Nicosia: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, outlined on Tuesday the vision and priorities for Cyprus as it prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The focus will be on the climate crisis, biodiversity, and green transition, as highlighted in her address ahead of the final EU Environment Council meeting.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou emphasized that the European Green Deal and tackling the triple planetary crisis are central to their agenda. She acknowledged the efforts of the Danish Presidency and emphasized the importance of continuity within the Presidency trio, which includes Cyprus and Poland. "I would like to congratulate the Danish Presidency for the strong leadership it has demonstrated over the past six months. Together with Poland, our partners in the trio, they have created momentum, and Cyprus is ready to continue it," she stated.
Cyprus is approaching its role with a strategic direction, aiming for a Europe that safeguards its citizens and the future. The Minister underscored that challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are immediate threats, impacting health, security, and economic strength.
Panayiotou declared that Europe cannot afford delays or indecision, and Cyprus' presidency will emphasize realistic and effective policy responses. "We will respond with realism. We want policies that deliver results," she emphasized. The focus will be on the European Green Deal and addressing the "triple planetary crisis" through specific actions on water resilience, climate policy, circular economy, zero pollution, and bioeconomy.
The Minister expressed Cyprus' aspiration to serve as a bridge during its Presidency, linking member states, EU institutions, and Europe with the global community. She concluded by affirming that the Cypriot Presidency aims to deliver results for a greener, more competitive, resilient Europe that leads globally and delivers locally.