The need to continue work on meaningful simplification of European legislation, full use of the Single Market and support for EU enlargement was highlighted by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, during her participation in the EU General Affairs Council, held on Tuesday in Brussels.
According to a press release issued by the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, during the opening of the Council, the Irish Presidency presented its priorities for the second half of 2026, with emphasis on issues falling within the remit of the General Affairs Council. The Deputy Minister wished the Irish Presidency every success in implementing its work programme and welcomed the priorities presented.
One market
As she noted, these priorities are fully aligned with the European Union’s Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and ensure continuity in the Council’s work during a period of significant geopolitical and economic challenges.
At the same time, Ministers discussed with Enrico Letta the roadmap “One Europe, One Market”, which was co-signed in Nicosia in April, on the sidelines of the informal meeting of EU leaders, during the Cyprus Presidency.
In her intervention, Raouna said that Cyprus fully supports the ambition behind the roadmap. She said the roadmap provides clear political direction, specific timelines and shared responsibility for removing barriers, reducing fragmentation and fully exploiting the Single Market.
Intergovernmental conferences
On the sidelines of the Council, Raouna also participated in the EU Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and Albania.
During her presence in Brussels, the Deputy Minister was decorated with the Order of Honour of the Republic of Moldova by Moldova’s Prime Minister, Cristina Gherasimov, on behalf of Moldova’s President, Maia Sandu.
Accepting the distinction, the Deputy Minister said that it honours not only herself, but also constitutes recognition of the collective effort of the Cyprus Presidency to promote EU enlargement and support Moldova’s European path.
Finally, Raouna attended the decoration ceremony by the government of Spain of the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the EU, Ambassador Christina Rafti, and of the Chair of the Working Party on EU-United Kingdom relations during the Cyprus Presidency, Michaelia Avani.
Source: CNA
