The EU 27 heads of states and governments have urged Turkey to fully respect the role of the presidency of the Council of the EU, taking into consideration recent Turkish statements that Ankara would freeze its relations with the EU when Cyprus assumes the six monthly rotating presidency. In its final conclusions and under the paragraph “Other items“ the European Council stresses that “recalling the Council conclusions of 5 December on enlargement, with regard to Turkish statements and threats, the European Council expresses serious concern and calls for full respect of the role of the Presidency of the Council, which is a fundamental institutional feature of the EU provided for in the Treaty“.

The European Council convened Thursday and Friday in Brussels. Cyprus was represented by President of the Republic Demetris Christofias. On the economic policy, the EC notes that structural reforms and fiscal consolidation efforts must continue to lay the ground for a return to sustainable growth and thus help improve confidence in the short run. Measures are also required to help restore normal lending to the economy whilst avoiding both excessive risk-taking and excessive deleveraging as agreed on 26 October 2011.