Countries that pose a threat to the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States cannot participate in our defence initiatives, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna told the General Affairs Council of the EU on Tuesday, in Luxembourg. She also attended a working breakfast with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, hosted by Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, where she announced that the President of the Republic would visit Ukraine in December 2025.
During the morning session of the Council – which is held in preparation of the European Council meeting of 23 October, in Brussels – the Ministers exchanged views on the draft conclusions of the European Council and held an orientation debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034. Over a working lunch, the Ministers discussed the upcoming Commission proposal for the European Democracy Shield, while in the afternoon session, the 9th hearing of Hungary took place under the Article 7(1) procedure of the Treaty on European Union. Finally, the Danish Presidency presented the progress achieved on the simplification packages.
Regarding the preparation of the European Council, the discussion focused on agenda items including Ukraine, the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and the twin transition, housing, migration, and Moldova.
Referring to the situation in the Middle East, Raouna highlighted the recent developments culminating in the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit, stressing that the agreement on the initial phase of the peace plan for Gaza represents significant progress. She emphasised that the EU must play an active role in shaping the “day after” and work towards rapid implementation, including stabilisation, recovery, and reconstruction. She noted that Cyprus is ready to contribute in this direction and has developed a plan comprising six specific points, which correspond to the provisions of the US plan for Gaza, covering security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. She then informed her counterparts that President Christodoulides would present this initiative at the European Council, referring to the maritime humanitarian corridor “Amalthea” and underlining that the corridor should be approached as an EU tool to be utilised for both aid and reconstruction.
On Ukraine, the Deputy Minister stressed the EU’s continuous and unwavering support for Ukraine at all levels, including the commitment to a just and sustainable peace based on respect for international law regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. She also welcomed the clear political message on Ukraine’s EU accession path, which confirms the Union’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s European perspective and reform efforts, in line with a merit-based approach and established methodology.
On security and defence issues, the Deputy Minister underlined the importance of protecting the EU’s borders, including the Southeast Mediterranean, in accordance with the 360-degree approach. Cyprus, she added, emphasises the need for a unified and geographically balanced European security architecture and the developing capability coalitions that ensure cohesion and equal participation of all Member States. In this context, Raouna stated: “We support all mechanisms and tools, as well as the participation of like-minded third countries, but countries that pose a threat to the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States cannot participate in our defence initiatives.”
Regarding competitiveness, the Deputy Minister noted that simplification and the digital and green transitions are essential prerequisites for the EU to become more competitive. “As the incoming Presidency, we are committed to promoting the commendable work of our Danish colleagues as a priority.” After pointing out that, for Cyprus, the transition must remain fair, realistic, and inclusive, reflecting different national circumstances, she stressed that “the specific challenges faced by island Member States must be taken into account when designing favourable conditions.”
Referring to housing, Raouna reiterated the importance of the European Affordable Housing Plan. “Cyprus is committed to advancing this work during our Presidency, with full respect for the principle of subsidiarity.” In this context, she noted that an informal ministerial meeting on housing would be held in Cyprus in May 2026.
An orientation debate followed on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034. In her intervention, Raouna noted that Cyprus supports a simplified and flexible MFF structure that can quickly respond to emerging challenges. She welcomed the inclusion of the Solidarity Fund and the Emergency Aid Reserve within the ceilings, as this enhances the predictability of national contributions while maintaining the Union’s ability to act effectively in times of crisis, the Deputy Minister added. In this context, Raouna stated that, “as the incoming Presidency, Cyprus is committed to advancing negotiations towards a political agreement by the end of 2026, guided by the principles of transparency, inclusion, and a genuine spirit of cooperation among all Member States and EU institutions”.
The Council was informed about the progress on the “Omnibus” legislative simplification packages. As the incoming Presidency and a member of the Presidency Trio, Cyprus is ready to take over in January to promote the simplification agenda, advancing ongoing work, completing pending packages, and laying the groundwork for upcoming proposals, she said.
During a working lunch, a discussion was held on the Commission’s proposal for the European Democracy Shield. In her intervention, Raouna expressed Cyprus’s support for the Commission’s proposal, stressing that protecting elections and democratic integrity from foreign interference is essential for safeguarding our democracies. “Cyprus is ready to promote this work and ensure an effective and reliable shield for European democracy,” she added, supporting the establishment of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience to combat disinformation and foreign interference in Member States. She also emphasised the vital importance of awareness and education on social media, noting that Cyprus has expressed its willingness to participate in the pilot programme for establishing a European “Digital Age of Consent” for access to social media.
Before the start of the Council’s work, the Deputy Minister attended a working breakfast with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Taras Kachka, hosted by Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, where she conveyed Cyprus’s principled positions and unwavering support for Ukraine. In this context, she announced that the President of the Republic would visit Ukraine in December 2025.
She also participated, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the 18th EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council meeting. In her intervention, Raouna emphasised, among other things, that Cyprus supports the strengthening and deepening of cooperation between the EU and the countries of Central Asia. This cooperation must go hand in hand with deepening bilateral cooperation with EU Member States and be based on respect for international law, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all Union Member States.