Cyprus will continue intensive efforts to advance the EU accession process for Ukraine and Moldova, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said, pointing to procedural steps taken in Brussels for the opening of the first negotiating cluster.
In a written statement, Raouna said the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU reaffirms that enlargement remains one of the Union’s most transformative policies, describing it as both a strategic political commitment and a geopolitical necessity.
Since the start of its six-month Presidency, she said, Cyprus has shown strong will and commitment to achieving tangible results for all candidate countries, in line with the merit-based principle that underpins the enlargement process.
“The future of Ukraine and Moldova lies within the European Union,” Raouna said, noting that both countries have shown resilience and continued commitment to their European path despite the ongoing consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and its wider impact on regional security and stability.
She said both countries had maintained the pace of reforms and made substantial progress in meeting accession-related commitments, despite major challenges, including the devastation caused by the war in Ukraine, pressure on the economy and security, and the hybrid threats faced by Moldova.
Raouna added that Cyprus, having itself been the victim of invasion and continuing occupation, has a particular understanding of the significance of the accession process for Ukraine and Moldova.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Cyprus Presidency has worked “tirelessly and with unwavering dedication” towards the formal opening of negotiating clusters in the accession talks of the two countries.
She said that, building on recent positive momentum and an agreement reached in bilateral talks between Hungary and Ukraine, the Committee of Permanent Representatives proceeded on Wednesday night with the first procedural steps for opening Cluster 1, on fundamental issues, in the accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
The move followed a unanimous decision by all EU member states and was taken in full compliance with the enlargement methodology, she said.
In the coming days, Raouna said, the Cyprus Presidency will continue working constructively to complete discussions in the Council and convene intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova. These would mark the formal opening of the first cluster of negotiating chapters.
She said the Cyprus Presidency remains fully committed to advancing the enlargement agenda and will continue its efforts until the final day of its term to support further progress in the accession process of candidate countries, in line with the Union’s strategic interests and values.
Source: CNA
