The Cyprus Presidency will continue to work intensively and constructively towards finalising discussions within the Council and convening the Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine and Moldova, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna said on Thursday in a written statement.
Raouna noted that the Cyprus Presidency reaffirms that enlargement remains one of the European Union’s most transformative policies, a strategic political commitment, and a geopolitical imperative. From the outset of its mandate, she continued, the Presidency has demonstrated its strong determination and commitment to achieving tangible progress for all candidate countries, strictly in accordance with the merit-based principle that underpins the enlargement process.
“The future of Ukraine and Moldova lies within the European Union,” she underlined, noting that in the face of extraordinary circumstances arising from Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its wider repercussions for regional security and stability, both Ukraine and Moldova have demonstrated remarkable resilience and steadfast commitment to their European path.
“Despite the immense challenges they continue to confront-including the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine and the significant economic, security and hybrid pressures faced by Moldova-both countries have maintained the pace of reforms and delivered substantial progress on their accession-related commitments. Cyprus, itself a victim of invasion and ongoing occupation, has a unique understanding and perspective on the importance of the accession process of Ukraine and Moldova,” she noted.
According to Raouna, the Cyprus Presidency has worked tirelessly and with unwavering dedication towards the formal opening of Clusters in their accession negotiations. Building on the recent positive momentum and the agreement reached in the bilateral negotiations between Hungary and Ukraine, both of which, according to the Deputy Minister, have demonstrated commendable constructiveness and commitment, the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), following a unanimous decision by all EU Member States, initiated on Wednesday night the first procedural steps in full accordance with the enlargement methodology for the Opening of Cluster 1 (Fundamentals) in the accession negotiations of both Ukraine and Moldova.
“In the coming days, the Cyprus Presidency will continue to work intensively and constructively towards finalising discussions within the Council and convening the Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine and Moldova, which will mark the official opening of the 1st negotiating cluster,” Raouna hilghlighted, adding that the Cyprus Presidency remains fully committed to advancing the enlargement agenda and will spare no effort until the final day of its mandate to support further progress in the accession process of candidate countries, in line with the Union’s strategic interests and values.