The Danish Presidency handed Cyprus the baton of the Presidency of the EU Council during the last meeting of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC) for 2025, marked by a symbolic exchange of gifts between the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, and Denmark’s Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Maria Bjerre.
Presenting a bronze artwork by artist Christos Kyriakides depicting Cyprus, the Deputy Minister referred to Cyprus’s historical relationship with copper and stressed that the creation portrays Cyprus in its entirety, without the ceasefire line.
The reunification of the last divided EU Member State is necessary for the true completion of the EU, Raouna underlined. In particular, when discussing enlargement—issues related to the reunification of Europe—we must remember that there is an EU Member State that remains under occupation, she stressed.
Preparations for the forthcoming European Council
As regards the Council’s agenda, Ministers discussed preparations for the forthcoming European Council, the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034, enlargement issues, the legislative programming for the coming year, and the 2026 European Semester.
During the discussion on preparations for the European Council, Raouna pointed out that the European Council meeting represents a decisive moment for Europe’s credibility, security, and global role.
Ukraine’s financing needs for the period 2026–2027
With regard to Ukraine, the Deputy Minister reiterated the importance of sending a clear message on the EU’s continued support at all levels. At the Summit, leaders will be called upon to take critical decisions concerning Ukraine’s financing needs for the period 2026–2027.
Referring to peace efforts, she stressed that any peace agreement must be grounded in the UN Charter and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, she noted that sanctions are a key tool, and their effectiveness depends, among other things, on addressing circumvention through third countries. As the President of the Republic also underlined during his recent visit to Kyiv, the Cypriot Presidency will work to ensure support for Ukraine, including its accession path, and to promote a just and sustainable peace, she concluded.
The importance of regional stability for European security
Regarding the Middle East, the Deputy Minister referred to the importance of regional stability for European security. In this context, she highlighted the role of Cyprus, and in particular the maritime humanitarian corridor “Amalthea,” which is increasingly supported by Member States through the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Furthermore, Raouna welcomed the leaders’ strategic discussion on the geoeconomic situation and its impact on EU competitiveness. Noting that Cyprus expects the European Council to provide clear political guidance for coordinated action, she added that this issue will be a priority of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency, with the aim of achieving tangible progress.
Orientation debate on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework
This was followed by an orientation debate on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034. The Deputy Minister assured that, building on the work of the Danish Presidency, the MFF will be at the top of the agenda of the Cypriot Presidency, with the objective of advancing negotiations to achieve progress across all pillars and delivering a mature negotiating framework that takes into account the challenges and needs of the Union and its Member States.
During the Council’s proceedings, a discussion took place in which a broad consensus was reached on the assessment of the progress made by each enlargement partner over the current year. Although Hungary did not agree to the Conclusions document due to its objections regarding Ukraine’s accession perspective, the remaining 26 Member States approved the document, which will serve as the roadmap guiding the Cypriot Presidency over the next six months.
EU enlargement
In a written statement, the Deputy Minister stressed, among other things, that under the current geopolitical conditions, EU enlargement is a tool capable of contributing to the strengthening of peace, security, stability, and prosperity on our continent and is therefore a strategic necessity.
The Council also approved a joint statement by the three institutions on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2026. The Deputy Minister welcomed the agreement, noting that it provides a strong and balanced foundation for the joint work programme for 2026, while underlining the need for unity, speed, and ambition within the Union.
The timely agreement on the next MFF, strengthening resilience and defence preparedness, managing migration and reducing strategic dependencies, along with competitiveness, regulatory simplification, and the social dimension, will be top priorities for the Cypriot Presidency, she added, stressing the commitment to work constructively with all Member States and institutions to implement this ambitious agenda over the next six months.
Denmark and Cyprus, as the current and incoming Presidencies, jointly presented the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester. Raouna thanked the Danish Presidency for the excellent cooperation in preparing the 2026 European Semester and highlighted the importance of coordinated and coherent work across all Council configurations to ensure the smooth operation of the cycle.
(Source: CNA)
