Key facts
- Cyprus aims to advance EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova before its presidency ends.
- The opening of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova is considered a "milestone" by Cyprus.
- Cyprus proposed a 2% cut to the EU's long-term budget as a compromise.
- Cyprus is preparing to transfer the EU presidency to Ireland.
As Cyprus's rotating EU presidency concludes, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna has pledged to continue efforts to advance the accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova. Raouna described the opening of these negotiations as a significant "milestone" and stated that Cyprus will remain "ambitious until the very last day" to achieve further positive developments.
In addition to accession talks, Raouna indicated that Cyprus is acting as an "honest broker" regarding the EU's long-term budget, proposing a compromise of a 2% cut. Cyprus has held the EU presidency for six months and is now preparing to hand it over to Ireland.