Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna welcomed the convergence on the text of the conclusions of the upcoming European Council, during her participation in the General Affairs Council of the EU held on Tuesday, according to an official statement.
The EU’s ministers discussed the preparation of this week’s European Council (21-22 March), the Council’s report on the European Semester 2024 and issues relating to the future of Europe.
During the discussion on the preparation of the European Council, ministers exchanged views on draft conclusions regarding the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the security and defence sector in the EU and the next steps in the enlargement process.
In her intervention, Raouna welcomed the convergence achieved on draft conclusions on the Middle East ahead of the European Council, and briefed her counterparts on the activation of the Cyprus initiative for the creation of a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
On migrat
ion, the Deputy Minister referred to Egypt’s role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and underlined the importance of the Joint Declaration for a Comprehensive and Strategic EU – Egypt Partnership signed in Cairo on 17 March. She also highlighted the importance of joint and coordinated actions at EU level in the field of migration.
Regarding enlargement process, Raouna expressed Cyprus’ support for the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Deputy Minister also referred to Cyprus’ firm support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
In the margins of the Council, Raouna held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from France and Sweden, with whom she exchanged views on European issues of common interest. Special emphasis was placed on an exchange of views and best practices in the context of preparations for the Republic of Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
Raouna also participated in an extra
ordinary session of the European Parliament’s European Affairs Committee on the challenges facing the EU as a result of enlargement policy.
The Deputy Minister also met with the Secretary General of the European Parliament Alessandro Chiocchetti with whom she exchanged views on European issues and individual issues of inter-institutional cooperation, in particular in view of the preparation for the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
During her stay in Brussels, Raouna also had a meeting with the Cypriot Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides.
Source: Cyprus News Agency