Cyprus took over the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union on Sunday and it is the last chair in the group of three chairs consisting also of Poland and Denmark whose presidency covers a 18-month period. Cyprus will be succeeded by Ireland in this position on 1 January 2013.
Cyprus will continue with the efforts already taken by Poland and Denmark. The EU is currently divided in the views regarding the economic crisis, immigrants' issues and the further enlargement of the 27-strong bloc.
According to the web site of the new EU chair, the priorities of its programme are: Europe being more efficient and sustainable, Europe with a better performing and growth economy, a more relevant Europe to its citizens, with solidarity and social cohesion and, Europe in the world, closer to its neighbours.
This Mediterranean country is now hosting the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time in its history.
This island state entered the EU on 1 May 2004.
