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Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs Marilena Raouna participated in the work of the General Affairs Council of the European Union (EU), which took place on Tuesday 20 January in Brussels. The Council discussed the preparation of the European Council on 21 and 22 March 2024 and the state of the rule of law in Poland.
In the context of the discussion on the preparation of the European Council (EC) in March, ministers exchanged views on the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, European Defence and Security, as well as on European Semester and Strategic Agenda issues.
Regarding Ukraine, Ms. Raouna referred to Cyprus' steadfast support to the people and Government of Ukraine, stressing the importance of continued EU support to Ukraine. Cyprus looks forward to the adoption of the 13th sanctions package, with particular emphasis on the need to effectively address the circumvention of sanctions.
On the Middle East, the Deputy Minister referred to the extremely worrying humanitarian situation in Gaza. The March European Council should, she stressed, reach conclusions that include, inter alia, support for a two-state solution in line with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, the condemnation of all terrorist acts and the need to avoid further escalation and possible spillover of the crisis.
Concerning the rule of law in Poland and the Article 7 EU Treaty proceedings against the country, Ms. Rauna in her intervention welcomed the Action Plan, stressing that the rule of law is a fundamental principle of the EU.
Prior to the Council's proceedings, Ministers had an informal working breakfast hosted by Ms Borjana Krišto, President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which they were briefed on the progress made by the country in relation to the EU accession criteria. The Deputy Minister welcomed the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina in fulfilling accession conditions and expressed Cyprus' support for the accession process of the Western Balkan countries, always on the basis of the conditions and criteria set.
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