Cyprus concludes its EU Council presidency in Luxembourg

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna presided over the final General Affairs Council meeting of the Cyprus Presidency in Luxembourg on Tuesday. During the session, the council prepared for the upcoming European Council summit scheduled for June 18-19 in Brussels. Key agenda items for the summit include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, migration, and strategies for European competitiveness and autonomy. A significant portion of the council meeting focused on the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. This includes discussions on the European Cohesion Fund, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the Global Europe instrument. Furthermore, the council approved the 18-month program for the upcoming trio of presidencies consisting of Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece. Raouna stated that Cyprus successfully met its objectives across five priority areas, including a 90 million euro support loan for Ukraine and the implementation of a 20th sanctions package. She emphasized the presidency's focus on an autonomous and open European Union throughout the six-month term.