In the Cypriot resort of Agia Napa, on Thursday shortly after 8:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. CET) the informal summit of the leaders of the member countries of the European Union began. To begin with, the Eurobloc heads of state and government will negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, approximately five hours after the final approval of the payment of a loan for Ukraine in the amount of 90 billion euros and the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions. Slovakia is represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico, reports TASR’s special correspondent.
“We come to Cyprus with good news,” noted the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen. In this way, it reacted to the adoption of necessary aid for Ukraine and restrictive measures against Russia, which were blocked by Budapest for several months due to interrupted oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia. The first liters of oil started flowing through the facility only on Thursday.
Nevertheless, negotiations on further support for Kyiv and increasing pressure on Moscow will continue in Cyprus. At the meeting, Zelenskyi will also probably raise the issue of accelerated membership of Ukraine in the EU. He noted several times that his country could join the 27-member bloc as early as 2027, which was rejected by the majority of member states. “The EU is currently trying to give Ukraine space to move forward as quickly as possible in the accession process. However, it does not agree to any shortcuts,” said a representative of the Union on condition of anonymity.
Another topic of the session will be the war in the Middle East and its effects on energy and the bloc’s economy. The leaders will also talk about ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, measures to stabilize the energy market and the clause on mutual defense between member states according to Article 42, paragraph 7 of the EU Treaty.
On Friday, the summit will continue in Nicosiawhere there will be state representatives to discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2028-2034 and they will also meet with representatives of the Mediterranean. After the summit, Fico will move to the Ledra Palace hotel in the buffer zone, then lay a bouquet at the UNFICYP monument and water the Slovak Tree of Peace, which was planted in May 2024 by Head of Diplomacy Juraj Blanár. He will also review the premises of the bicommunity dialogue of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot political parties. The Prime Minister does not plan any bilateral negotiations.
