Marilena Raouna has formally ended her tenure in government after submitting the final report on Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Phileleftheros, Raouna informed colleagues that she would not remain in the administration in another capacity, ending speculation that one of President Nikos Christodoulides’ closest associates could take on a new role at the Presidential Palace.
Proposals to remain in government
Following Parliament’s refusal to consider an urgent extension of her term as Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs, several options for her continued involvement in government were reportedly discussed.
These included an appointment to a ministerial post or an institutional role at the Presidential Palace that would allow her to participate in Cabinet meetings and retain responsibilities relating to European affairs.
Raouna, however, reportedly declined the prospect of taking over a ministry with a different portfolio, indicating that she wished to remain within her area of expertise.
Final report on Cyprus’ EU Presidency
In a written statement, Raouna confirmed that she had submitted the final report on the preparation and exercise of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026.
The report was submitted under Article 7(d) of the 2023 law governing the Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs. A copy was also delivered to the President of the House of Representatives, as required by law.
Covering the period from 17 January 2024 to 31 July 2026, it records the work carried out from the beginning of preparations through to the completion of the Presidency at organisational, administrative and political levels.
It outlines the Presidency’s institutional preparation and coordination, programme, strategic priorities and visual identity. It also covers Cyprus’ representation within EU institutions, relations with member states, candidate countries, third countries and strategic partners, and the handling of major European policy files.
The report further records the progress of political and legislative negotiations and the results achieved during Cyprus’ six-month Presidency.
Raouna thanks President and colleagues
Raouna described the preparation and exercise of the Presidency as “a national mission of particular institutional and political importance”.
She thanked President Christodoulides for his trust, guidance and support, as well as the Cabinet, the Cyprus Presidency Secretariat, ministries, deputy ministries, government services, Cyprus’ Permanent Representation in Brussels and the country’s diplomatic missions.
“The trust placed in me by the President of the Republic and our shared journey over all these years constitute the highest honour for me, which I will always carry with me,” she said.
Raouna added that the report documents the Presidency’s legacy and highlights the importance of preserving the expertise, institutional structures, relationships of trust and political coordination developed during its preparation and implementation.
