FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Wednesday reaffirmed support for closer European Union ties with the United Kingdom while attending the Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich) in Warsaw.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Kombos emphasized that the UK remains a “natural ally” of the EU, citing its decades-long membership before Brexit and calling for a “calibrated special relationship” between the two.
Discussions on Thursday will focus on Russia’s war in Ukraine and EU-U.S. relations, which Cyprus views as interconnected. Kombos stressed the need for “structured, intensive and continuous dialogue” between the two allies.
The Polish Presidency will host an informal lunch following the Gymnich meeting, bringing together representatives from nine EU candidate countries and aspiring members. The agenda will center on hybrid threats, with Cyprus advocating expanded strategies for rapid response and tailored solutions.
On EU enlargement, Kombos reiterated Cyprus’ support for accession based on merit and established conditions, urging candidate countries to focus on rule compliance rather than seeking exemptions.