Cyprus: Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under truly demanding geopolitical circumstances, Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michalis Damianos stated before members of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA).
According to Cyprus News Agency, in his speech delivered during the Ministers' visit to the European Parliament, Damianos emphasized that across our neighborhood and far beyond, instability and rapid shifts in the international order make Europe's resilience more vital than ever. With the motto 'An Autonomous Union, Open to the World', Mr. Damianos declared, Cyprus is committed to supporting the Union in navigating these uncertainties with unity, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to shared values.
The Minister underlined that as Cyprus takes on this responsibility, it does so with a genuine sense of partnership and deep appreciation for the role the European Parliament plays in shaping Europe's future. Damianos stated that the Cyprus Presidency's programme is built around five pillars reflecting the Union's most urgent strategic needs: enhancing security and defence readiness, strengthening competitiveness, and ensuring that Europe remains open and engaged with the world.
He explained that these pillars are not abstract policy frameworks, but the backbone of our political approach at a time when Europe must act with clarity, confidence, and determination. Within this framework, trade policy occupies a central place under the Third Pillar. He pointed out that it is not merely a policy label, as it reflects a simple truth: Europe's prosperity and security depend on our ability to remain connected to the world, to build strong and fair partnerships, and to defend our interests when necessary.
Damianos also stated that particular emphasis will be placed on the EU's trade negotiations with key partners in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He highlighted that these partnerships are essential-not only because they enhance Europe's resilience and diversify supply chains, but also because they allow for the creation of fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic relations. He further noted that the traditional rules-based system is increasingly giving way to a framework shaped by power politics and fragmentation. In this environment, he underlined, a renewed and honest narrative on trade is needed.
The Minister declared that, on one hand, the EU's network of free trade agreements must continue to expand, and on the other hand, Europe must be ready to defend its interests using all available tools. He stressed that the Presidency will also prioritize the completion of outstanding procedures in the Council for agreements already finalized. Implementing these agreements is not merely a technical step, but the moment when the EU's decisions become tangible for citizens. When an agreement is signed, he noted, citizens and businesses expect to see the difference in their daily lives: 'in the opportunities they have, the markets they can access, and the stability they can rely on.'
Damianos highlighted that after more than 25 years of negotiations, the EU and Mercosur partners officially signed the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) on 17 January 2026, calling the moment 'truly historic.' In a period of increasing geopolitical instability, he stated, these agreements send a clear and decisive message: the European Union continues to stand firmly in support of multilateral cooperation and a global trading system based on rules, fairness, and predictability.
Beyond the economic dimension, the agreements will deepen political dialogue with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, providing a renewed platform to address shared challenges and opportunities, from sustainable development to digital transition and global governance. Finally, the Minister reiterated that, beyond the economic dimension, the agreements will reinforce political dialogue with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, offering a renewed platform for joint action on challenges and opportunities, from sustainable development to digital transformation and global governance.
Damianos concluded by emphasizing that it is now essential for the EU-Mercosur agreements to be implemented. He noted the European Parliament's central role, adding: 'We fully recognize the complexity of the dossier. But, given its strategic importance-economically, geopolitically, and environmentally-it is vital to work together to advance swiftly and responsibly toward Parliament's approval.'