Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, has emphasized that Cyprus is leveraging energy as a catalyst for cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, while also contributing to the path towards energy independence and, consequently, the strategic autonomy of the European Union.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Prague European Summit 2024, held on June 13-14 in Prague, Raouna focused on the role Cyprus can play in the EU's efforts to address the energy crisis by providing a reliable alternative energy corridor to Europe, a press release from the European Affairs Deputy Ministry said here on Thursday.

The panel discussion, entitled "Energy Security First – Pragmatic Decisions Affecting Climate Ambitions," focused on Europe's energy security in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which underscored the need for EU energy independence.

Participants discussed the EU's strategy for a green transition in the context of new geopolitical realities, as well as the priorities of the new European Commission.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Raouna met with her Czech counterpart, Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák. Their discussions covered current issues facing the European Union, including the strategic agenda for the 2024-2029 period and the future of Europe. They also exchanged views on enlargement, migration, EU-Turkey relations, the Cyprus issue, and the outcomes of the recent European Parliament elections, the press release added.

The Prague European Summit is organised by the Institute of International Relations and the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, under the auspices of Czech President Petr Pavel. The Summit serves as a strategic platform aimed at addressing common pan-European issues and challenges.