Brussels: Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Papaellina, presented the social priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during an official visit to Brussels, on Monday and Tuesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare released a press statement detailing that on Monday, Deputy Minister Papaellina met with Cypriot Commissioner Costas Kadis, who oversees the portfolio of Fisheries and Oceans.
Papaellina also engaged in discussions with David Brozina, Director General of the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU. The meeting involved a substantive exchange of views regarding the Presidency's priorities, planning, and progress, along with methods to enhance dialogue with European institutions.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister conducted bilateral meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Petar Hristov, from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), and Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas. The discussions revolved around social policy issues, cooperation during the Presidency, support for joint initiatives, and advancing files on social rights and protecting vulnerable populations.
On Tuesday, Papaellina had a bilateral meeting with Roxana Minzatu, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President responsible for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Employment, and Preparedness. The meeting focused on social policy issues such as combating poverty, especially child poverty, protecting children's best interests, integrating people with disabilities, and tackling long-term care and active ageing challenges.
The Deputy Minister also briefed institutional interlocutors about the High-Level Conferences planned during the Cyprus Presidency's six-month term in Cyprus and Brussels, highlighting the importance of continuing work and enhancing political dialogue. The visit was deemed to have significantly strengthened cooperation with European institutions and supported the successful promotion of Cyprus Presidency priorities.