Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, briefed on Wednesday the Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee about the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency which begins on January 1st, noting that we approach our Presidency with a clear vision for the future of our Union, committed to constructive cooperation and dialogue with all of our partners.
“Because holding the Presidency is never the task of a single Member State. It is, by nature, a collective undertaking”, she told the members of the Bureau which convenes in Nicosia, on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of the EU Presidency.
Raouna spoke of a long journey, full of planning, decisions, and many unknowns, but also, full of determination to deliver for our European family, to take the European project forward.
Addressing the members of the Bureau and Head of the EESC DepMin Raouna noted that the Committee brings the perspectives, experience, and realities of Europe’s workers, employers, and civil society directly into the heart of our policymaking.
She made special reference to the 14 requests Cyprus submitted to the EESC and added that we are assuming the Presidency guided by a clear vision for a strategically independent Union, truly autonomous, a Europe that protects, empowers, and unites, an engaged Europe, a Union that delivers more for its citizens.
“In a complex, shifting world, the Union must stand out as stable, reliable, and strong. Committed to rules based international order and multilateralism”, Raouna noted.
She added that fostering relations with our neighbours and promoting strategic partnerships with our Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf, and with key regional actors, is of utmost importance to this end for achieving goals for a greater energy and trade autonomy, enhanced competitiveness, and strengthened security and maritime stability.
She added that advancing enlargement must be sought not only as a geopolitical imperative, but also as a driving force for peace, stability and prosperity.
“The Cyprus Presidency will place strong emphasis on reinforcing the EU’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to humanitarian crises, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, leveraging its proven track record in supporting humanitarian operations”, she said.
Raouna referred to the top priority negotiation for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) noting that “we will work closely and transparently with all the Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission to shape a balanced framework that reflects the strategic vision and priorities of the EU”.
In her address she also referred to the priorities of strengthening EU competitiveness and economic prosperity, enhancing connectivity through European Transport Corridors, tourism resilience and competitiveness, energy autonomy, advancing the European Union’s environmental and sustainability agenda, comprehensive EU Employment and Social Agenda, measures for poverty reduction and support for vulnerable groups and affordable housing.
“During our Presidency we will work on enhancing cooperation on effective housing policies and financial instruments, building on the forthcoming Affordable Housing Plan and paving the way for the first ever Housing Summit,” she said.
Raouna also noted that the Cyprus Presidency will focus on an effective approach to migration and border management, supporting full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and will prioritize the rule of law as a cornerstone of the EU’s functioning and the well-being of its citizens.