Nicosia: Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, addressed the Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on Wednesday, detailing the priorities for the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, set to commence on January 1st. Raouna emphasized the Presidency’s vision for the future of the European Union, highlighting a commitment to constructive cooperation and dialogue with all partners.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna stated that holding the Presidency is a collective endeavor, not the responsibility of a single Member State. She spoke to the Bureau members gathered in Nicosia, describing the journey as one filled with planning, decisions, and unknowns. However, she expressed determination to advance the European project for the benefit of the European family.
Raouna highlighted the EESC’s vital role in integrating the perspectives, experiences, and realities of Europe’s workers, employers, and civil society into the policymaking process. She emphasized Cyprus’s submission of 14 requests to the EESC, underscoring a vision for a strategically independent, autonomous Europe that protects, empowers, and unites its citizens.
In her presentation, Raouna underscored the importance of fostering relations with neighboring regions, promoting strategic partnerships, and achieving energy and trade autonomy. She stressed the need for enhanced competitiveness and strengthened security and maritime stability, alongside advancing EU enlargement as a geopolitical and peace-driving force.
The Cyprus Presidency will prioritize reinforcing the EU’s capacity to respond to humanitarian crises, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Raouna also highlighted the negotiation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as a top priority, aiming for a balanced framework reflecting EU strategic visions.
She further outlined priorities such as strengthening EU competitiveness, enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism resilience, achieving energy autonomy, and advancing environmental and sustainability agendas. Raouna emphasized a comprehensive EU Employment and Social Agenda with measures for poverty reduction, support for vulnerable groups, and affordable housing.
During the Presidency, Cyprus plans to enhance cooperation on housing policies, building on the Affordable Housing Plan and preparing for the first Housing Summit. Raouna concluded by affirming the focus on effective migration and border management, supporting the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and prioritizing the rule of law as fundamental to the EU’s functioning and citizen well-being.