Maastricht, the Netherlands – On Wednesday 14 October 2026, Nikos Christodoulides, president of the Republic of Cyprus, will give a speech at Maastricht University. In his speech, ‘Cyprus and the European Project: Bridging Europe and the Middle East on the path to strategic autonomy’, he will look back on the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and discuss the role of Cyprus as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Following his speech, the president will join a conversation with the audience, offering an opportunity to explore these themes further and address questions directly to the head of state.
In conversation with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
Location: Aula Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht
Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
Time: 19:00 – 20:00 (doors open at 18:30)
Language: English
Admission: free, registration required
Press registration
Journalists can register by replying to this email. For interview requests, photos and/or questions, please contact Timo Schmid (Communications Advisor, Studio Europa – timo.schmid@maastrichtuniversity.nl/ +31 6 28802609).
Members of the public can register free of charge via this page. Visitors are required to bring a valid ID or UM card.
Cyprus at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East
In the first half of 2026, Cyprus held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, for the second time since the country joined the EU in 2004. In his speech, President Christodoulides will reflect on this period and on the opportunities and challenges facing both Cyprus and Europe.
What role can Cyprus play in strengthening ties between the EU and its neighbours? And what do geopolitical developments in the Mediterranean mean for Europe’s pursuit of more strategic autonomy?
The president will also give an update on efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem within the agreed UN framework. He will address how reunification would enable Cyprus to realise its full potential as a reliable partner in the region.
After the speech, the president will engage in conversation with the audience and answer questions.
Programme
18:30 Doors open
19:00 Welcome by Hylke Dijkstra (UM Europe Chair)
19:05 Speech by President Nikos Christodoulides
19:25 Conversation with the president and questions from the audience
20:00 End
About Studio Europa
Studio Europa is the centre of expertise at Maastricht University (UM) for Europe-related research, debate, and policy. Together with the Province of Limburg and the City of Maastricht, we bring the European Heritage Label for the Maastricht Treaty to life.