The Cyprus Presidency builds on the Trio programme developed with Poland and Denmark and aligns with long-term EU objectives, including strengthening autonomy, boosting competitiveness, and advancing the green and digital transitions. Within this framework, science and research are embedded across several policy areas, rather than addressed through dedicated initiatives.
Research and innovation are particularly relevant to the work of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET), where discussions on regulatory simplification, industrial modernisation and strategic value chains are closely linked to Europe’s research capacity. The Presidency emphasises the need for a balanced and competitive European research and innovation landscape that supports excellence while addressing innovation gaps.
Strategic autonomy is another area where research plays a central role. Reducing external dependencies in sectors such as clean technologies, digital infrastructure, energy systems and advanced manufacturing relies on a strong European research base and sustained innovation.
The Presidency’s focus on the green and digital transitions highlights research-intensive domains, including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, energy integration and grid resilience. Progress in these areas depends on continued scientific and technological advances and effective collaboration between research institutions, industry and policymakers.
Education and skills development also feature in the Presidency programme, with references to strengthening vocational and higher education, learning mobility and lifelong learning. These priorities are closely linked to research training and the development of future scientific talent.
Although the Cyprus Presidency does not introduce new science policy initiatives, it reinforces the integration of research and innovation into broader EU policy debates. By framing science as a foundation for competitiveness, autonomy and resilience, the Presidency supports continuity in the implementation of EU research programmes and the role of science in evidence-based policymaking.
The full Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is available on the Presidency’s official website.
