This juncture calls for a Europe that engages in a comprehensive, geopolitically mature, 360-degree approach. The Eastern Mediterranean, the wider Middle East and the Gulf are not peripheral issues. Quite the contrary. They are at the heart of our efforts for a strategically autonomous Union, intertwined with Europe’s security, energy, trade, migration, competitiveness and global footprint. It is thus inescapable, and a necessity that the European Union engages with our wider neighbourhood in a more strategic, more consistent and more impactful manner. This objective lies at the heart of our work as Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 🇪🇺🇨🇾 “Connecting Leaders. Driving Action”, Europe - Gulf Forum, Atlantic Council and Antenna Group.(NikosChristodoulides)