European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated that Europe will be in "safe hands" as Cyprus prepares to take the helm of the Council of the EU next month.

During an official visit to Nicosia, leading a delegation of the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents, Metsola met with President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the upcoming six-month presidency. She praised his leadership on critical foreign policy issues.

"We know we must push further on competitiveness, and on our simplification agenda. And with Cyprus in charge, as a strong partner, I know we will deliver - together," said President Metsola.

She outlined key priorities for the incoming presidency, specifically the negotiations on the next long-term EU budget. President Metsola insisted that the framework must be more strategic and flexible.

She also highlighted the need to strengthen the Single Market through a true Capital Markets Union to boost investment across the bloc. On the division of the island, President Metsola was unequivocal in her support. "The European Parliament will always stand on the side of Cyprus and its citizens for a single, sovereign European state," she affirmed.

"This is not a Cyprus issue but a European issue."

President Metsola concluded by expressing her conviction that the Cypriot Presidency will serve as an accelerator for these goals and move Europe forward.

The President of the European Parliament along with President Christodoulides later travelled to Larnaca to participate in a Joint Townhall discussion with students.

During her visit, President Metsola also met with the President of the Cypriot Parliament, Annita Demetriou, stating that Europe will keep putting people's concerns, expectations, and hopes front and centre of every decision