Cyprus to undertake its first EU Presidency on 1 July
On 1 July, Cyprus will take on responsibility for its first ever EU Presidency. The Presidency is a six month position that rotates among Member States. Cyprus has been a member of the EU from 2004. The theme of the Cyprus Presidency will be working "Towards a Better Europe".
Intelligent transport and road safety key priorities for transport
In the area of transport, the Cyprus Presidency will prioritise development of new and innovative technology services, intelligent transportation services as well as place a special emphasis on improving road safety among young people. On 16 and 17 July, European Ministers of Transport and Communication shall meet in Nicosia to discuss intelligent transport. On 25 July, Cyprus will host the fourth European Road Safety Day.
The EU will continue its discussions on Trans-European transport infrastructure (TEN-T) into the Cyprus Presidency. As part of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework, talks regarding the proposal on the Connecting Europe Facility, an instrument for investing in transport projects, will also continue.
In the area of aviation transport, an emphasis will be placed on the so-called Airport Package as well as completion of the Single European Sky (SES).
During its Presidency, Cyprus also intends to focus on the EU Integrated Maritime Policy. Cyprus will strive to improve cooperation within fields and across different fields between those neighbouring EU Member States that share the same sea areas.
The EU Integrated Maritime Policy covers all issues related to seas and oceans. The Maritime Policy will be used to improve and add to cooperation between other areas of politics.
Web and information safety focal points during Cyprus Presidency
Increasing the confidence of citizens and businesses in web services will be one of the key priorities in the area of communications policy. The EU will strive to accomplish this by continuing discussions on a proposal for the future of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).
Additionally, talks on an internet security strategy will also begin during Cyprus's Presidency as will processing of the new proposal for legislation on electronic identification and trust services related to electronic transactions. During Cyprus's Presidency the council will continue talks on the proposed re-use of public sector information i.e. the PSI Directive.
Cyprus has also set an objective to find a Trans-European vision for the guidelines pertaining to telecommunications networks. The European Commission will publish an EU-wide strategy on Cloud Computing and the interim report for the European Digital Agenda.
EU Presidency rotates amongst Member States
Each EU Member State holds the EU Presidency for a period of six months in turn. The country holding the Presidency is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the council's operations, representing the EU at international conferences, organising and hosting events and drawing up the council's agenda.
