan, and the Quality Jobs Act.   

However, the Presidency fully adheres to the Commission’s simplification agenda and focus on competitiveness, enthusiastically outlining its plans to simplify taxation and cut red tape. These measures could undermine the ambition to strengthen the social model: simplification is currently just another word for deregulation, resulting in lesser protection of social rights, environmental sustainability, and reduced public funds for public social investment.  

Migrations’ Rights 

The Cypriot Presidency prioritises the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which could be, if we are being generous, seen as a positive step towards coherent EU-wide governance. However, the programme’s strong focus on return systems, cooperation with third countries and the safe third country concept all raise serious concerns for a deepened security-driven approach that will continue to take precedence over human rights protections.   

Such an approach marginalises migrants’ rights and participation, demonstrates a lack of solidarity and justice and highlights the urgent need for robust monitoring mechanisms. The Presidency should therefore rebalance its agenda by reinforcing protection safeguards and ensuring that the Pact’s implementation fully complies with international human rights obligations. 

Education and Lifelong Learning

The Presidency’s focus on a learner-centred approach, aligned with the European Education Area and the Union of Skills, resonates with SOLIDAR+’s work, particularly its emphasis on citizenship education, including Education for Sustainable Development, inclusion, lifelong learning, and fostering competences for the digital and green transitions. These priorities reflect a holistic vision of education as a driver of social cohesion and empowerment.  

However, the programme places a notable emphasis on labour market–oriented upskilling and reskilling. It remains unclear how the Presidency intends to balance economic and social objectives, ensuring that skills development does not overshadow the broader societal role of education. 

Civic Space and Democracy  

With civic space shrinking across the EU, the Cypriot Presidency’s commitment to advancing the Annual Rule of Law Cycle, the European Democracy Shield and the EU Strategy for Civil Society are important steps. Linking these initiatives to protection of independent media, elections and cooperation with civil society recognises the contribution of CSOs in upholding fundamental values. 

The overall framing of democracy prioritises institutional safeguards, security, and resilience mechanisms with limited clarity on how cooperation with civil society and the public will be structured across policy areas. Without structured involvement of civil society in shaping decisions, democracy risks being reduced to protection from threats rather than empowerment of those it is meant to serve. From SOLIDAR’s perspective, this calls for the institutionalisation of civil dialogue and recognition of CSOs as relevant democratic actors important for shaping policies. 

International Cooperation and Solidarity

On international cooperation, under the motto “Open to the world, autonomous”, Cyprus rightly stresses diplomacy, multilateralism and support to Ukraine and Gaza among its priorities, but its agenda still subordinates external action to security, competitiveness and infrastructure driven growth. The reaffirmation of the need for the EU to remain committed to a strong multilateral system grounded on the UN Charter, international law, and the promotion of human rights worldwide is a step in the right direction. However, it risks falling short if confined to emergency relief and crisis response and channelled mainly through instruments such as Global Gateway, which have too often prioritised EU private interests over developing countries’ needs. A more balanced approach would link these priorities to genuine, equal partnerships that strengthen social justice, sustainable development and a just transition in partner countries. 

Just Transitions  

At a time when urgent climate and environmental action is needed, the Cypriot Presidency presents limited plans for advancing the transition to sustainability, consistently subordinating them to the goal of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy. While some cross-cutting challenges are recognised such as the need for affordable and sustainable housing and skills to support the digital and green transitions, these remain largely at the level of general commitments. More concrete commitments include contributing to the implementation of the Action Plan for Affordable Energy and its follow-up strategies, reflecting the EU’s urgent focus on ensuring affordable energy prices, as well as leading Council negotiations on the forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act, aimed at improving resource management and promoting circular practices. 

What is the Council of the European Union and How it works? The Council of the European Union (referred to as “the Council”) represents the governments of the EU Member States (MS). It is the EU’s principal decision-making body and, together with the European Parliament, adopts, amends or rejects laws proposed by the European Commission. It brings together national ministers from each MS on specific policy areas, reflecting national interests and priorities 

The Council decides on EU legislation, coordinates policies among MSs and has a mediation role in negotiations. Its work is organised through a six-month rotating Presidency, operating within 18-month trios. The current trio (Poland, Denmark, Cyprus¹) will conclude in June 2026 and will be followed by Ireland, Lithuania and Greece². 

Why does the Council matter? Council Presidencies influence the EU’s political agenda and legislative priorities, shaping debates and decisions that directly affect SOLIDAR’s work on social rights, education and lifelong learning, democracy and civic space, international cooperation and the just transition.