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The European Commission has put forward a new package of measures to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity, responding to the growing number of cyber and hybrid attacks targeting essential services and democratic institutions. The central element is a revision of the Cybersecurity Act, intended to make ICT (information and communications technology) supply chains more secure and to ensure products and services are protected by design from the outset. The proposal introduces a simpler and faster EU-wide certification system, aimed at reducing costs and administrative burdens for businesses. It also places particular emphasis on limiting risks linked to suppliers from third countries considered sensitive, especially in mobile telecommunications networks. The package further strengthens the role of ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity), which will support Member States and businesses in preventing and managing cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks.

Following the signing of the EU–Mercosur Agreement on 17 January, the European

Parliament approved a motion to request the judicial review of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in order to verify the agreement’s compliance with the

EU Treaties. The referral to the Court could affect the timeline for implementation, potentially delaying the agreement’s entry into force by up to two years.

Cyprus will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2026. Its agenda focuses on building a more autonomous and resilient Europe, able to act more effectively in strategic areas—starting with security and defence—while continuing to engage in international dialogue. Another priority is to boost competitiveness through a more efficient Single Market, simpler rules and targeted support for SMEs. The Presidency also highlights innovation and digital transformation as key drivers of growth, alongside investment in skills. Externally, Cyprus aims to strengthen partnerships with third countries and promote a balanced trade policy. It will also pay particular attention to social and territorial cohesion, seen as essential to ensuring fair and inclusive transitions.

On 17 January, the European Union and the Mercosur countries signed a Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and an Interim Trade Agreement (iTA), marking a historic step forward in relations between the two regions. The deal creates one of the largest free trade areas in the world, covering around 700 million consumers and potentially increasing EU exports to Mercosur by an estimated 39%. It also strengthens geopolitical cooperation and support for multilateralism, with expected benefits for economic growth, employment, environmental sustainability, and the green and digital transitions. The agreements must now go through the respective ratification processes in the EU and the Mercosur countries before they can fully enter into force.