The heart of European business is beating in Cyprus today and tomorrow, as, in view of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) is hosting the BusinessEurope Council of Presidents (COPRES).
The main proceedings of the Presidents' Summit will be held at the Hilton Nicosia, while the Presidents of the 42 member federations of BusinessEurope from 36 countries will be received at the Presidential Palace by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
More specifically, and according to the schedule, today the Presidents of the European employers' organisations will meet with the President of the Republic, while subsequently, they will attend an official dinner at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of the President.
Tomorrow, Friday, 21 November at the COPRES Summit to be held at the Hilton Nicosia, President Christodoulides will be present, along with the European Union Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.
The agenda of the Summit includes, among other things, the following topics:
- The priorities of the future Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union,
- The EU strategy for a sustainable, innovative and competitive economy,
- International relations.
Where will the discussions focus?
It is recalled that, according to what the President of the OEB, George Pantelides, recent said in an interview with InBusinessNews , the Summit will focus on a series of key issues that are at the heart of the current European economic agenda.
Among other things, the Presidents of the employers' organisations will discuss:
- The need to reduce bureaucracy, enhance competitiveness and reduce energy costs. Excessive regulatory burden is one of the most important inhibiting factors for the competitiveness of the EU.
Ways of simplifying procedures, reducing unnecessary regulations and by extension harmonizing relevant legislation will be examined to facilitate business activity in all member states.
- Shipping and global challenges. Shipping is a pillar of the European and Cypriot economy. Discussions will cover geopolitical turmoil, the reshuffle in global transport networks, as well as the obligations arising from the green transition - such as the requirement for zero emissions and the pressures to adopt new technologies.
As the President of OEB emphasised, the Council of Presidents is the central forum where the strategic direction of BusinessEurope is determined, while the results of the discussion are adopted as a line of intervention towards the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council and the other institutions.
The benefits
Regarding the benefits for Cyprus and OEB from hosting the Summit, Pantelides had underlined to InBusinessNews that the organisation of the Summit of BusinessEurope Presidents is an event of utmost importance for both Cyprus and OEB.
For our country, he said, this is an excellent opportunity to present itself as a reliable, stable and active partner on the European business scene. The timing is also critical, as the Summit takes place just a few weeks before the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
"The opportunity to present the priorities, achievements and prospects of the Cypriot economy to leading employer organisations from 36 countries strengthens the country's international profile and contributes to building trust and partnerships," he pointed out.
For the OEB, Pantelides continued, hosting the Summit functions as a practical recognition of its work and credibility in the European environment, while at the same time creating the conditions for more direct and meaningful communication with counterparts throughout Europe, allowing the exchange of knowledge, the resolution of common problems and the highlighting of issues concerning the economies of the EU and its businesses.
BusinessEurope
It is noted that BusinessEurope is the leading organisation representing European employers' and business federations.
Its aim is to strengthen competitiveness and sustainable growth in Europe.
The organisation represents 42 federations from 36 countries and Cyprus is represented by the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB).
BusinessEurope also works closely with the EU institutions, participates in social dialogue and shapes policies in critical areas such as the economy, the single European market, innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Council of Presidents (COPRES)
The Council of Presidents (COPRES) is the General Assembly and the highest decision-making body of BusinessEurope.
It is attended by the Presidents of national employers' federations, representing businesses of all sizes from across Europe.
COPRES sets strategic priorities, examines issues affecting competitiveness (such as energy costs, the single market and regulatory burden) and adopts common political positions.
At the same time, its members participate in meetings with government and European officials.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
