**Raouna Expects Strong Message on Ukraine from European Council Summit**
European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna expressed anticipation for a decisive show of unity in support of Ukraine during the upcoming European Council summit. Speaking at a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Raouna emphasized the importance of solidarity among European Union member states in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly four and a half years.
Raouna highlighted that the summit will feature a presentation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is expected to provide insights into the current situation on the ground and the latest developments in the conflict. The meeting will bring together leaders from the EU's 27 member states, who are set to discuss Russia's escalating actions and the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the war.
"Recent developments demonstrate both Ukraine’s resilience and the growing pressures facing Russia’s war effort," Raouna stated. She underscored the necessity for the EU to maintain its steadfast support for Ukraine and to continue applying pressure on Russia in response to its military actions.
European Council President Antonio Costa echoed Raouna's sentiments in his invitation to the summit, noting that Ukraine remains a top priority on the agenda. Costa remarked on Ukraine's recent successes on the battlefield and highlighted Russia's failure to meet its military and strategic objectives. He described Russia's behavior towards EU member states as "reckless and irresponsible," referring to recent incidents involving Russian drones that have fallen in Romania.
Raouna also addressed these incidents, emphasizing their significance in the context of European defense readiness. "Recent months have seen repeated drone incursions in EU airspace, including two serious incidents in Romania. These developments further underscore the urgency of advancing Europe’s defence readiness agenda and strengthening our collective capacity to address emerging threats," she said.
In addition to discussions about the conflict, Raouna mentioned the opening of accession negotiations for both Ukraine and neighboring Moldova to join the EU. She noted that EU leaders are expected to welcome this milestone, which Cyprus has worked diligently to facilitate during its presidency of the Council of the EU.
The accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova commenced on Monday, with both countries entering 'cluster one' of the six thematic clusters that outline the negotiation process. This initial cluster focuses on "fundamentals," which, according to EU law, is the last cluster to be closed, despite being the first to be opened.
Raouna expressed pride in Cyprus's role in advancing the accession paths for both Ukraine and Moldova, stating, "We have worked intensively since day one of our presidency and are very proud to have delivered this milestone moment in Ukraine’s and Moldova’s accession path."
As the European Council summit approaches, the focus on Ukraine and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict remain at the forefront of discussions among EU leaders. The anticipated strong message of unity and determination in support of Ukraine is expected to resonate throughout the EU, reinforcing the commitment to collective security and stability in the region.