Marilena Raouna reflects on lessons from Cyprus's EU Council Presidency

On November 7, 2026, former Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, discussed the legacy and lessons of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During an event organized by the University of Cyprus Law Department and the Harvard University Alumni Association, she emphasized that the six-month term proved Cyprus's capability to lead and deliver concrete results when strategic planning and institutional effectiveness are prioritized.

Raouna highlighted the establishment of meritocracy as a core pillar of national governance as the most significant lesson from the period. She argued that the success of the presidency relied on meticulous preparation and the placement of highly skilled personnel at the center of a collective effort. Furthermore, she contended that systems failing to prioritize merit over mediocrity are inherently fragile and likely to fail, calling for more rigorous selection processes to ensure long-term public progress.

The former minister noted that the presidency significantly enhanced the country's diplomatic influence and international voice. These remarks reflect an ongoing broader debate within Cyprus regarding institutional performance and the necessity of ensuring that the most capable individuals are given genuine opportunities to contribute to the nation's governance.