Cyprus and France have signed a comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Paris, elevating their bilateral relationship to a more structured and operational level at a time of growing security challenges across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The agreement was signed on Monday at the Élysée Palace by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and French President Emmanuel Macron, just months before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. The timing of the move highlights Nicosia’s ambition to strengthen its role as a reliable and constructive actor within the European Union.
Beyond its political symbolism, the agreement is accompanied by a detailed Action Plan, reportedly consisting of 14 points, which moves cooperation from broad political statements to a practical and measurable roadmap. Defence and energy form the core pillars of the framework, while France also highlighted expanded cooperation in innovation, the digital sector, education, culture and environmental policy. Paris described the agreement as a significant upgrade of the bilateral Strategic Agenda first launched in 2016.
The defence dimension was among the most concrete elements outlined during the visit. President Macron noted that French naval vessels conduct around 20 port calls annually in Cyprus, underlining the island’s strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean. He also pointed to regular joint military exercises as a clear signal of the two countries’ shared commitment to regional stability and security. In this context, Macron confirmed that negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) — which will provide the legal framework governing the presence and activities of each country’s armed forces on the other’s territory — are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
On the political front, France reaffirmed its support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on United Nations parameters and fully compatible with the European Union acquis. Paris welcomed recent UN-led contacts aimed at keeping the reunification process alive, despite the long-standing deadlock. From the Cypriot side, emphasis was placed on the strong convergence between Nicosia and Paris on key European and international issues, including continued support for Ukraine at a time when international law is being tested not in theory, but on the battlefield.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Reference was made to the long-standing presence of the French energy giant Total in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which both sides view as a strategic asset with broader geopolitical implications. At the European level, Cyprus is aligning its cooperation with France with new EU defence instruments, including SAFE, the bloc’s financial mechanism for joint defence procurement. The scheme provides for loans of up to €150 billion to strengthen member states’ defence capabilities and support the European defence industry.
Another significant aspect of the visit concerned Schengen. A Letter of Intent was signed regarding consular representation, under which France would represent Cyprus in countries where Nicosia has no diplomatic presence once Cyprus fully joins the Schengen Area. In practical terms, this would provide Cypriot citizens with access to consular assistance under a French umbrella in challenging or remote destinations.
At its core, the agreement reflects Cyprus’ broader effort to transform its geography from a perceived vulnerability into a strategic advantage. France, as a major European power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is signalling that it views Cyprus not simply as a friendly interlocutor, but as a partner of enduring strategic value and regional relevance.
