EU accession has made Cyprus stronger and safer, says Raouna

With its accession to the European Union on May 1, 2004, Cyprus entered a new era that has made it stronger and safer through its participation in the largest political union of states, through its accession to an area of security, stability, and prosperity, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, said in a written statement, on the 1 May anniversary of Cyprus' accession to the EU.

According to the Deputy Minister, Cyprus has been modernised within its journey as a full and equal member of the EU. "By taking advantage of the benefits of the EU, it has been strengthened politically and institutionally, shielding its position internationally. It has improved its infrastructure, created jobs, provided support to professional sectors, promoted business initiatives, improved safety standards in critical areas such as health, promoted digital transformation, and strengthened social policy," she noted.

She added that at the same time, common European principles and values have further strengthened citizens' rights, democracy, and the rule of law. "They have also strengthened efforts to find a sustainable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework – a solution that will restore human rights and fundamental freedoms for all legitimate citizens of Cyprus, in line with the European acquis. Our status as an EU Member State also serves as a shield protecting the principles of the solution," he added.

"Today, twenty-one years after our accession to the EU, our country is preparing intensively to take over – for the second time in its history – the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026. The six-month rotating Presidency, during which the Republic of Cyprus will represent and negotiate on behalf of all 27 Member States, is a major political act for our country and an aspect of our status as a Member State," Raouna continued.

She added that at the same time, the Presidency of the Council of the EU is "an important opportunity for our country to highlight its positive characteristics and further strengthen its role as an effective and beneficial member state that contributes to the formulation of solutions and policies at the European level," adding that "this is one of the central objectives of the government of Nikos Christodoulides, for the benefit of all Cypriots."

"The European Union is our big family, our common home. By strengthening it, we strengthen our homeland and secure the future of our young people. Because a stronger EU means a stronger Cyprus," she concluded.

(Source: CNA)