Brussels: Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Thursday that Cyprus has proposed a significant initiative for the European Union to consider suspending or potentially cancelling certain taxations, particularly those linked to the green transition, to avoid negatively impacting EU competitiveness. The President made these remarks during a European Council meeting held in Brussels, following his participation in the European People’s Party (EPP) Summit. He also praised the US intervention in facilitating a truce between Israel and Iran, expressing his aspiration to bring the region closer to the EU during Cyprus’s EU Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides addressed the potential for the EU to play a more substantial geopolitical role. He emphasized the importance of the US intervention in achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, describing it as a positive outcome. The President indicated that the European Council would discuss this issue further, as well as the EU’s potential role in similar geopolitical developments.
President Christodoulides also highlighted recent diplomatic initiatives, including invitations extended to the Egyptian and Lebanese Presidents to visit Brussels, and noted the European Parliament President’s visit to the UAE. Additionally, he announced an upcoming visit from the Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus for an informal summit during the Cyprus EU Presidency.
The President discussed the progress made in defense and security, underscoring Cyprus’s intention to leverage EU opportunities for financing in these areas. He emphasized the potential of the Cypriot defense industry and the Republic’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities.
On migration, President Christodoulides identified Libya as a primary concern affecting migration flows to Greece and Italy. He expressed solidarity with these nations and introduced a new migration plan by Cyprus, effective since June 2, which has reportedly yielded positive results.
Addressing competitiveness, he advocated for reducing bureaucracy and revisiting taxations related to the green transition. President Christodoulides argued for a reassessment of decisions made under different circumstances, proposing a potential delay or cancellation of certain taxation implementations scheduled for January 1, 2027, to preserve EU competitiveness.
The President revealed a significant level of support from other EU member states for this approach, sharing that discussions with the European Commission President would continue on this topic. He also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the urgent need to resolve access issues to basic goods and highlighting Cyprus’s bilateral efforts with partners such as the UAE and USA to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Moreover, the President reiterated Cyprus’s longstanding relationship with Israel and ongoing efforts to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza. He acknowledged the role of the EU in these matters while also noting diverse perspectives within the Union.
Finally, President Christodoulides expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the Cyprus issue in the EPP summit statement and emphasized the national aim of achieving full Schengen membership for Cyprus, seeking continued support from the EPP.