Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union: congratulatory letter

To: Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture

I am writing to extend my best wishes for the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. I am confident that Cyprus will play an important role in advancing EU priorities during this time of challenge and opportunity.

We have looked at the Cypriot Presidency Programme and noted that there are many areas of shared interest with Scotland’s priorities. I look forward to seeing how our mutual interests progress over the course of your Presidency, and would welcome discussions on how the Scottish Government can support your efforts.

The timing of the Cypriot Presidency coincides with a moment of increased geopolitical tensions and with the continuation of Russia’s war in Ukraine after the full scale invasion that began nearly four years ago. Alongside Cyprus and the rest of the EU, Scotland stands steadfast with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression. In light of this, I am encouraged to see your Programme priority of continuing financial support to Ukraine.  

Territorial integrity and state sovereignty have again come to the fore in the most recent developments around Greenland. I welcome your President’s leadership and his support to Denmark in the recent discussions with the United States. It is important that Europe stands together at this time, and Scotland firmly supports Greenland’s right to self-determination.

I also commend your leadership on Gaza and your efforts to ensure that more aid reaches Palestinian Territories. I welcome seeing this reaffirmed within the Cypriot Programme with a commitment to continue to facilitate aid into Gaza through the Cyprus Maritime Corridor.

In light of geopolitical issues highlighted above, the championing of European values at this time is a significant responsibility; one that I am confident Cyprus will uphold. Scotland shares with our European friends a belief in democracy and the rule of law as well as concern for the erosion of the rules based international order. I would like to highlight several shared priorities between Scottish Government Policy and your Presidency Programme.

Climate action and the energy transition are central areas of Scottish alignment with the EU. Scotland agrees that climate leadership, energy security and affordability are key goals. Our Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan set out Scotland’s commitment to net zero by 2045, alongside a fair and just transition that delivers economic opportunity and protects communities. In this context, we particularly welcome the Presidency’s focus on renewable energy and grid resilience.

We also see strong convergence in your commitment to competitiveness, innovation and skills. Scotland supports the ambition to deepen the Single Market, improve regulations, and strengthen Europe’s capacity for innovation. Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation emphasises productivity, SME growth and skills development for the green and digital transitions, and we view sustained cooperation with the EU in these areas as vital to mutual long‑term prosperity.

Social cohesion and fairness also sit at the heart of our shared priorities. The Scottish Government strongly supports your emphasis on leaving no one behind, including action on poverty reduction, affordable housing, mental health and youth well‑being. The Scottish Government’s top priority is to eradicate child poverty and our upcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, covering the period 2026-31, will set out our next steps in making that goal a reality. We agree that strong social foundations are essential to resilience, democratic trust and economic success.

Finally, we welcome the Cyprus Presidency’s clear commitment to a Europe, grounded in multilateralism, the rule of law and shared values. Scotland continues to advocate for increased cooperation between the EU and the United Kingdom in areas of mutual benefit for all countries involved.

Scotland is hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and we of course welcome Cypriot athletes, spectators and Ministers to visit for the games. Your leadership during the Presidency will be instrumental in advancing the EU’s objectives, and I am confident that Cyprus will bring dedication, expertise, and vision to this role.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful and productive term.