Nicosia (Cyprus News Agency) 12 January 2026 – Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stated that the Cyprus EU Presidency will adopt a realistically ambitious approach as true honest brokers, prioritising transparency and inclusivity while working closely with the European Parliament to advance the shared EU agenda. She made these remarks on Monday at the meeting of the Chairs of Parliamentary Committees on European Affairs (COSAC Chairs) held in Nicosia. The gathering serves as the official opening of the parliamentary dimension for Cyprus’s six-month presidency term that commenced on 7 January 2026.
Raouna addressed participants during the first session of the COSAC Chairpersons’ meeting at the Nicosia Conference Centre, which began at 9:30 am local time. House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou delivered the welcome address, followed by procedural matters led by Harris Georgiades, Chairman of the Cyprus Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs. The event includes chairs from parliamentary committees on European affairs across EU member states and candidate countries.
Presenting Cyprus’ presidency priorities directly, Marilena Raouna – @marilena_raouna said in X post,
“Honoured to present our Presidency priorities at the #COSAC meeting in #Lefkosia today, marking the official opening of the parliamentary dimension of #CY2026EU.Cyprus begins its Presidency at a defining moment for Europe, determined to work for a more autonomous Union, open to the world, resilient, competitive and firmly grounded in the expectations of citizens. Europe’s unity is our strength. Together, EU institutions and national parliaments, as the democratic anchor of our common European home, we turn it into action. #CY2026EU #TeamCyprus2026.”
Honoured to present our Presidency priorities at the #COSAC meeting in #Lefkosia today, marking the official opening of the parliamentary dimension of #CY2026EU. 🇨🇾🇪🇺
Cyprus begins its Presidency at a defining moment for Europe, determined to work for a more autonomous Union,… pic.twitter.com/pQNiXmFQOL
— Marilena Raouna (@marilena_raouna) January 12, 2026
Raouna’s presentation outlined the main priorities of the Cypriot presidency, followed by an exchange of views among the chairs. The Cyprus News Agency reported her comments from Nicosia, noting the emphasis on collaboration with the European Parliament during the 15:40 update, revised at 16:04.
COSAC Chairpersons Meeting Detailed Schedule
The COSAC Chairpersons’ meeting runs from 11 to 12 January 2026, with preparatory sessions on Sunday for the COSAC Presidential Troika. This troika comprises representatives from the current, previous, and incoming Council Presidencies, alongside the European Parliament. The European Parliament delegation features Sven Simon, Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO). The Sunday schedule included arrivals from 14:00, registration at hotels, and a 17:45 troika meeting chaired by Harris Georgiades, covering the 45th Bi-annual Report of COSAC, presidency letters, and other business.
Monday’s Session I focused on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, with Raouna’s address from 09:30 to 11:00, followed by a debate. A coffee break and family photo preceded Session II from 11:30 to 13:00 on European geopolitical challenges and responses. Keynote speakers included European Parliament Member Yannis Maniatis and Jean-François Rapin, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the French Senate, opening further debate. Lunch hosted by the House of Representatives will follow at 13:00.
#Cyprus EU Presidency will work closely with #EP to advance the #EU agenda, @marilena_raouna says https://t.co/LTj2nb6lX3
— Cyprus News Agency (@cnainenglish) January 12, 2026
The Cyprus EU Presidency announcement confirmed the 9:30 am start at the Nicosia Conference Centre, organised by the House of Representatives. Raouna participated in the exchange of views post-presentation.
Cyprus Assumes EU Council Presidency Responsibilities
Cyprus took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 7 January 2026 for the first half of the year. The launch event in Nicosia attracted attendees, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa, along with leaders from Lebanon, Iraq, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The presidency addresses issues such as migration, visas, and Schengen enlargement, with President Nikos Christodoulides committing to keeping Schengen discussions active.
Preparations include trials of the EU Entry/Exit System for delegates, supporting Cyprus’ planned Schengen Area entry later in 2026. Hotels in Nicosia and Limassol report 95 per cent occupancy for the first quarter, with authorities fast-tracking 420 short-term rental licences.
The COSAC event aligns with the parliamentary dimension of the #CY2026EU programme, as noted by the Cyprus Parliament on X, listing Session I priorities under relevant hashtags.
Forthcoming Institutional Visits and Coordination
The College of Commissioners plans a visit to Cyprus on 15-16 January 2026, hosted in Limassol under President Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership. Meetings with the Cypriot government in its Council Presidency role aim to enhance cooperation on policy matters. A bilateral session between von der Leyen and President Nikos Christodoulides precedes a plenary and press conference on outcomes.
Presidency Spokesperson Stella Michael described the Commission as a key partner to the Council and Parliament, attending Council of Ministers meetings by portfolio. Recent coordination occurred at a Conference of Presidents in Cyprus.
Role of COSAC in EU Parliamentary Engagement
COSAC facilitates structured dialogue between national parliaments and EU institutions. The Nicosia meeting, documented on the IPEX platform, confirms focus on Cyprus Presidency priorities from 11-12 January 2026. This event underscores coordination among EU states and candidates.
Raouna’s full statement at COSAC appears in the paid CNA service, with the public excerpt highlighting the broker role and EP collaboration. The Cyprus Mail previewed the event on 10 January 2026, detailing Raouna’s role and the conference venue. Cyprus Parliament updates via X reinforced the schedule, positioning COSAC as central to the #CY2026EU parliamentary track.
