Brussels: Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, recently engaged in a series of key meetings in Brussels as part of Cyprus’s preparations to assume the Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meetings, which took place from May 26 to 28, coincided with Raouna’s participation in the working dinner of the General Affairs Council (GAC) of the European Union. A press release from the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 highlighted that Raouna’s agenda included a bilateral meeting with her Austrian counterpart, Claudia Plakolm. The discussions centered around pressing issues on the European agenda, factoring in Cyprus’s forthcoming EU Presidency. Topics included the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EU enlargement, migration, competitiveness, defense and security, EU-Turkey relations, and the Cyprus issue.
The Deputy Minister also engaged with European Commissioners on various subjects. In a meeting with Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, they explored the reinforcement of Cohesion Policy, challenges specific to island member states, and the modernization of Cohesion Policy within the context of the Mid-term Review of Cohesion Policy Programmes. They also touched upon negotiations for the new Cohesion Policy Regulation post-2027, which will be a significant focus for the Cypriot Presidency.
In discussions with Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Raouna addressed the new Water Resilience Strategy, a critical area for Cyprus and its upcoming Presidency. They also discussed legislation related to Circular Economy and the EU Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation.
Raouna’s meeting with Commissioner Michael McGrath, responsible for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, involved exchanges on fortifying and safeguarding the rule of law, a major priority for the Trio with Poland and Denmark, which the Cypriot Presidency aims to emphasize. Raouna reiterated Cyprus’s unwavering commitment to the core European values of democracy and the rule of law.
Additionally, Raouna held discussions with representatives from various EU institutional bodies, further underscoring Cyprus’s proactive approach as it gears up for its role in the EU Council Presidency.