The EU could have a role in the Cyprus problem and this role could be the implementation of the EU legislation after the solution in the areas in which the Republic does not exercise effective control, the Spanish Ambassador in Nicosia Gabriel Ferrán Carrión said Tuesday, pointing out that the Union could compliment the role of the UN.
The Ambassador presented the priorities of the Spanish EU Presidency before the Foreign Committee of the Parliament. He reiterated his country's sympathy as regards the Cyprus reunification, adding that this sympathy was expressed when the Spanish Premier visited the island recently.
The priorities of the Spanish Presidency (July-December 2023) are based on four pillars namely the industrialisation of the EU and strategic autonomy, progress on the green transition and environmental adaptation, promoting more social and economic justice and strengthening European unity.
The Ambassador explained that the Presidency will work to attract new businesses and jobs as part of changes that are an opportunity to reduce the EU's excessive dependence on third countries in areas such as energy, health and food. It will also work to reduce dependence on energy and raw materials and promote the reform of the electricity market to accelerate the development of RES.
Ambassador Carrión said they will work intensively for the more efficient and coordinated management of migration and asylum procedures and the coordinated support of Ukraine and other neighbouring countries.
Carrión said that immigration is a great challenge and a difficult issue, adding that in general, dealing with complex issues requires cooperation and coordination with all member states. He referred to Spain's participation in the EUMED5 scheme, which has as its main priority the management of migration flows. With regard to energy and to the comments of the members of the committee on the energy isolation of Cyprus as an island, he stated that he understands the issues and that his country also has similar issues.
He added that the Presidency will try to provide answers.
The Ambassador also said that the rotating Presidency is a challenge but also a rewarding procedure.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Numerous rounds of talks under the UN aegis failed to yield results. The latest round of talks took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.
The Cyprus Republic joined the EU in 2004 but the EU acquis is suspended in the Turkish occupied areas until a solution is reached.
Source: Cyprus News Agency