Nicosia: Cyprus will work hard to make the European landscape simpler, faster, smarter, according to President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, as he addressed the Eurochambres Presidency Meeting at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of European autonomy as a foundational element of competitiveness.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President expressed that the Cyprus Presidency is both a responsibility and an honor, undertaken with a deep sense of duty and ambition. He highlighted the necessity of a close partnership with the business community, especially in light of current geopolitical and economic challenges, such as global competition, energy price volatility, and supply chain pressures.
President Christodoulides also addressed the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the fragility of peace and stability in Europe. He reiterated that European autonomy is crucial and extends beyond foreign policy to include economic and trade aspects.
The President pointed out that autonomy is integral to European competitiveness, encompassing secure energy, resilient supply chains, robust industrial capacity, and a unified Single Market. He stressed the need for Europe to regulate more effectively, reducing administrative burdens to foster an environment where businesses can thrive.
The Cyprus Presidency, he noted, will prioritize completing the Single Market and strengthening its governance. The Industrial Accelerator Act and the forthcoming Single Market Roadmap to 2028 will be key components in this effort. President Christodoulides also emphasized the importance of a robust and outward-looking trade policy, advocating for strategic trade agreements to bolster Europe as a global power.
Cyprus, he added, will focus on expanding the EU's partnerships, particularly in regions like the Gulf, which are crucial for achieving long-term strategic goals such as energy diversification and climate resilience.
President Christodoulides referred to Cyprus's role in advancing the EU's relationships, particularly with the Middle East. He highlighted initiatives like the Free Trade Agreement with India and Cyprus's recent diplomatic engagements in the region.
Lastly, he shared Cyprus's economic successes, noting the country's high growth rates and improvements in unemployment and public debt. President Christodoulides concluded by asserting Cyprus's commitment to delivering results during its Presidency, showcasing that a member state's value lies in its dedication to the European project.
In response to a comment by Eurochambres Deputy President, Wouter Van Gulck, President Christodoulides expressed optimism about the upcoming EU competitiveness discussions and invited suggestions to further enhance EU's economic standing.