Nicosia: The enlargement of the European Union, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and addressing information manipulation and foreign interference are the primary topics at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for European Affairs, scheduled in Nicosia on Monday and Tuesday, March 2 and 3, 2026, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the main sessions will occur on Tuesday, March 3, at the Conference Centre in Nicosia, concentrating on the MFF 2028-2034, EU enlargement, and methods to counter information manipulation and foreign interference. The event will see participation from ministers, representatives of the General Secretariat of the Council, the European Commission, members of the European Parliament, candidate countries for EU accession, a potential candidate country, and a representative from the United Kingdom.
The MFF, a significant pillar of the Cyprus Presidency's priorities, will be discussed in two separate sessions during the meeting. These discussions, aimed at fostering informal and constructive dialogue between the Council and the European Parliament, will include a working breakfast with Johan Van Overtveldt, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Budgets, and co-rapporteurs Siegfried Muresan and Carla Tavares. A session exclusively for EU Member States will further explore the MFF, focusing on the future EU budget and its strategic objectives.
EU enlargement will also be a significant topic of discussion, involving candidate countries and a potential candidate country. A session will also include the United Kingdom, focusing on tackling information manipulation and foreign interference.
Additionally, the meeting will feature informal sessions with Ukraine and Moldova, providing a platform to reaffirm political support for their reform and accession efforts, assess progress, and discuss future steps.
On Monday afternoon, ministers will tour the historic center of Nicosia, including areas along the ceasefire line, followed by a visit to the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation. The day will conclude with an official dinner hosted by Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna.