Nicosia: Europe's competitiveness agenda was the focal point at the Eurochambres Presidency Meeting hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), where senior leaders from the European chambers network and top officials from the Republic of Cyprus convened. This meeting, occurring less than a month into the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, built on previous engagements and offered an opportunity to deliberate on the crucial competitiveness agenda.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, who underscored the significant role of chambers of commerce and industry in supporting enterprises and enhancing Europe's economic resilience. He pointed out that competitiveness has become a primary political focus for Europe amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.
President Christodoulides articulated that Europe's competitiveness should be anchored in strategic autonomy, resilient supply chains, and a robust industrial base. He stressed the importance of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework as a key mechanism for fostering investment, innovation, and cohesion throughout the European Union, emphasizing that EU funding priorities must align with competitiveness, security, and sustainable growth to effectively address global complexities.
Mr Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the participants to Nicosia, noting the meeting's occurrence at a critical juncture for Europe's economic trajectory. He highlighted the intensifying global competition fueled by large-scale industrial strategies in the United States, China's long-term state-led policies, and rapid reforms in other economies.
In response, Eurochambres Deputy President Wouter Van Gulck commended the focus on competitiveness during Cyprus' EU Presidency. He urged Cyprus to ensure genuine momentum for this agenda, aiming for tangible outcomes for Europe's business community by emphasizing single market integration, reducing regulatory burdens, and facilitating international trade as key growth factors.
The Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr Michael Damianos, presented the priorities of the Competitiveness and Energy Councils. He outlined Cyprus' dedication to enhancing industrial competitiveness, advancing green and digital transitions, ensuring energy security, and improving the single market's functionality as a growth driver for European enterprises.
The meeting provided a timely platform for exchanging views on Europe's competitiveness agenda, regulatory simplification, the future of the single market, skills and innovation, and the role of chambers in helping European companies compete globally.
During the meeting, participants also reviewed Eurochambres' activities for 2025 and discussed strategic priorities and the work programme for 2026. Discussions included appointing Committee Chairs for 2026-2027, preparations for the Eurochambres Congress 2026, and exploring options for the European Parliament Elections Programme 2027, alongside a roundtable on current economic trends, regulatory challenges, and the outlook for European business.
Eurochambres will continue collaborating with the Cyprus Presidency and European institutions to ensure competitiveness remains central to Europe's policy agenda.