by Thea Pieridou
Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus
The year 2026 marks a critical period for the European Parliament (EP) and the European institutions as a whole. The European Union today faces a constantly evolving geopolitical environment, economic and social challenges, technological changes, and pressures affecting the daily lives of its citizens. This year carries particular significance due to Cyprus holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on 1 January 2026. This provides Cyprus with the opportunity to play a central role in shaping the European agenda and building consensus among Member States. In close cooperation with the EP, as co-legislator, the Cypriot Presidency will contribute to advancing key legislative dossiers, strengthening institutional continuity, democratic legitimacy, and the effectiveness of European decision-making. Within this context, the EP has set ambitious goals for 2026, recognizing significant opportunities and complex challenges that directly impact the future of the Union and the lives of its citizens.
Economic Resilience and Competitiveness
A central focus of the EP’s work in 2026 is economic stability, growth, and the strengthening of European businesses. In this context, the EP prioritizes enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy, as well as advancing the simplification agenda through legislative initiatives that facilitate innovation, investment, and development. This also includes promoting a pivotal instrument that will largely determine the EU’s next steps and will be negotiated and coordinated during the Cypriot Presidency—the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Agreement on the 2028–2034 MFF is crucial for securing funding for key policies and new strategic EU initiatives. After seven years, the EU operates in a vastly different landscape than when the current budget was agreed, meaning the next budget must reflect these new realities.
Security, Defence, and Geopolitical Cooperation
Security and defence are critical priorities for the EU. Europe must take responsibility for its own security, and the need for a stronger European defence strategy reflects ongoing geopolitical challenges, including the continued war in Ukraine and pressures at the EU’s external borders. Deepening cooperation among Member States on defence issues and supporting initiatives that strengthen European security and strategic autonomy will be a central focus of the EP in 2026.
Migration and Border Management
A comprehensive migration policy and effective management of external borders remain critical challenges for the EU, requiring cohesion, solidarity, and collective effort. The year 2026 will be decisive for advancing key reforms in addressing migratory flows through the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The recent decision that Cyprus automatically meets the conditions for the “solidarity pool” ensures support through relocation or financial assistance.
Social Dimension and Protection of Values
Another key goal of the EP is the protection of democratic values and fundamental rights, as well as strengthening the EU’s social model. Ensuring social cohesion, upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens’ rights, and promoting equal opportunities are central pillars of the EP’s legislative strategy for 2026. The EP also seeks to intensify efforts to promote social policies that enhance citizens’ quality of life, including issues such as equality, accessibility, affordable housing, and workers’ protection.
The challenges, prospects, and priorities also extend to the EU’s enlargement policy. The EP will need to address the merit-based integration of countries in the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. The year 2026 will not be merely another legislative year for the European Parliament. It will be a year in which the EU’s ability to respond to the demands of a changing world and remain a guarantor of democracy, unity, stability, and prosperity for its 450 million citizens will be tested. In this journey, the European Parliament will continue to play a central role, functioning as the directly elected voice of European citizens and the guardian of the EU’s values and principles.
