Union europeenne: Les defis de la presidence Chypriote
In: Politique internationale: pi, Heft 136
ISSN: 0221-2781
For the first time since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, it will assume the Presidency of the EU Council on July 1. This tiny country, long described as the 'Switzerland of the Near East', is being increasingly hard hit by the economic crisis. But the island is not bereft of assets. For instance, the discovery of large reserves of natural gas off its coast-worth at least 100 billion euros-would seem to justify the government's optimism in terms of cleaning up public finances. Interviewed by Jean Catsiapis, Ms. Kozakou-Marcoullis, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, reviews the main issues to be dealt with during her country's term at the head of the EU. Adapted from the source document.