EU countries flags in Nicosia as Cyprus takes over rotating presidency

After 14 years, Cyprus took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1. It would lead during a politically sensitive moment, and aims to shape the EU's role on the global stage. When the Republic of Cyprus first took over the Council presidency in 2012, the European Union was struggling to contain the fallout of a financial crisis that was approaching its peak.

The eurozone and its cohesion were under constant pressure, while countries such as Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland were in financial assistance programs.