Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna called for a more autonomous European Union that remains open to the world, during the General Affairs Council in Brussels, within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
In her statements to international media, in the presence of InBusinessNews in Brussels, ahead of the Council’s start, she highlighted key agenda priorities including security and defense, economic challenges, illegal drug trafficking, and the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the European Union for the period 2028–2034.
As she noted, today’s proceedings begin with the sixth meeting of the “Ministers for the Future,” focusing on strategic foresight and the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience in a constantly shifting geopolitical and economic environment. “Strategic foresight is an essential tool for Europe to prepare, anticipate, and build long-term resilience,” she emphasized.
She placed particular importance on negotiations for the new MFF, noting that the Cypriot Presidency has worked with speed and dedication, achieving substantial progress in discussions among member states. She also recalled that the issue had already been discussed by European leaders in Nicosia during the informal European Council.
According to her, the Presidency is working on presenting a revised negotiating framework, which will now include specific numerical data, ahead of discussions among European leaders in June. As she stated, the process is at an advanced stage, aiming to create the conditions for an agreement by the end of 2026.
The discussion on the EU’s new seven-year budget is of particular importance for the economy and businesses, as it will shape future investments, European funding tools, and priorities in areas such as competitiveness, infrastructure, energy, the green transition, and digital transformation.
Marilena Raouna also referred to EU–United Kingdom relations, describing London as a “like-minded partner,” while noting that the Cypriot Presidency is working both on implementing the outcomes of the first EU–UK Summit and preparing for the next one, which is expected to take place during Cyprus’ term.
She also made special reference to the EU’s enlargement strategy, ahead of today’s Intergovernmental Conference with Albania. As she stressed, enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, while remaining a process strictly based on merit, accountability, and credibility for both candidate countries and the EU itself.
Responding to a question about the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, the Deputy Minister reiterated the Cypriot Presidency’s firm support for Ukraine, noting that the EU has already approved its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which includes significant provisions to address sanctions circumvention—an issue Cyprus had repeatedly raised in European discussions.
At the same time, she recalled that the Cypriot Presidency also promoted the €19 billion financial support package for Ukraine, with its implementation already underway.
The work of the General Affairs Council continues today in Brussels with discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework, EU–UK relations, the rule of law, and the EU enlargement strategy. At the same time, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is also taking place under the presidency of Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou, while later in the evening, the EU–Albania Intergovernmental Conference on the country’s accession path will be held.
