During meetings held in Nicosia on the 9th and 10th February, the Conference of Presidents of the European Committee of the Regions met with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to exchange views on key European priorities. Discussions focused in particular on the role of regions and cities in shaping the next EU budget, as well as on the growing housing crisis affecting many territories across Europe.

At the Bureau meeting, members also addressed the strategic importance of strengthening the European Union’s digital autonomy and the need to reduce dependence on third countries in critical technologies and to support innovation capacity within Europe’s regions.

Blue innovation and the resilience of island and coastal communities were central to the debate. EA President Nanette Maupertuis underlined the need for politics, multi-level governance and science to work more together. She also stressed that islands face specific structural challenges that must be better reflected across EU policies, from economic development to climate adaptation and connectivity.

During her visit, EA President was also briefed on the ongoing challenges linked to the continued occupation of the island, and the implications this ​situation has for local communities and regional development.​​