London: The Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, has wrapped up her three-day official visit to London, where her primary focus was on preparing for Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, slated for the first half of 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna engaged in discussions with Michael Ellam, the Second Permanent Secretary for EU and International Economic Affairs. Their meetings centered around EU-UK relations and the potential for strengthening these ties in anticipation of the Cypriot Presidency, which begins in January 2026. The official announcement highlighted a mutual commitment to close cooperation with the aim of advancing shared EU and UK interests. Raouna expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in EU-UK relations following the successful EU-UK Summit in London last May.
During her visit, Raouna also conferred with Armida van Rij, head of the European Programme at Chatham House. Their discussions covered significant European policy issues, such as EU-UK relations, the EU’s relationship with its Southern Neighbourhood, enlargement, competitiveness, and security and defense matters.
In addition, Raouna met with Praful Nargund, founder and director of the Good Growth Foundation think tank. Their dialogue focused on the new momentum in EU-UK relations and explored opportunities for deepening ties further, especially in the context of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency.
Raouna also served as the keynote speaker at the annual parliamentary meeting of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom, co-organized with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus in the UK Parliament. In her address, she provided updates on the Cyprus issue in light of the upcoming informal extended meeting in New York and discussed bilateral Cyprus-UK relations as well as preparations for Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency. She emphasized key themes the Cypriot Presidency aims to promote, including the future EU-UK relationship and Cyprus’ strategic role as a bridge between the EU and the broader region.