Cyprus and Croatia pledge support for EU enlargement

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides paid a working visit to Croatia on Tuesday, where he met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and the future of the European Union’s enlargement process.

Both leaders emphasized the strong partnership between Cyprus and Croatia, highlighting opportunities to boost economic collaboration and investment. The talks also focused on the upcoming Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins in January, and its potential to shape the bloc’s strategic direction.

Prime Minister Plenković underlined the importance of accelerating the EU’s enlargement, particularly towards the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine and Moldova.

“We would like to speed up the EU's process of enlargement, especially towards the countries of Southeast Europe. The ambitions of our neighbouring countries, as well as those of Ukraine and Moldova, are extremely important,” Plenković said. “Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the EU will be crucial for the future of further enlargement.”

President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to advancing the EU’s ‘Open Door’ policy, emphasizing that enlargement must be guided by merit and the fulfillment of established criteria.

“A key priority of our presidency of the EU will be advancing the enlargement agenda, including for the Western Balkans,” Christodoulides said. “We believe that enlargement is a strategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity for the entire continent.”

The meeting underscored both countries’ shared view that EU enlargement remains vital to Europe’s long-term stability and growth, as well as their readiness to work closely during Cyprus’s upcoming presidency.