Nicosia: The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has played a pivotal role in managing one of the most complex portfolios during Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the EU, according to Energy Minister Michael Damianos. He emphasized that the Ministry's focus was on enhancing competitiveness, energy security, the industrial base, and the Single Market.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during a press conference on Thursday, Minister Damianos highlighted the challenges faced by the European Union during Cyprus's six-month presidency, which concluded at the end of June. He described the presidency as both a significant responsibility and an opportunity for the Republic of Cyprus to influence European policy-making positively.
The Ministry's work spanned several critical areas, including competitiveness, energy security, the green and digital transition, and the strengthening of the European industry. Minister Damianos expressed gratitude to all those involved in delivering a successful presidency and specifically noted the Ministry's achievements in the trade sector, which strengthened the EU's economic security and created new business opportunities.
He pointed out that the EU-US Joint Declaration's legislative package was completed, fostering stable trade relations between the world's two largest economies, benefiting European businesses. Additionally, negotiations with countries like the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand expanded the EU's market access and prospects.
The Minister also praised the work of the Competitiveness Council in promoting crucial initiatives for a competitive and resilient Europe. Significant progress was made on policies for critical raw materials, with Cyprus achieving a unified stance among EU Member States on this strategic issue.
Among the presidency's key accomplishments was the agreement on the Electronic Declaration of Posting of Workers (eDeclaration), which simplifies bureaucracy and enhances mobility within the Single Market.
In the energy sector, the presidency adeptly navigated geopolitical challenges while advancing legislative reforms crucial for Europe's energy future. The most notable achievement was securing a negotiating mandate for the new European Energy Networks package, which aims to accelerate infrastructure development, streamline project licensing, and bolster the EU's energy security and competitiveness.
Minister Damianos also addressed the management of geopolitical issues in the Middle East and the resulting impacts on energy markets. He mentioned the commencement of discussions on the Energy Union's future, focusing on post-2030 decarbonization, affordable energy, investment enhancement, and strategic autonomy.
In intellectual property, the Cypriot Presidency successfully restarted negotiations on the Supplementary Protection Certificates package for medicines and pesticides, breaking a multi-year deadlock and setting the stage for a more competitive European innovation protection system.