Cyprus presides over EU defence and security policy

Cyprus assumed the presidency for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the EU on January 1st 2012, as Denmark, the current Presidency of the European Council, does not participate in the European Defence Agency (EDA).

Cyprus along with Denmark and Poland form the trio Presidency of the European Council. Currently Denmark holds the 6-month Presidency while Cyprus will take over in the second half of 2012. Poland’s Presidency ended December 31st.

The European Defence Agency was established in 2004 ''to support the member states and the Council in their effort to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy”.

All member states except Denmark participate in the EDA.

Danish Ambassador to Cyprus Kristen Geelan in a recent interview with CNA noted that Nicosia will assist Denmark in respect of some of the working groups on the CSDP where Denmark has an opt-out.

She stressed that “as far as we are concerned, we are confident that Cyprus will manage to stir Europe throughout the Cypriot Presidency.”