Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) on 17 November and held meetings with her counterparts from France, Germany and Sweden ahead of the Cyprus EU Presidency, which begins on 1 January 2026.
GAC discussed the preparations for December's EUCO as well as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EU-United Kingdom relations and the European Commission's 2026 work programme, a press release from the Secretariat of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency 2026, said here today.
December's EUCO will focus on Ukraine, the Middle East, enlargement issues, migration and competitiveness.
As regards Ukraine Raouna in her intervention reassured about Cyprus' support, adding that during the Cyprus Presidency, there will be discussions so that EU continues to stand by Kiev, providing political, economic and humanitarian support.
Referring to the Middle East the Cyprus Deputy Minister said that the situation in Gaza is high on the leaders’ agenda, stressing that situation on the ground is unstable and called on the EU to strengthen its presence in the region, at political, economic and operational levels.
She also said that Cyprus, as the EU Member State closest to the region, contributes to strengthening the EU’s presence and credibility and informed her counterparts on President Christodoulides’ six-point plan, as well as the ongoing humanitarian aid mission to Gaza via Amalthea.
She also described enlargement as a pillar of stability for the future of Europe. In her intervention about MFF, she referred to Cyprus’ aim to achieve political agreement by the end of 2026.
Raouna noted that during the Cyprus Presidency, "we will work constructively to advance EU-UK relations". She furthermore noted that Cyprus, as an island member state is well aware of the challenges islands have especially on short-term rentals, which are directly linked to the housing issue.
The Deputy Minister participated also in the 7th EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference and had bilateral contacts with her counterparts from France, Germany and Sweden.
