AmCham Cyprus had the distinct honor of hosting Ms. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, at our latest Breakfast Series event—an insightful morning of discussion on Cyprus’s evolving role within the European Union and its transatlantic partnerships.
Main aspects of the Deputy Minister’s comments, amongst others, included:
🟦 Cyprus’ Priorities for the EU Council Presidency (2026)
With Cyprus preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2026, Ms. Raouna outlined the nation’s strategic agenda. Key priorities include:
- Strengthening EU relations with the Middle East
- Advancing the Multiannual Financial Framework
- Promoting EU strategic autonomy in defense, migration, and water security.
- Hosting over 250 high-level meetings, including an informal European Council summit in April 2026
🌍 EU–US Relationship: A Transatlantic Reset
Deputy Minister Raouna emphasized the strategic importance of the EU–US relationship, especially in light of the historic trade agreement signed in July 2025. This landmark deal reaffirms the transatlantic alliance as the most significant bilateral trade and investment partnership in the world, with over €1.6 trillion in annual trade volume.
This agreement not only stabilizes market access for European exporters but also lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation in energy, digital trade, and supply chain resilience. Ms. Raouna noted that Cyprus, as a committed EU member, stands to benefit from the renewed predictability and openness in transatlantic commerce.
🛂 Schengen Membership: Cyprus on the Verge
Ms. Raouna noted that Cyprus is on track to join the Schengen Area, with technical evaluations nearing completion. This milestone will:
- Enable visa-free travel for Cypriot citizens across Schengen countries.
- Boost tourism and investment.
- Reinforce Cyprus’s integration into the EU’s core structures.
🗣️ One of the most valuable aspects of the Breakfast Series was the open dialogue between AmCham Cyprus members and Deputy Minister Raouna. The conversation reflected the depth of Cyprus’s engagement with European affairs and the shared commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties, with key discussion points being the impact of the EU–US Trade Agreement, the timeline and technical benchmarks for Cyprus’s Schengen accession, opportunities for Cyprus to leverage its EU Council Presidency to promote regional stability, energy diversification, and digital transformation and the role of Cyprus in bridging EU–US innovation ecosystems, especially in sectors like fintech, maritime tech, and green energy
Ms. Raouna welcomed the feedback and emphasized the importance of private sector input in shaping Cyprus’s European agenda. Her candid responses and collaborative tone fostered a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect.
This kind of direct engagement is at the heart of AmCham Cyprus’s mission—to serve as a bridge between policymakers and the business community.
