The meeting was opened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou, while the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency were presented by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna. The COSAC meeting in Nicosia brought together the chairs of the European Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the EU Member States and the Parliaments of the Candidate Countries, as well as Members of the European Parliament.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the European Integration Committee Elvira Kovacs stressed that the Cyprus Presidency comes at a particularly important moment for Serbia, and that despite our clear commitment to reforms, technical readiness and fulfilment of all criteria, Cluster 3 has not yet been opened. She said that such delays are not only discouraging for our citizens, but also send a message that technical readiness and concrete results are no longer enough. She added that Serbia seeks practicality and predictability in the process, and that, if the criteria are met, we expect the process to progress. She emphasised that, otherwise, trust is eroded and Euroscepticism grows, which is not in the interest of either Serbia or the European Union. She expressed concern about the increasing use of bilateral mechanisms to block the enlargement process at a time when there should be no room for it, and stressed that there will be an opportunity to point out Serbia's shortcomings, but that it is equally important to extend a hand of recognition for all that has been achieved so far. She said that Serbia therefore expects Cyprus to use its presidency to restore the credibility of the merit-based enlargement policy.

Speaking on the topic of “European geopolitical challenges and responses”, Kovacs emphasised that strengthening European autonomy through security and defence, improving competitiveness and strengthening cooperation with partners is the right response to today's geopolitical crisis. She stressed that Europe's response must overcome immediate security challenges, and that Europe's long-term geopolitical strength depends on its ability to increase productivity and competitiveness. She highlighted investment in innovation, digitalisation and the green transition as a strategic necessity. She stressed that, without investment in technology, Europe risks falling behind in a world marked by rapid change and increasingly intense global competition. She said that Serbia sees itself as a constructive and reliable partner in this effort and that we are ready to contribute to building a more competitive and secure Europe. She emphasised that stability in the Western Balkans is an integral part of European security, and that Serbia has a clear interest in preserving peace in the region. She said that in times of geopolitical instability, the fairness and predictability of European Union policies, including enlargement, become even more important. She stressed that a fair, merit-based enlargement process strengthens both the EU and its candidates. She said that it is essential, as Europe faces unprecedented challenges, that all partners who share the same values feel included and recognized.

Milan Radin pointed out that everything that happens on the European continent, especially in the field of economics, affects all other European countries, regardless of whether they are EU members. He stressed that Serbia was right saying for years that international law must be respected, and Serbia is still right today when it says that only a united Europe can respond to current geopolitical problems.

On the sidelines of the conference, the members of the delegation had talks with the members of the delegations from the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary and the region.

The plenary COSAC meeting under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU will be held from 15 to 17 March 2026 in Nicosia.