A clear political message on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency was delivered by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna during her briefing to the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Tuesday afternoon.
She stressed that, in light of recent developments, ‘it is becoming clear that we are a Union of values and a Union of the rule of law.’
‘It is a privilege and an honour to address the LIBE Committee, here at the European Parliament, at the heart of European democracy, at the beginning of the Cyprus Presidency,’ Raouna said.
Cyprus DepMin also underlined that LIBE is the institutional forum ‘where security meets liberty and where policy meets citizens’ rights.’
Through the Committee’s work, she added, ‘European action remains firmly grounded in democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law, ensuring that our Union is not only effective, but also legitimate and accountable in the eyes of its citizens.’
She made special reference to the current geopolitical and institutional challenges facing the Union, noting that ‘in light of recent developments, it is becoming clear that we are a Union of values and a Union of the rule of law. This is the European way, this is the European model – and it starts from within.’
Raouna also referred to the strong symbolism of her participation earlier the same day in the special session marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. ‘It was a heart-wrenching reminder of what happens when democracy and the rule of law fail – and why we must never forget,’ she said.
‘Without the rule of law, the single market cannot function,’ the Deputy Minister stressed, underlining that the rule of law is not merely a political principle, but also a foundation of the Union’s economic functioning.
‘The rule of law also has a single-market dimension. Without respect for the rule of law, for our common values, for fair competition and legal certainty within the European Union, the single market simply cannot function,’ she said.
At the same time, Raouna warned that European democracies are under increasing pressure. ‘Europe is facing growing threats from foreign interference, cyber-operations and hybrid attacks that seek to undermine trust in our institutions, media freedom and social cohesion,’ she noted. ‘More than ever, in today’s geopolitical and economic environment, we must stand firm by our values,’ she underlined.
Raouna placed particular emphasis on the symbolic and political significance of the Cyprus Presidency, recalling that Cyprus is the only EU Member State that remains divided and under military occupation.
‘At the south-easternmost corner of the European Union, Cyprus assumes the Presidency as the last Member State that remains divided and under military occupation,’ she said.
‘We know from lived experience what insecurity and violations of fundamental freedoms and human rights mean on a daily basis. It is devastating.’ She stressed that this experience reinforces the Presidency’s commitment: ‘This perspective, shaped by resilience and European solidarity, strengthens our commitment to a Union that protects its citizens, defends its values, the rule of law and international legality.’
Raouna presented the five interconnected pillars of the Cyprus Presidency, centred on a ‘more autonomous yet open to the world’ European Union.
‘Our Presidency is guided by one central objective: a Union that is more autonomous and at the same time open to the world. Autonomy as the next necessary step in the European integration project,’ she said.
The five pillars concern: autonomy through security, defence readiness and preparedness, autonomy through competitiveness, a Union open to the world, a Union that leaves no one behind, and a long-term budget for an autonomous Europe. ‘An autonomous Union is, above all, a democratic Union,’ she stressed.
Referring to institutional priorities, the Deputy Minister announced concrete steps to strengthen the rule of law across the Union. ‘We will strengthen the rule of law across the Union, building on the annual rule-of-law cycle and the ongoing Article 7 procedures,’ she said.
She recalled that the first thematic rule-of-law dialogues for four Member States (Estonia, Denmark, Greece and Spain) had already taken place at Monday’s General Affairs Council, while in May discussions would follow on France, Croatia, Italy and Latvia.
‘Our aim is to promote constructive, results-oriented discussions and the exchange of best practices to prevent democratic backsliding in Member States,’ she added. She also announced a high-level conference on the rule of law in Nicosia on 6-7 May, with an invitation extended to the European Parliament to participate.
Regarding the Article 7 procedure concerning Hungary, Raouna said: ‘Our Presidency will advance the procedure while maintaining an open and constructive dialogue. In light of developments on the ground, we will hold another hearing of Hungary at the General Affairs Council in June.’
Closing her address, the Deputy Minister highlighted simplification and better regulation as a core priority of the Cyprus Presidency.
‘Simplification and better regulation are a core priority of the Cyprus Presidency. We will work decisively and inclusively, in close cooperation with the European Parliament, to ensure that rules remain efficient, proportionate and easier to apply, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises,’ she said.
She concluded with a clear message of cooperation to the LIBE Committee:
‘The area of freedom, security and justice lies at the heart of what makes the European Union unique. The success of the Cyprus Presidency will not be measured only by files closed, but by the trust built between institutions, Member States and citizens.’