Strasbourg: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna underscored the pivotal role of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in enhancing Europe's competitiveness during a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg. The debate, titled 'Urgent actions to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the EU Single Market and reduce the cost of living - from the Draghi report to reality,' highlighted the connection between competitiveness and Europe's strategic autonomy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna stated that Cyprus assumed the Presidency amidst a period marked by increased unpredictability and escalating geopolitical and economic tensions. She emphasized that enhancing European competitiveness is crucial, describing it as the foundation of economic growth, social progress, and sustainable prosperity in the long term.
Raouna reiterated that the Cyprus Presidency views competitiveness as intrinsically linked to Europe's strategic autonomy, labeling it a prerequisite for European independence. She stressed that this focus on strategic autonomy is a key priority for the Cyprus Presidency, which has integrated it as a core element of its agenda, while also stressing the importance of maintaining social cohesion alongside economic advancement.
Addressing the challenges facing the European Union, Raouna pointed out that pressures stem both from external sources and internal fragmentation within the Union. She highlighted the external pressures arising from dependencies being weaponized and internal challenges from fragmented single market barriers, concluding that immediate and decisive action is essential.
Raouna also cited progress stemming from the 2024 reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi on the single market and competitiveness. She emphasized that substantial work has been accomplished, and the European initiatives and policy instruments in place provide a clear roadmap toward a resilient and competitive Europe that requires immediate implementation.
She placed particular emphasis on dismantling remaining barriers within the Single Market and linking competitiveness with reducing the cost of living. Raouna stressed the urgency of removing the most problematic barriers, termed the 'terrible ten,' alongside implementing actions to lower energy costs for households and businesses.
In the current global context, Raouna asserted that merely completing the internal market is insufficient, emphasizing Europe's strength in unity. She called for greater ambition, reinforced common policies, and a deeper Single Market to enable European businesses to scale and operate uniformly across the single market.
Highlighting the social aspect of competitiveness and the Cyprus Presidency's priorities, Raouna underlined the significance of housing and social cohesion, affirming that economic strength and social fairness are interconnected pillars of the European approach.