The Cypriot Presidency Returns to Normal - From Videogate to the War in Iran

The Cypriot Presidency returned to normal operation in April, after a temporary disruption due to the war between the US-Israel and Iran that began in February. During the war, air travel to Cyprus and the region was uncertain, with some airlines continuing their routes and others temporarily suspending them. The Presidency postponed 44 meetings, with 20 held online, 20 rescheduled, and 4 canceled. Normality in flights returned quickly, while some European Commissioners visited Cyprus even during the war. However, in-person ministerial meetings will resume normally from April, with the exception of the Informal Ministerial Council on Research and Innovation. The return to normality comes after a period of difficulties, which began with the Videogate scandal, with allegations of corruption and illegal campaign financing. The Cypriot Presidency has taken over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, and addressing these challenges is crucial for its success.