Cyprus emphasised its focus on the EU’s strategic autonomy, enlargement, and strengthening the rule of law, during the first General Affairs Council of its EU Presidency on Monday in Brussels.
"The Cyprus Presidency takes on its role at a critical juncture for the European Union,” said Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna during a presentation of the key priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency.
On the latest developments and discussions among EU leaders at the last ad hoc European Council convened to discuss US threats on Greenland, Raouna said: "What everyone emphasised is that […] the strategic autonomy of the EU is indeed the next step in European integration. It is a necessity in today's environment."
She added: "What we must remain committed to is our unity, determination, and adherence to the core principles promoted by the EU: the protection of international law, territorial integrity, and independence. We remain committed to these principles and to dialogue with the US, where we agree and where we disagree."
Ukraine and enlargement
Regarding Ukrainian EU membership, Raouna said: "Enlargement is a process based on values and the achievements of candidate countries. Ukraine, despite Russian aggression, has implemented impressive reforms under exceptionally difficult circumstances."
Also speaking to reporters, European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen added that "technical work on Ukraine's accession process continues as usual, with the aim of accelerating the process."
Virkkunen welcomed the prioritisation of democracy and the rule of law by the Cyprus EU Presidency, saying: "Democracy and the rule of law provide fundamental guarantees for justice, fundamental rights, and equality across all member states."
Strengthening resilience against interference
On the European Democracy Shield, Virkkunen said: "The goal is to strengthen the Union's resilience against interference, misinformation, and manipulation of information. We want to protect the information space, strengthen democratic institutions, and enhance societal resilience."
Regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework, Raouna noted that "our goal is to prepare the ground for timely and successful negotiations and to deliver a mature negotiating framework with indicative figures by the end of our Presidency."
On the rule of law, she stressed that "a strong Union is based on unwavering respect for and adherence to the rule of law."
Regarding her meeting with Bernd Lange, Chair of the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, Raouna referred to the “crucial” cooperation between the European Council and European Parliament on the effort to simplify EU rules and facilitate business and innovation, also known as the Omnibus packages.
Source: CNA