Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Marilena Raouna met on Monday with the Cypriot MEPs ahead of the Cyprus EU Presidency in the first half of 2026. Cyprus will hold the Trio along with Poland and Denmark. The Deputy Minister discussed with the MEPs about their close cooperation for the effective promotion of the legislative work of the European Union during the Presidency, according to a press release. She pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus has highlighted, in the context of the consultation with the Presidency Trio, issues such as social Europe, the effective management of the migration crisis, with an emphasis on its external dimension, the EU relations with the Middle East and Gulf countries, maritime security, connectivity and the support of the economy's primary sector. Moreover she noted that Cyprus will have to deal with the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the review of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, during its Presidency. Raouna and the MEPs discussed ways to further strengthen rela tions with the European Parliament and the Deputy Mininster noted that she will hold contacts to this end in the next months. Raouna underlined that assuming the Presidency is a national mission and that the close and constructive cooperation with the Cypriot MEPs is particularly important. She also noted that the common goal is an ambitious and successful Presidency. It is noted that MEP Phidias Panagiotou did not attend the meeting because he had other commitments. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and in 2012 it assumed the EU Presidency for the first time. It elects 6 MEPs. Source: Cyprus News Agency