Press Releases

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, visited Berlin, where he participated in the Ministerial Conference "A bigger, stronger Union – making the European Union fit for enlargement and candidate countries fit for membership".

The Ministerial Conference was hosted by the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Annalena Baerbock, and was attended both by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States and of candidate countries.

Minister Kombos participated in a discussion / working group under the theme "Reforming the EU", in which he noted that the EU must proceed with operational reforms in a challenging geopolitical situation while having realistic expectations. He also underlined that the acceding countries need to strictly adhere to the Copenhagen criteria as this is a matter of respect to the fundamental rights, principles and values of the EU and the EU’s enlargement process. Lastly, he stressed the importance of strengthening and expanding the tools the EU has at its disposal, such as the Rule of Law mechanism in relation to the candidate countries.

During his stay in Berlin, the Foreign Minister had a meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Ms Annalena Baerbock. The two Ministers discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and Cyprus’ role as a regional pilar of stability and security. In addition, the two officials exchanged views on Cyprus’ initiative to develop a safe, regulated and sustainable humanitarian sea corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.

Furthermore, discussion focused on the EU-Turkey relations and on the Cyprus problem. Minister Kombos had the opportunity to brief his German counterpart on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem.

(GS/KK)