SCOPE

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is one of the most visible institutional roles a Member State undertakes. When Cyprus was assigned the Presidency for 2026, the challenge was clear: create a visual identity that reflects the country’s cultural character while expressing shared European values with clarity, credibility, and contemporary relevance.

The visual identity was conceived as a fundamental communication tool, shaping a recognizable, modern, and meaningful profile across all touchpoints, from institutional documents to motion graphics and ceremonial applications.

STRATEGY

Our approach focused on balance. The identity needed to express institutional authority and reliability while remaining warm, approachable, and human. Through the symbolic power of graphic elements and the clarity of messaging, we developed a system that feels confident and contemporary without becoming rigid or cold.

Working in alignment with the illustrated logo, we expanded the existing color palette into tonal variations derived directly from it. By modulating intensity through color gradations, we created a flexible visual language that maintains consistency while allowing variation and rhythm across applications.

Key RFP requirements guided every design decision:

• Full alignment with the official logo
• A sense of trust, seriousness, and institutional credibility, without emotional distance
• A clean, modern aesthetic that avoids clichés
• Dynamic and flexible execution, easily adaptable across media
• A unique, distinctive, and instantly recognizable visual presence

IMPLEMENTATION

All graphic standards, both static and animated, were developed as modular systems. From presentations and data visualizations to motion templates, every element was designed for ease of adaptation while preserving visual coherence and continuity.

We delivered a comprehensive suite of tools and assets that enable long-term use throughout the Presidency, ensuring visual consistency across physical, digital, and ceremonial environments.

Deliverables included:

• Creation of the complete Visual Identity
• PowerPoint presentation template
• Static graphic templates
• Video and motion graphic templates
• Infographics
• Animated graphic or short film without voiceover
• Animated graphic or short film with voiceover or natural sound
• Adaptations of animated graphics and videos
• Design of official gifts and branded items

Gifts designed for the Presidency included:

• Pins, badges in multiple colors, lanyards, cufflinks, brooches, neck and lapel scarves, fabric tote bags (linen or canvas), umbrellas, wine label for Commandaria, stamps in various sizes, and a commemorative coin.

Stationery and printed materials included:

• Gift cards, stickers, A4 pocket folders, lined notepads, hardcover notebooks in the logo’s blue, letterheads, official documents such as agendas and information notes, compliment slips, business cards, envelopes in multiple sizes, desk calendars, and a wide range of event materials including invitations, tickets, programs, menus, suitcase tags, and cloakroom tags.

RESULTS

A Unified Visual System
The Presidency launched with a clear, cohesive identity that performs seamlessly across institutional, digital, and ceremonial contexts.

Flexibility Without Compromise
The modular design system allows effortless adaptation while maintaining strong visual consistency throughout the Presidency’s lifecycle.

A Distinctive European Presence
Cyprus’s Presidency identity stands out as confident, contemporary, and culturally grounded, reinforcing trust, recognition, and institutional authority on a European stage.

By transforming strategic requirements into a living visual language, the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union 2026 gained an identity that communicates values, purpose, and continuity, at a national and European level.