Deputy Minister for European Affairs: The Cyprus Presidency continues its work as planned

The Cyprus Presidency continues its work as planned, despite the necessary adjustments, stated the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, before the European Parliament on 11 March 2026. She emphasised that normality prevails in Cyprus and that the Presidency remains committed to advancing the EU agenda.

Speaking before the Plenary Session of the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg, in the presence of EP President, Ms Roberta Metsola, and European Commission President, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus said the following:

“Allow me to go through the very full and important agenda of the upcoming European Council, before turning to the rapidly evolving situation in the wider Middle East, particularly developments concerning Iran.

On Thursday, 19 March, leaders will meet in Brussels for the spring meeting of the European Council. As always, the meeting will begin with an exchange with the President of the European Parliament. After that, leaders are expected to hear from President Zelenskyy.

The Spring European Council traditionally focuses on economic matters and, this time, Leaders will address competitiveness, the deepening and integrating of the Single Market and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). 

In light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, leaders will also discuss the situation in Ukraine and the wider Middle East.

Enhancing EU competitiveness through budget strategy

Let me begin with competitiveness.

At the informal retreat in Alden Biesen on the 12th of February, leaders reflected on how to further deepen the Single Market, reduce strategic dependencies and boost Europe’s competitiveness. These priorities are also central to the work of the Cyprus Presidency.

Leaders shared a strong sense of urgency and are expected to follow up on these reflections at the March European Council.

Their discussions will be informed by the Commission’s forthcoming roadmap on “One Europe, One Market”, aimed at strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, by fully unlocking the potential of the Single Market by 2027.

With clear targets and with a clear roadmap and timelines.

Europe does not lack talent, ideas or entrepreneurship. Quite the contrary. What Europe must remove are the barriers that hold back the full potential of our Single Market.

In this context, leaders are expected to focus on removing remaining barriers to the four freedoms, simplifying rules for businesses and enabling European companies – including start-ups and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) – to scale up more easily across the Single Market. This includes advancing initiatives such as a 28th company law regime to facilitate cross-border activity.

Leaders are also expected to focus on affordable energy and accelerating the Energy Union 2030 agenda, fostering innovation and investment, including through further progress towards a Savings and Investments Union.

A more competitive Union also requires a budget that is fit for the future. Leaders will therefore turn their attention to the MFF. The aim of this exchange will be to guide the work ahead and allow us, as the Presidency, to advance preparations for a negotiating package with indicative figures by June 2026.

Three main aspects are expected to be the focus of this discussion: the European Union (EU) budget contribution to boost EU competitiveness; the funding gap between our ambitions and the resources currently available; and the proposed new governance framework.

Other important issues will also be addressed by the European Council. 

Leaders will take stock of ongoing efforts to strengthen European Defence and Security, notably with a view to achieving the Union’s 2030 defence readiness objective. Migration will also be discussed, with leaders reviewing progress in the implementation of the various work strands agreed at European level.

At the same time, in the current deteriorating geopolitical environment, it will be essential to reaffirm the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, which remains a top priority. In this context, leaders will exchange views with President Zelenskyy and continue their discussions on how the Union can sustain its support for Ukraine at all levels.

The situation in Iran and the Middle East is extremely serious – UN Secretary-General in Brussels

Turning now to the rapidly evolving, deeply concerning situation in the wider Middle East. Leaders will be joined by United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres for a discussion on the geopolitical situation and multilateralism.

Following the recent developments in Iran, the EU has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability. 

We have called for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and full respect of international law, the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

Let us be absolutely clear: the situation in Iran and the broader Middle East is extremely serious. 

This new cycle of attacks and counterattacks threatens gravely regional stability and global security.

For Cyprus, the situation is not abstract. 

Our geography links us directly to the region. And it links Europe to this region. From our corner of the Union, it is absolutely clear what is at stake.

While Cyprus was not directly a target, the recent drone incident involving the British Bases illustrates how unpredictable this conflict is and how quickly and indiscriminately it can spread. 

European partners demonstrated solidarity in action 

Allow me to take this opportunity to express Cyprus’ sincere appreciation for the strong solidarity and support to Cyprus and its people extended by the EU institutions, including this House, and its President, by the President of the European Commission and European Council. 

I would also like to thank those member states that have responded swiftly with tangible support to strengthen Cyprus’ defensive capacities in the face of evolving threats – Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Cyprus will never forget.

