Cyprus pledges ‘different mindset’ as it assumes EU presidency

Country's six-month stint at helm begins with defence, migration and Ukraine still at top of agenda

Cyprus says it will bring a new approach to the table" when it assumes the EU presidency on Thursday, as defence, migration and Ukraine continue to top the agenda at a time of acute geopolitical uncertainty.

As one of the bloc's smaller member states, Cyprus will tackle its six-month stint at the EU's helm with discipline and dedication but also a different mindset", the Cypriot foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, said.