Marilena Raouna, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, is set to represent Cyprus at the upcoming Informal Council of Ministers responsible for European Affairs in Copenhagen. The meeting, organised by the Danish EU Presidency, will take place on September 1 and 2.
The Informal Council is anticipated to commence with a working lunch, welcoming participation from candidate and potential candidate countries for EU membership. This gathering highlights the EU’s ongoing dialogue with nations aspiring to join the bloc.
On September 2, the focus will shift to discussions around the significance of the Copenhagen criteria, which are pivotal for assessing potential EU members. Raouna and her counterparts will deliberate on how to bolster the necessary reforms that align with these criteria, ensuring that candidate countries are well-prepared for EU integration.
Additionally, the agenda includes a dedicated session for the 27 EU Member States to discuss the strengthening of the rule of law within the Union. Ministers are expected to exchange insights on enhancing the EU’s rule of law toolbox, both in preventing violations and addressing existing issues.
As the discussions unfold, the Informal Council will also engage in a forward-looking dialogue regarding the future of Europe. This reflects the EU’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, particularly in the context of the upcoming European Commission’s pre-accession policy reviews scheduled for the autumn.
In preparation for Cyprus’s own presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, Raouna will be conducting bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Council. These engagements are crucial for establishing strong relationships and exchanging ideas that will benefit Cyprus’s future role in the EU.
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