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- Ελληνικά
The work of the General Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) concluded yesterday in Brussels, with the participation of Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs Marilena Raouna.
The Council's proceedings focused, among other things, on the preparation of the European Council to be held on 21 and 22 March, the Council's report on the European Semester 2024 and the consultations on the future of Europe.
During the discussion on the preparation of the European Council, ministers exchanged views on the draft conclusions, focusing on the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, issues relating to EU security and defence, as well as the enlargement process.
In her intervention, Ms Raouna referred to Cyprus' firm support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and welcomed the convergence of the European Council's conclusions on the Middle East. In addition, the Deputy Minister informed about the activation of the Cypriot initiative for the establishment of a maritime humanitarian corridor for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Regarding migration, the Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of joint and coordinated actions at EU level. She also referred to Egypt's role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region and underlined the importance of the Joint Declaration for a Comprehensive and Strategic EU-Egypt Partnership signed in Cairo on 17 March 2024.
Regarding the Enlargement process, she conveyed Cyprus' support for the transfer of the issue to the external relations section of the Conclusions, while expressing support for the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the margins of the Council, Ms Raouna held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from France and Sweden, with whom she exchanged views on European issues of common interest. Special emphasis was placed on the exchange of views and best practices in preparation for the Republic of Cyprus' assumption of the Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
The Deputy Minister also participated in an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on European Affairs on the challenges facing the EU as a result of the Enlargement policy.
Ms Raouna also met with the Secretary General of the European Parliament, Mr. Alessandro Chiocchetti, with whom she exchanged views on European issues and individual issues of inter-institutional cooperation, in particular in view of the preparation for the assumption of the Presidency of the EU Council by the Republic of Cyprus.
During her stay in Brussels, Ms Raouna also had a meeting with the Cypriot Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Ms Stella Kyriakidou.
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