Nicosia: The Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is set to convene in Nicosia on Tuesday and Wednesday for its 743rd meeting. This event represents the first institutional meeting in Cyprus as part of its forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled to commence on 1 January 2026. The EESC Bureau’s sessions will take place at the Presidential Palace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the programme will begin with an address by EESC President Seamus Boland, followed by a speech from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna will outline the anticipated priorities for Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency.
The meeting will also feature a Plenary Conference titled ‘Water Scarcity and Preparedness,’ with Professor Fadi Comair from the Cyprus Institute and Durk Krol from Water Europe as speakers. The European Economic and Social Committee, an advisory EU body, includes representatives from employers’ organisations, trade unions, and other stakeholder groups. It provides opinions on EU matters when requested by the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament, and can also issue opinions independently, acting as a link between EU decision-making institutions and citizens and businesses.
In preparation for the Cypriot Presidency, the EESC has been tasked with preparing 14 opinions on issues of shared interest and priority, in accordance with customary practices for each rotating EU Presidency.