Vozaryova: Slovakia Supports Ambitions of Cypriot EU Presidency

Nicosia/Bratislava, 10 December (TASR) – Slovakia supports strengthening the EU's competitiveness and security amid rising geopolitical challenges, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry general secretary Miroslava Vozaryova, who attended an informal meeting of state secretaries and general directors of foreign affairs ministries of EU-member states held in Cyprus this week, TASR was informed by the ministry's communications department on Wednesday. The informal meeting, which took place from 8 to 9 December, was held to present the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026 and to discuss current European opportunities and challenges. In her address, Vozaryova highlighted the Cypriot Presidency's vision to strengthen the EU's role in the global context, be it within Europe, in the wider neighbourhood or in transatlantic relations. "We're convinced that the Cypriot Presidency will ensure that the preceding Danish Presidency's efforts to strengthen and streamline the Union are continued, thereby also safeguarding the future of our citizens and Europe as a whole," stated Vozaryova, noting that current geopolitical and geo-economic developments require not only the ability to respond, but also a proactive approach, particularly in strengthening European competitiveness, security and defence. According to Vozaryova, negotiations on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 are among the most important items on the EU agenda. "We have a strong interest in ensuring that negotiations on the future EU budget deliver a favourable negotiating outcome for Slovakia and, at the same time, we want to be a constructive partner in the talks," she stressed. Vozaryova also expressed support for the Cypriot Presidency's ambition to continue the process of EU enlargement intensively. This should be merit-based and deliver concrete results within a short timeframe. The event is organised regularly by the incoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which Cyprus will take over from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026. jrg/df