Cyprus, which took over the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers on 1 July, wants to re-start negotiations on cooperation between Europe and Mediterranean countries during its term.
A Cypriot diplomat based in Brussels told Research Europe that because of its location Cyprus wants to boost collaboration with neighbouring Mediterranean countries outside of Europe. The establishment of such collaborations has been mooted for some years, but little tangible action has so far been taken by member states. The diplomat says such a plan could help countries in the region return to “political stability”.