The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union provided an opportunity for everyone to unite around a shared vision in a national mission, said Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, on Monday at an event highlighting the contribution to the Presidency’s activities of the two Major (CYTA, Ayia Napa Marina) and the two Gold Sponsors (EKO Cyprus, Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus) of the Presidency, who were awarded honorary plaques and certificates.

According to a statement from the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, in her remarks at the event, Ms. Rauna noted that the Presidency’s journey did not begin in the last six months, but two and a half years ago.

“From the very beginning, we were aware of the unique opportunity that this presented—as it does for all member states—but one that is of particular significance for a member state like Cyprus, with its unique characteristics, as one of the smallest member states of the European Union, a Member State that is the only one forming an integral part of the broader Middle East region, and, of course, the last Member State under occupation. Under the leadership of President Christodoulides, we had a clear mandate and mission for a Presidency that would deliver results, a clear path to success, and an opportunity to showcase all that Cyprus can contribute to the European project. At the same time, the Presidency offered the opportunity for everyone to unite around a common vision, in a national mission,” he continued.

He also noted that the entire civil service, both in Cyprus and in Brussels, as well as all of Cyprus’s diplomatic missions, adding that it was a journey that involved the whole of society, which is why there was close cooperation with young people and schools.

Referring to the sponsors, the Deputy Minister noted that their contribution was particularly important. “We launched an open, transparent, and institutionally sound process, and that is how we worked toward the presidency. Your contribution was of vital importance, not only in terms of in-kind donations and services, but also in terms of collaboration on a remarkable project,” she added.

In his own remarks, the director of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, Dimitris Mavrommatis, said that in organizing the meetings of the Cyprus Presidency, the Republic of Cyprus recognized from the outset that the success of such a complex undertaking cannot be the sole responsibility of the public sector; rather, it requires the cooperation and contribution of broader forces within society and the economy.

He added that, based on this philosophy, a clear, transparent, and institutionally enshrined framework for grants was established, with the Secretariat of the Presidency issuing an open public call for expressions of interest, featuring predetermined evaluation criteria, transparent procedures, oversight mechanisms, and public announcement of the final grant recipients.

“The organizations and companies we are honoring today, as well as the other sponsors who supported the Presidency, did not limit themselves to providing goods or services. They contributed their expertise, their credibility, and the trust they demonstrated to a national effort with a strong European dimension,” he continued, adding that on this shared journey, the sponsors were invaluable partners.

“With their products, services, infrastructure, and support in general, they played a decisive role in enabling the Cypriot Presidency to meet the high demands of its mission and to showcase the level of professionalism, quality, and hospitality that characterize Cyprus,” he further emphasized.

According to the Secretariat, Cyta, as a Major Sponsor of the 2026 Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, provided internet services, mobile phones, and tablets, while Ayia Napa Marina, as another Major Sponsor of the Cypriot Presidency, made all of its indoor and outdoor facilities available to host the dinner for the Heads of State and Government, as part of the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government on April 23.

In addition, it should be noted that EKO Cyprus Limited supported the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, by providing fuel and vehicle cleaning services for the vehicles used for the needs of the Cypriot Presidency, while Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus supported the 2026 Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union by providing bottled water and soft drinks, which were provided during high-level meetings and numerous events organized by the Presidency.

Source: CNA