This is European unity and solidarity in action. A message that the security of a member state is the security of the whole EU. That when one member state is attacked, the whole EU is attacked. And an example of European autonomy.

And you’ve made one thing clear: Cyprus is not Europe’s periphery. It is Europe’s frontline. And its lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean.

From the outset, I wish to unequivocally condemn the unjustifiable and indiscriminate Iranian attacks against our partners and underscore our full solidarity with our Gulf friends. 

We reiterate our call on Iran to immediately cease its unjustified and indiscriminate military strikes against our regional partners. These actions violate their sovereignty and risk further destabilisation. 

The EU is in constant contact with our partners in the region:

President Costa and President von der Leyen convened a meeting with regional leaders to assess the situation, after a joint meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at Foreign Ministers level, where the Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis.

At the same time, we must turn our attention to the global implications of the crisis. 

The events unfolding in the region also risk disrupting international trade and supply routes, notably for energy, with potential consequences for our shared economic and security interests.

Safeguarding regional airspace, freedom of navigation and maritime routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, remains essential, while ensuring energy security. 

We also recall the important role of the EU’s maritime defensive operations, ASPIDES and ATALANTA, which contribute to protecting critical waterways and preventing disruptions to vital supply chains.

We are also deeply concerned about the impact of the regional crisis in our neighbouring Lebanon, which is already experiencing dramatic humanitarian consequences, including large scale displacements. 

Violence against civilians and attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable. We underscore the need for the protection of civilians and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. 

We welcome the Lebanese government’s 2nd of March decision to prohibit any military or security activity by Hezbollah and the government’s intention to implement this decisively. Cyprus has long supported (LAF).

Diplomacy is the way forward. Further escalation will only further destabilise the region, with consequences extending beyond the Middle East. 

Another key priority is the safety of EU citizens in the region. The Union and its member states are taking all necessary steps, including through EU consular coordination mechanisms, to ensure their protection.

More than 1.3 million EU citizens reside or are registered in the affected region. At present, 19 member states have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to support assisted departures and evacuation operations.

In this context, I would also like to express our deep appreciation to our Gulf partners for their assistance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of EU citizens during evacuation and repatriation efforts. In difficult moments such as these, solidarity and close cooperation among partners, among friends are essential.

Cyprus has activated all contingency plans and stands ready to support humanitarian operations, assist third-country nationals and host coordination personnel if required.

We remain committed to contributing constructively, including through its consistent role as a humanitarian hub.
Always part of the solution.

The EU is firmly committed to revive a diplomatic path to end this crisis. 

The Cyprus Presidency continues to produce

As Presidency, Cyprus will continue to closely monitor developments and continue working in close cooperation with member states, the European Parliament, the Commission and international partners to support de-escalation, promote diplomatic solutions, contribute to regional stability and protect EU interests.

Only a sustainable diplomatic solution will allow us to address decisively our multiple longstanding concerns related to Iran.

This includes preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, curbing its ballistic missiles and drones programme and ending its destabilising activities in the region. These objectives remain essential for regional and global security. 
As Presidency of the Council, we will continue to facilitate the Union’s collective efforts to safeguard its security and interests, including through sanctions.

At the same time, we must not lose sight of the dire situation in Gaza.

The European Council will address the need for the implementation of the ceasefire and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the EU’s readiness to work on the implementation of the comprehensive Peace Plan to end the Gaza Conflict in line with the Resolution.

We cannot ignore the broader interconnections between regional crises. 

Iran has long supplied Russia with Shahed drones, which have been used extensively to strike Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

After years of defending itself against those drone attacks, Ukraine has developed considerable expertise. Kyiv has already offered to share this expertise. 

This again illustrates how interconnected today’s security challenges have become. 

And in this complex environment, the EU must remain united, principled and engaged.

Allow me to conclude with one final point. 

The Cyprus Presidency continues its work as planned. Where necessary, adjustments have been made. There is normality in Cyprus. A Presidency that in difficult circumstances continues producing. A Presidency with an emphasis on the region of the wider Middle East and the Gulf, with an emphasis on the maritime security, all pertinent, all relevant. And even more determined as Presidency and committed to fulfilling our institutional responsibilities and advancing the Union’s agenda, in a focused and result-driven manner.

Always committed to our humanitarian role.

To being an enabler of dialogue and diplomacy. 

Always part of the solution, never part of the problem.”