London: The Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, is set to visit London on Monday, following an invitation from the British Minister for the Constitution and Relations with the European Union (EU), Nick Thomas-Symonds. Her visit is part of a broader engagement plan involving significant talks on EU-UK relations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna’s itinerary includes meetings with Thomas-Symonds and the EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano. Discussions with the British Minister will cover EU-UK relations, preparations for the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, bilateral relations, and regional developments. The meeting with the EU Ambassador aims to further address EU/UK relations, particularly in light of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.
Following her meetings in London, Raouna will travel to Brussels to participate in the EU General Affairs Council (GAC) sessions on Tuesday. The Council meeting, which marks the first under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, will feature a presentation and discussion on the priorities of the Polish Presidency. Key topics will include the rule of law dialogue involving Hungary, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia, based on the European Commission’s State of the Rule of Law Report 2024.
Ministers are also scheduled to deliberate on an informal paper by the Czech Republic regarding Ukraine and Moldova’s gradual integration into the single market. Additionally, they will address the challenge of effectively countering hybrid threats, including information manipulation and external interference.
Raouna’s agenda in Brussels includes attending an informal working breakfast hosted by the Swedish Minister for European Affairs, Jessica Rosencrantz. The breakfast, which features an invitation from Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Olha Stefanishyna, will focus on Ukraine’s accession path.
During her Brussels visit, Raouna, alongside Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, will meet with Cypriot MEPs. This meeting aims to enhance cooperation and coordination in preparation for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.