Marilena Raouna: Rule of law the “cornerstone of the EU”

Strengthening the competitiveness of the EU and ensuring respect for the rule of law, as well as addressing demographic challenges in Europe, are the topics of the informal General Affairs Council being held in Budapest, Hungary, on 3-4 September, where Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, has underlined that the rule of law is the cornerstone of the EU.

According to a press release from the Office of the Deputy Minister, the aim of the informal Council was to coordinate the discussions on these issues in the various Council formations, as well as to prepare for the informal European Council, which will take place on 8 November in Budapest.

In her intervention, Raouna stressed that the EU must not only remain competitive, but also take the lead. This, she explained, is an integral part of the Union's position in the world and its strategy towards autonomy.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises and key sectors of the European economy such as shipping, which are key in the effort to enhance competitiveness. In this context, she called for a deepening of the single market, an area where businesses can grow, with less bureaucracy and administrative burden.

Talking about competitiveness and respect for the rule of law, Raouna underlined that "the rule of law is the cornerstone of the EU", noting that ensuring a stable environment for the legislative process contributes to enhancing competitiveness.

At the same time, Raouna stressed the importance of enhanced stakeholder participation in public consultations during the legislative process.

The Deputy Minister also referred to enhancing competitiveness by addressing labour shortages in the shadow of demographic challenges, while she highlighted the need to support the competitiveness of European industry as a strategic priority for the transition to a greener, more digital and more resilient economy.

Raouna also outlined the demographic challenges facing Cyprus, as well as the importance of strengthening the participation of women and young people in the labour market, and the activation of the workforce that is currently unemployed.

(Source: CNA, photos: PIO)