Luxembourg: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna presented a concise overview of Cyprus' six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the final General Affairs Council (GAC) in Luxembourg. She described the term as "a long and demanding journey, but above all a hugely rewarding journey," emphasizing that Cyprus had worked with a clear vision and objective to deliver tangible results for the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna highlighted the methodology and vision with which the Cyprus Presidency operated. The Presidency focused on delivering results under the motto, 'An Autonomous Union, Open to the World,' and succeeded in achieving results across five key priorities, enhancing the European Union's strength, resilience, and autonomy.
The Deputy Minister emphasized achievements in security and defense, including support for Ukraine with a £90 million support loan, a 20th sanctions package, and advancements in military mobility. Progress was also noted in migration matters, particularly with the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration and negotiations on the Returns Regulation.
Raouna stressed competitiveness as a "key pillar" of the Cypriot Presidency, revealing advancements in seven Omnibus packages containing 20 proposals, with work completed on nine so far. She also mentioned significant progress in reforming the Customs Union and agreements on connectivity issues, such as Air Passengers' Rights and Regulation 883 concerning workers' social security rights.
On Tuesday's agenda, discussions were set to focus on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a challenging file from the start. Raouna recalled the presentation of the first revised negotiating box (NegoBox) on June 11, expressing hope for an agreement by 2026 through a compromise proposal that respects differing Member State positions.
Enlargement was deemed a top priority, with Cyprus understanding the transformative power of enlargement as the last divided and occupied Member State. Raouna highlighted Monday's Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro as milestones in the enlargement process, expressing pride in contributing to the momentum.