Cyprus Ready for Successful EU Presidency

The Republic of Cyprus is ready for a successful presidency of the European Union, stated the Deputy Minister of European Affairs, Marilena Raouna.

Speaking on 'Proino Dromologio', she mentioned that the central message of the Cypriot Presidency is an autonomous European Union, adding that this autonomy should be the next step towards European integration.

This, she said, must be done through strengthening the Union's security and defense capabilities, so that it can act independently and from a position of strength, as an equal partner. Ms. Raouna noted that the priorities of the Cypriot presidency also include strengthening the competitiveness of the European Union.

She also mentioned that Nicosia will also emphasize the issue of affordable housing. In this regard, she pointed out that a special European Summit will be held during the Cypriot Presidency. According to Ms. Raouna, emphasis will also be given to the issue of protecting vulnerable groups and especially to the issue of protecting minors on the internet.

Referring to the Ukrainian issue, the Deputy Minister of European Affairs said that supporting Kyiv will be a key priority of the Cypriot Presidency. She stressed that Nicosia has drawn up a 19-point roadmap to support Ukraine during the Cypriot Presidency. On January 7, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will visit Cyprus and participate in the official opening ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency.