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Cyprus Envoy Calls EU-India FTA 'Mother of All Deals', Eyes Autonomous EU

The High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, Evagoras Vryonides, has outlined a strategic vision for an autonomous European Union as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency. He announced a packed schedule of high-level diplomatic visits from Cyprus to India, culminating in the Cypriot President's visit in May. Vryonides expressed strong satisfaction with the progress on the long-negotiated EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which he termed the "mother of all deals." He pledged that Cyprus would use its presidency to facilitate and expedite the implementation of this landmark deal.

Key Points: Cyprus Envoy on EU-India FTA & Vision for Autonomous European Union

  • Cyprus to push EU-India FTA as Council President
  • Vision for a self-reliant EU in economy and defence
  • Series of high-level Cyprus visits to India planned
  • FTA negotiations have reached a point of agreement
2 min read

Cyprus envoy outlines vision for autonomous EU; terms EU-India FTA 'mother of all deals' ahead of high-level visits

Cyprus High Commissioner outlines vision for an autonomous EU and terms the EU-India Free Trade Agreement the 'mother of all deals' ahead of key diplomatic visits.

"when there's a will, there's a way - Evagoras Vryonides"

By Sahil Pandey, New Delhi, February 2

As the Republic of Cyprus prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Evagoras Vryonides, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to India, has outlined a vision for an "autonomous" EU while signaling a significant deepening of ties with New Delhi.

Speaking on the strategic priorities of the upcoming presidency, Vryonides emphasized that the primary goal is to foster a self-reliant European Union across multiple sectors including economic prosperity, employment, and defence. He noted that while seeking autonomy, the Union aims to maintain strong links with transatlantic friends through the EU-NATO partnership.

The High Commissioner revealed a packed diplomatic calendar for Cyprus in India, noting that many high-level engagements are planned for the coming months. He confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy will visit Delhi in two weeks for the AI Summit, followed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in March for the Raisina Dialogue.

This diplomatic momentum will culminate in the official visit of the President of Cyprus to India in May.

Addressing the long-awaited EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the High Commissioner expressed immense satisfaction with the progress made between the two partners. He stated that the leadership is very content that the deal has reached a point of agreement after years of negotiations, remarking that "when there's a will, there's a way."

Terming the agreement the "mother of all deals," Vryonides assured that Cyprus, in its capacity as the EU Council President, will do everything in its power to facilitate, expedite, and enhance the implementation of this deal to benefit both regions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, the AI Summit and focus on digital policy is the most exciting part. Collaboration on innovation can be a real game-changer for both economies. Looking forward to the outcomes.
V
Vikram M
Finally some momentum on the FTA! It's been in talks forever. "When there's a will, there's a way" is right. This deal needs to be balanced though – it must protect our farmers and MSMEs, not just benefit large corporations. A good agreement is a fair agreement.
R
Rohit P
High-level visits from the Foreign Minister and the President of Cyprus show serious intent. Building strong ties with smaller EU nations can give India a stronger voice within the whole bloc. Smart diplomacy.
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Priya S
While the vision sounds good, I hope this "autonomous EU" doesn't become too inward-looking. Global challenges need global cooperation. The EU-India partnership should be a model for that – focusing on shared prosperity and security.
N
Nikhil C
The defence cooperation angle is interesting. With a more self-reliant EU on defence, there could be new opportunities for joint R&D and manufacturing with Indian companies. Jai Hind!

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