Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is set to present the key priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency during his upcoming engagements in Brussels. On February 25, he will address European Parliament committees, followed by chairing the General Affairs Council meeting on Cohesion Policy the next day.
Eu presidency: Key Meetings Scheduled in Brussels
Kicking off the events, Keravnos will first visit the European Parliament where he will engage with members of the Committee on Regional Development and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. During these meetings, he will highlight the main objectives of the Cypriot Presidency, particularly focusing on Cohesion Policy and the priorities of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.
Focus on Cohesion Policy
The General Affairs Council meeting will be significant as it aims to approve the Council conclusions on the European Commission’s communication titled “An Agenda for Cities.” This document underscores the critical role of urban areas in fostering economic development, innovation, and employment while addressing urgent challenges such as housing issues, social inequalities, and climate change impacts.
Importance of Urban Areas
A press release from the Finance Ministry stressed that the conclusions offer a vital opportunity to integrate the urban dimension into EU policymaking. The discussions are expected to revolve around how Cohesion Policy can support the Union’s strategic priorities for competitiveness, resilience, and autonomy.
Lessons from the Mid-Term Review
Ministers will also review insights gained from the mid-term assessment of the 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy. The Cypriot Presidency has prepared a document to facilitate this discussion, which will explore how these lessons can inform the upcoming programming period beyond 2027.
Engaging with EU Committees
Following the discussions in the General Affairs Council, Keravnos will return to the European Parliament for a series of exchanges with committee members. The focus will be on outlining the priorities of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, which oversees critical areas such as economic policy, taxation, and financial services regulation.
Keravnos’ engagements in Brussels mark a pivotal moment for Cyprus as it steers its EU Presidency, showcasing its commitment to enhancing cohesion and addressing significant urban challenges across the union.
