FM presents rule of law measures in Cyprus during Brussels meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, presented the state of affairs and the measures implemented in the area of rule of law in Cyprus, in a discussion that was held during the General Affairs Council of the EU in Brussels.

The 21 May discussion was a part of the annual dialogue on the rule of law in EU member states, which is held over several General Affairs Councils throughout the year. The debate focused on the situation in Cyprus as well as in Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

According to a press release, after an initial presentation by Commission Vice President Vera Jourova, Kombos spoke about the state of play in Cyprus after the European Commission published its annual Rule of Law Report in 2023.

The Foreign Minister referred to "significant progress that has been achieved in all areas” as well as to measures taken by the Republic to implement the Commission's recommendations.

According to the press release, Jourova and the other member states "expressed satisfaction with the significant steps Cyprus has taken to improve the rule of law, particularly in the areas of the administration of justice and the institutional framework for tackling corruption" and stressed the importance of continuing reforms.

The agenda of the meeting included the Article 7 procedure on the rule of law in Poland, following the Commission's proposal to close the procedure following recent developments in the country. Ministers also discussed EU - UK relations, as well as preparations for the next European Council summit to be held after the European elections on 27 and 28 June.

During the discussion on the preparation of the European Council, ministers exchanged views on draft conclusions focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, security and defence issues, the development of capital markets at national level, the adoption of the Strategic Agenda 2024 - 2029 and the future of Europe on the basis of a document of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Before the opening of the Council's work, the Ministers had an informal working breakfast with the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov.

(Source: CNA)