Strasbourg: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna is set to travel to Strasbourg on Monday as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council. She will represent the Council during the European Parliament plenary session, which is scheduled to take place from March 9 to 12.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister will engage in discussions on various significant topics. These include a legislative act concerning the establishment of the European Research Area (ERA), efforts to reduce bureaucracy, and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to unlock the full potential of the single market. Discussions will also cover the repercussions of the US-Israel military operation against Iran and the necessity to support the Iranian populace, along with deliberations about the upcoming European Council meeting on March 19-20 and the European Semester.
Additionally, Raouna will represent the EU Council in debates focusing on reducing bureaucracy to foster a competitive and clean transition. She will also address the urgent need to accelerate and simplify permit procedures, as well as discussions on the Savings and Investments Union and the need to intensify efforts to deepen the integration of European markets.
The announcement further mentions that Raouna will co-sign legislative acts on behalf of the EU Council alongside the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. During her time in Strasbourg, the Deputy Minister is also scheduled to hold meetings with Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party, and MEP Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats political group.