Brussels: Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, recently visited Brussels in preparation for Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled for the first half of 2026. During his visit, Damianou presented the main priorities of the Cypriot Presidency and discussed the progress made in its preparations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Damianou engaged in a series of meetings with representatives from the European Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament. These discussions centered around research, innovation, and digital policy, with a particular focus on space and cybersecurity. Damianou emphasized Cyprus’s commitment to serving as an honest mediator and advancing the Trio Presidency’s program priorities.
Damianou highlighted the Cypriot government’s dedication to the European vision and its intention to bolster the competitiveness of the European economy. During his time at the Council, Damianou met with Peter Javorck and Isabel Ria±o, Director Generals of the General Secretariat of the Council. They discussed the progress of the Cypriot Presidency in shaping the six-month sectoral program and scheduled meetings.
In meetings with members of the College of Commissioners, Damianou spoke with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen about the Ministry’s portfolios. Damianou also held discussions with European Parliament members from the ITRE Committee, stressing the importance of cooperation and strategic alignment with the European Parliament.
An informal working lunch with Cypriot MEPs allowed Damianou to present the sectoral priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, emphasizing political coordination and cooperation. Discussions included enhancing the presence of the Presidency in the ITRE and IMCO Committees and highlighting national initiatives that contribute to the EU’s strategic objectives.