Mariena Rauna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, highlights the achievements of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, emphasizing that the Union's strategic autonomy has acquired substantive content. The Presidency focused on critical areas such as defense, security, energy, and competitiveness, achieving significant steps in the accession processes of Ukraine and Moldova, as well as in the negotiations with Albania and Montenegro. In the context of security, the SAFE Regulation and military mobility were promoted. Furthermore, historic reforms were noted in the Customs Union and progress was made in the Multiannual Financial Framework. Ms. Rauna emphasized that this success was the product of collective effort and two years of preparation, leaving a strong legacy for the upcoming Irish Presidency, while simultaneously stressing the need for a specialized structure for European affairs in Cyprus.