Europaudvalget 2011-12
EUU Alm.del Bilag 306
Offentligt
NON – PAPERMain issues to be dealt with during the Cyprus PresidencyCyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time since itsaccession in the EU. During the second semester of 2012, it will be important forCyprus to promote policies that will improve the effectiveness of EU, via moretargeted policies. At the same time, the principle of solidarity, a core value of theUnion, will be pursued. The overarching aim will be to add value to the processof European integration, paving the way towards a better Europe, a EuropeanUnion more relevant to its citizens and in the world.One of the key issues that most likely will still be on the agenda during theCyprus Presidency is the negotiations of the new Multiannual FinancialFramework covering the period 2014-2020, seeking to reach a politicalagreement that will contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion. Withregards to the eurozone crisis and the strengthening of economic governance,special emphasis will be given to the implementation of the Six-Pack - trying toreinforce the surveillance of fiscal and macroeconomic policies - and to thepromotion of any new additional measures that may be required.Focus will also be placed on policies for European citizens, while addressingsocietal challenges and, thus, achieving more inclusive growth for the Union.Within this framework, particular emphasis will also be given on providingemployment opportunities and a more secure future to young people. Anotherpriority will be the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, in order to helpthe EU to achieve sustainable growth and high levels of employment and socialcohesion.The Cyprus Presidency will also continue its efforts to achieve sustainabledevelopment and resource efficiency, highlighting the importance of a morecompetitive Union based on a low carbon and green economy and reinforcing theambitious efforts of the European institutions for more concrete results. Anessential issue will also be the further consolidation of the 20-year-old SingleMarket. The re-launching of the Integrated Maritime Policy, the furtherimplementation of the Stockholm Programme for an open and secure Europe andthe completion of the Common European Asylum System by 2012 will also behigh on the Cyprus Presidency agenda.Cyprus will continue working on the ongoing enlargement process and, after therecent developments in neighbouring countries following the Arab Spring,Cyprus will also seek to bring Europe closer to its neighbours and work towardsthe further enhancement of the Union’s role in the world.