Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna discussed on Monday issues concerning the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026, as well as cooperation with the European Parliament, during a meeting she had with MEPs Loucas Fourlas, George Georgiou, Geadis Geadi and Costas Mavridis.

According to Cyprus Presidency Secretariat of the EU Council sources, the meeting took place in the context of the preparations for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU. The Deputy Minister for European Affairs briefed the MEPs on the work that has been put forward and exchanged views on cooperation issues during the Presidency and the priorities of the Presidency Trio, in which Cyprus participates together with Poland and Denmark.

According to the same sources, the consultation process on the Trio’s priorities is ongoing and is expected to be completed towards the end of the year and before the start of the Polish Presidency in January 2025. At the same time, consultations will begin on the preparation of Cyprus' national programme, that will be concluded by the end of 2025.

Responding to a question, the same sources said that the process of staffing the Secretariat and the Permanent Representation in Brussels for the needs of the Cyprus Presidency is also underway and is expected to be completed in different phases and based on an overall plan approved by the Council of Ministers.

Finally, they noted that due to other commitments of MEP Michael Hadjipantela, a meeting with him was scheduled to take place on Monday afternoon, while due to other commitments of MEP Fidias Panagiotou, no meeting was going to take place with him on Monday.