**Raouna: Cyprus Celebrates Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU**
Nicosia, Cyprus – European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna expressed her enthusiasm on Thursday as Cyprus handed over the presidency of the Council of the European Union to Ireland. Speaking at an event at the EU House in Nicosia, Raouna emphasized the strong ties between the two nations, despite their geographical distance.
"Cyprus and Ireland stand at opposite ends of our continent, yet Ireland and Cyprus are united by so much more than meets the eye – island countries, with common historical references," Raouna stated. She highlighted the shared experiences of division and the importance of peace that both countries have faced throughout their histories.
Raouna conveyed confidence in Ireland's ability to lead the EU during its six-month term, stating, "We take particular joy in being succeeded by Ireland at the helm, confident that you will carry forward our shared commitment for a stronger union, a more autonomous union."
The event also featured Irish Ambassador to Cyprus Sarah Hamilton, who outlined Ireland's priorities for its upcoming presidency. These priorities are structured around three main themes: competitiveness, values, and security.
In terms of competitiveness, the Irish government has emphasized the urgent need for Europe to enhance its economic performance and productivity. This commitment aligns with the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, which was signed in April by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and the leaders of the European Parliament and European Commission. The roadmap aims to foster decisive progress in the EU by 2026, and Ireland's approach to competitiveness will focus on five key areas: simplifying regulations, creating a more integrated single market, promoting strong trade, facilitating the energy transition, and advancing the digital and artificial intelligence sectors.
On the subject of values, Ireland reaffirmed the EU's foundational principles, which include respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights. The Irish government underscored the necessity for the EU to defend these values, particularly in light of ongoing global challenges such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rights of LGBT individuals. Ireland aims to leverage its own peacebuilding experiences from the conflict in Northern Ireland to inform its efforts in promoting peace and stability within the EU and beyond.
Security emerged as another critical focus, with Ireland pledging to prioritize active support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Irish presidency will also seek to advance initiatives outlined in a white paper on the future of European defense, published last year. This includes addressing capability gaps and enhancing resilience against hybrid threats.
Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU will continue until the end of the year, when it will be succeeded by Lithuania. As the EU navigates complex challenges both internally and externally, the collaboration between Cyprus and Ireland signifies a commitment to solidarity and shared goals within the European framework.
The event at Nicosia's EU House not only marked a ceremonial transition but also highlighted the ongoing partnership between member states in addressing pressing issues facing Europe today.