Brussels: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna engaged in a series of strategic meetings in Brussels on September 16-17, in anticipation of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in January 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, these discussions were part of her participation in the General Affairs Council (GAC) of the European Union.
The press release from the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency highlighted that Raouna conducted bilateral meetings with European counterparts such as Artjoms Ur…¡ulskis from Latvia, Margus Tsahkna from Estonia, and Fernando Sampedro from Spain. The dialogues centered on pivotal European issues relevant to the forthcoming Cyprus Presidency, including the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EU enlargement, migration, competitiveness, energy and connectivity, EU defense and security, the Schengen area, and regional developments.
Raouna also conversed with British Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds to deliberate on enhancing EU-British relations in light of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency. They explored opportunities to leverage the growing positive momentum in EU-UK relations, a development underscored by the outcomes of the EU-UK Summit in London in May, focusing on execution of existing agreements in areas such as security, defense, people-to-people contacts, the environment, and migration.
In meetings with European Commissioners, Raouna discussed energy priorities with Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan J¸rgensen, emphasizing Cyprus’ commitment to advancing policies that yield tangible benefits for European citizens. Discussions included the European Networks Package and the European Affordable Housing Plan, central themes for the Cyprus Presidency.
Raouna and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner exchanged perspectives on migration policy, border management, and Schengen area issues, with a focus on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and legislative proposals Cyprus will manage during its presidency. Progress on Cyprus’ full accession into the Schengen area was also discussed, as noted in the press release.