By Michael Peters Kyriacou, President, Cyprus Community of New South Wales
The commencement of 2026 marks more than the beginning of a new year; it signifies the second occasion on which the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
For the next six months, Cyprus will preside over the world’s second-largest developed economy and its largest trading bloc, at a time when the EU faces significant and complex challenges across multiple policy fronts.
The Cyprus Presidency will prioritise strengthening EU security, enhancing internal competitiveness, managing migration, advancing the enlargement of the EU through the acceleration of accession pathways for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, and progressing reform of the EU budget.
Cyprus’ assumption of the EU Presidency coincides with the resumption of negotiations between Australia and the EU to finalise a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These negotiations, which stalled in 2023, were revived in June 2025 following the re-election of the Albanese Government.
A concluded FTA with the EU is projected to contribute more than $7.4 billion to the Australian economy, provide Australian exporters with access to over 450 million EU consumers, and eliminate more than 96 per cent of tariffs between the two economies.
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales has long maintained strong and enduring links with Cyprus, from the advocacy work of the Justice for Cyprus Committee (SEKA NSW) to its youth programs, cultural activities, dance groups, and Greek language schools. The Cyprus EU Presidency presents a timely opportunity to further deepen engagement between the Community and the Republic of Cyprus.
The Community is authorised to certify and witness a wide range of documents prescribed under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus and the EU – an essential service with virtually no parallel among community organisations. Members may book appointments online to meet with Community volunteer officers to certify and witness documents relating to court proceedings, wills, deceased estates, real estate matters, companies and trusts, and passport and identification card applications and renewals.
In recent years, demand for these services has increased significantly, with processing times for passport applications from Australia often extending beyond six months. Notably, the profile of applicants has also evolved. It is now increasingly common for third-, fourth-, and in many cases fifth-generation Australians of Cypriot descent to seek deeper and more meaningful engagement with Cyprus, extending well beyond tourism or family visits.
For any community, the preservation of identity, relevance, and continuity through engagement with emerging generations is essential. At its core, a community is defined by its people.
The Cyprus Community of NSW can only preserve its heritage by actively engaging with its youth and young families, remaining relevant, and implementing a clear succession strategy to ensure the development of future leaders committed to the Community’s mission and values.
The Community is not immune to the profound generational change affecting communities across Australia and throughout the EU. Such change is often challenging and confronting, particularly for those who believe traditions must remain static despite broader social and global transformation.
As Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the issue of generational renewal is firmly on the agenda. Like the EU itself, the Community must honour its history and pioneers while embracing and empowering future citizens and leaders to shape its evolution.
In 2026, communities must adapt to ensure younger generations retain their cultural traditions, connections to ancestral homelands, and shared values, while remaining responsive to a rapidly changing world. Relevance in a modern context is the defining theme of the Cyprus EU Presidency.
The growing number of applications for Cypriot citizenship provides reassurance that young people and young families remain committed to maintaining strong ties with Cyprus – the land of their grandparents and, in many cases, great-grandparents – and with this Community.
The Cyprus EU Presidency represents a unique opportunity to renew and strengthen these connections, and to further develop relationships between Australia and Cyprus – two nations bound by shared values and forged through common sacrifice in two world wars.
The Cyprus Community of NSW will be launching a series of initiatives to mark this historic Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Those wishing to participate in the Cyprus EU Presidency Programme are encouraged to contact the Community online at: info@thecyprusclub.org.au
