Cyprus' ministers presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency to the European Parliament

Over the past week, fifteen ministers and deputy ministers of the Republic of Cyprus outlined the strategic priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU to the relevant European Parliament committees in Brussels. They presented a comprehensive vision for a European Union that is both autonomous and open to the world.

During the presentations, Cypriot ministers outlined a programme centred on five key areas: improving security, defence and preparedness; increasing competitiveness; reinforcing the EU’s international role; upholding the rule of law and social cohesion; and promoting negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework. This highlights Cyprus’ commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking Europe.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms Marilena Raouna, met with the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) to present the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the areas of foreign policy, enlargement, and EU-UK relations. Minister Kombos also addressed the Committee on Development (DEVE), while the Deputy Minister for European Affairs presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO).

During a meeting of the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), the Minister of Defence, Mr Vasilis Palmas, presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the field of defence, focusing on supporting Ukraine, strengthening the European defence industry and improving maritime security and humanitarian operations.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Constantinos Ioannou, participated in a closed meeting of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS), during which he referred to the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency regarding housing policy.

Together with the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mr Marinos Moushouttas, and the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, the Minister of Interior also participated in a meeting of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), to present the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the areas of employment and the social dimension of EU policies.

The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr Costas Fytiris, and the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Mr Nicholas Ioannides, met with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) to discuss the rule of law, migration management and the justice system. The Minister of Justice also participated in meetings of the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM).

Speaking at the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), the Minister of Defence, Mr Vasilis Palmas, the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr Michael Damianos, and the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr Nikodemos Damianou, focused on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency for the future of industry, including the defence industry, as well as on issues of competitiveness and energy. 

The Minister of Commerce and the Deputy Minister of Research also presented the Presidency’s priorities to the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). Minister Damianos also participated in a meeting of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), focusing on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency for promoting an open, robust and sustainable EU trade policy.

The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Ms Maria Panayiotou, participated in separate meetings of the Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) and Fisheries (PECH). During these meetings, she presented the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in her areas of responsibility, with a particular focus on the challenges facing the agricultural sector and the broader implications of climate change.

At the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr Alexis Vafeades, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Kostas Koumis, presented the Cyprus Presidency's work programme on transport and sustainable tourism.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Ms Vasiliki Kassianidou, presented the cultural programme of the Cyprus Presidency to the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), referring to Cyprus' approach to European programmes supporting culture and the media.

Finally, the Minister of Health, Mr Neophytos Charalambides, addressed the Committee on Public Health (SANT), discussing the Cyprus Presidency's approach to ensuring citizens' access to healthcare and the continuation of legislative work.