Brussels: The trio of presidencies consisting of Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus is poised to take over the EU Council during a pivotal period marked by complex geopolitical challenges, according to Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna. During her address at the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Raouna expressed confidence in the trio’s ability to work collaboratively with unity, vision, and determination to fortify the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos, engaged in discussions with Cypriot Members of the European Parliament. The meeting aimed to bolster cooperation and coordination in anticipation of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council. The General Affairs Council’s agenda included the presentation of the Polish Presidency’s priorities, alongside a country-specific rule of law dialogue for four member states.
The session opened with Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szlapka outlining the priorities of the Polish Presidency, which focus on seven pillars, particularly emphasizing security across various dimensions. Raouna conveyed her best wishes to Poland, highlighting the significance of the discussion as it marks the initiation of the Trio of presidencies.
The Council also featured a presentation on the 2024 Annual Report on the Rule of Law in Hungary, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia by Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath. Raouna stressed the importance of the rule of law as a democratic cornerstone and underscored the value of such discussions in promoting best practices and defending the rule of law.
Raouna affirmed that defending the rule of law is a priority for the Trio Presidency. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic presented an initiative for integrating Ukraine and Moldova into the Single Market, and France offered proposals to counter foreign interference in European electoral processes, both garnering Cyprus’s support.
Prior to the Council proceedings, Raouna attended an informal breakfast with the “27,” hosted by Swedish Minister for European Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz, featuring Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. The discussion centered on Ukraine’s EU accession path, with Raouna reiterating Cyprus’s support for Ukraine’s European aspirations, describing enlargement policy as a geopolitical investment for the EU.