Address by the Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna at the presentation of the programme, priorities and logo

Almost two years ago, when we embarked on this journey towards the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, today seemed a long way off. Not merely in terms of the date in the calendar, but also emotionally.

It is the moment when a challenging course is brought to fruition – a course which, paradoxically, represents at once both an end point and a new beginning.

Ahead of us awaited a journey that would be shaped by strategic planning, decision-making and hard work.

At the same time, it was a journey defined by determination.

From the outset, we knew that the Cyprus Presidency was more than just an institutional responsibility. 

It was, and it remains, a national mission.

From the moment he assumed office, the President of the Republic of Cyprus placed the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of EU at the forefront of national priorities. 

He was well aware of the challenges involved, but he was also convinced that it presented a unique opportunity for Cyprus – not only during the six-month term of the Cyprus Presidency, but for the future above all. 

It was an opportunity for Cyprus to demonstrate its contribution to the European project; not just in managing the agenda, but also in helping shape proposals and deliver solutions. 

To act as an honest and reliable broker, representing all EU member states equally and with full transparency, while seeking and shaping consensus-based solutions in the common European interest.

To lead critical negotiations.

To serve as the voice of the 27 partners during a period of heightened geopolitical challenges. 

To this end, the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU was established to serve as the central coordinating body for the preparations and the political oversight of this major undertaking.

Operating under the continuous guidance of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, it worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and with all the members of the Council of Ministers on a daily basis.

Today, therefore, our journey towards the Cyprus Presidency comes to an end.

We are now ready to present the political vision, the objectives and the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is no coincidence that we are gathered here in Lefkara today. From the outset, we wanted the Cyprus Presidency to showcase and promote our country, its history and its rich cultural heritage. 

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU therefore begins today with all of you here. 

What will this mean for our country in practice?

The numbers speak for themselves.

During the Cyprus Presidency:

• We will host over 260 meetings across all districts in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus, including the first ever informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government to be held in Cyprus, as well as 19 informal ministerial meetings.
• We will chair more than 1,500 meetings in Brussels, in over 190 Council working groups and sub-groups.
• We will welcome approximately 30,000 visitors from across Europe.
• We will negotiate over 330 legislative and other dossiers on behalf of all 27 member states.

Mr President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The process of shaping the six-month work programme and setting the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU has been underway since January 2025. The President of the Republic of Cyprus will present the programme shortly.

The programme is the outcome of a participatory process involving social, economic and other partners, including civil society and other stakeholders. This process also included the direct dialogue that we organised in July at the Presidential Palace with key stakeholders – representatives of the Cypriot economy and society.

And, of course, in close cooperation with all Ministries and Deputy Ministries, through the European Affairs Units (EAUs).

We have listened to the expectations and recommendations of our social partners, with the aim of bringing issues of high priority for Cypriot stakeholders on the European agenda.

All of this was carried out in full alignment with the EU’s Strategic Agenda, the dossiers we will inherit from the Danish Presidency, as well as the current political and socio-economic conditions and developments.

Our aim is to have a realistically yet ambitious Presidency that is focused on delivering tangible results for the benefit of all European citizens. We want to develop solutions to the challenges faced by our great European family.

And I will conclude with this:

The six-month presidency, as well as the period leading up to it, is often compared to a “marathon”; a long and extremely demanding journey.

For this reason, I need to express my gratitude and warmest thanks to all those who have worked and continue to work tirelessly on this national endeavour.

• The team at the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, who have worked with professionalism, dedication and genuine commitment from the very beginning.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, for their very close and excellent cooperation and our team at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU – where the core of our Presidency will be based.
• The officials across all Ministries and Deputy Ministries of the Republic of Cyprus who are contributing to this national effort.
• The communication bodies of the Cyprus Presidency, the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. I would also like to thank the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus for their ongoing support.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The time has come for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU to begin. We are moving forward with confidence, hard work and pride in what the Republic of Cyprus can achieve.

Let us get to work.