Nicosia is hosting the meeting of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of European Affairs from the Mediterranean member states of the European Union (EU) - MED9, on Wednesday and Thursday, with the participation of France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Portugal, and Slovenia.

According to an announcement from the Ministry of European Affairs, this meeting is the last Ministerial Conference of the MED9 before the Summit, which will be held in Paphos on October 11th, and it also has a preparatory nature.

"The aim of the meeting is to discuss common challenges and promote the shared interests of the Mediterranean EU member states, in light of the new institutional cycle of the EU, with the goal of keeping the Mediterranean at the center of the Union's priorities," the announcement adds.

It is noted that the Ministers' meeting will discuss issues such as the priorities of the MED9 countries in the new institutional cycle of the EU (2024-2029), also considering the Strategic Agenda approved by EU leaders in June. The situation in the Middle East has been added to the meeting's agenda, in light of recent concerning developments in the region and the upcoming discussion on the topic at the MED9 Leaders' Summit.

According to the announcement, the main sessions of the meeting will take place on the morning of October 3rd, at the new Nicosia Town Hall.

"In the first session, the latest developments in the Middle East will be discussed, while in the second session, the priorities for the new EU institutional cycle will be examined, such as the EU's relations with the Southern Neighborhood, the green and digital transitions, energy security, strengthening competitiveness, migration, and demographic challenges. A working lunch will follow, where the future of cooperation between the MED9 countries will be discussed," the statement says.

After the conclusion of the discussions, a press conference will be held with the nine Ministers and Deputy Ministers of European Affairs at 12:30 p.m.

Before the conference, on October 2nd, the delegations will be given a tour of the walled city of Nicosia, followed by an informal dinner.