Competitiveness is the foundation of European autonomy, said the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michael Damianos, in his address on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, at the Eurochambres Presidency Meeting, at Cyprus Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in Nicosia.
The Minister, spekaing at the 29 January event, noted that Cyprus has assumed the Presidency under particularly demanding geopolitical circumstances, that challenge Europe’s security, economic strength and social cohesion, making clear that Europe’s resilience is no longer optional, but essential.
"Against this backdrop, the Cyprus Presidency has placed strong emphasis on strengthening the Union’s security and defence preparedness, enhancing competitiveness and deepening partnerships with like-minded partners around the world. These priorities reflect both the realities we face today and the responsibility that comes with leading the Council at such a critical juncture," he said.
Referring to the Presidency's motto: “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World," he said that this vision is rooted in the firm conviction that competitiveness is the foundation of European autonomy.
"Autonomy through competitiveness is not an end in itself. It is the means through which we can achieve sustainable growth, strengthen economic and social resilience, reduce strategic dependencies and secure long-term prosperity for all Europeans. A competitive Europe is a confident Europe – one that can protect its interests, uphold its values and engage globally on its own terms," he underlined.
Prioritising sustainable competitiveness
Within this framework, Cyprus' Presidency will prioritise sustainable competitiveness and the creation of a true Energy Union, ensuring that economic performance goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social cohesion, he stressed, noting that growth must be inclusive and resilient if it is to be lasting.
"At the heart of our efforts lies the completion of the Single Market. A strong, fully integrated Single Market remains the backbone of Europe’s competitiveness," he said. He added that, despite the significant progress achieved, barriers still exist, particularly for companies operating across borders. "In the course of our Presidency, we will work to remove remaining obstacles, simplify regulatory frameworks and foster investment and innovation. Advancing initiatives such as the 28th Regime and the Patent Package will be key to enabling businesses to operate more easily and efficiently across the Union," he noted.
Industrial modernisation another central pillar
Industrial modernisation will be another central pillar of the Presidency, he added. Modernising Europe’s industrial base is essential for growth, resilience and strategic autonomy, Damianos said, noting that the Cyprus Presidency will support initiatives that accelerate the green and digital transitions, strengthen critical supply chains and reduce energy vulnerabilities. "We will work to advance key proposals, such as the Industrial Accelerator Act, ReSourceEU, the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Chips Act", he said.
Regarding SMEs, the Minister said that Cyprus' Presidency will focus on improving their access to finance, supporting digital transformation and reducing barriers to cross-border activity, enabling SMEs to grow, scale, and compete effectively at global level.
"Energy security is another fundamental pillar of competitiveness and will remain high on our agenda. Affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is essential for households, industry and investment. The Cyprus Presidency will prioritise diversification, infrastructure development, interconnections, predictable energy prices and consumer engagement, with particular emphasis on advancing negotiations on the European Grids Package," Damianos continued.
Affordable housing
At the same time, he said, ensuring affordable housing will also be a priority, given its growing importance for social cohesion, economic stability and energy affordability for households.
"Cyprus assumed the Presidency with a clear ambition: to contribute meaningfully to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy, while remaining open to the world," he pointed out.
In this respect, he continued, “Open to the World” is "not a policy label. It reflects a simple truth: Europe’s prosperity and security depend on strong global connections, fair partnerships and the ability to stand up for our interests when necessary." He added that trade is where all of this comes together, shaping how we engage with others, protect our values and ensure Europe remains confident and resilient.
"We must continue expanding the EU’s network of free trade agreements to unlock new markets and build more resilient economic links. At the same time, we must be prepared to defend European interests by using all available trade and economic instruments when required," he asserted.
Damianos noted that Cyprus' Presidency will place particular emphasis on advancing ongoing trade negotiations with key partners across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Another priority, he said, will be preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, to be held in Cameroon in March 2026, with the aim of defending the integrity of the multilateral trading system and achieving realistic, meaningful progress.
"We will also intensify efforts to implement the EU-US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025, with the objective of further strengthening transatlantic cooperation across shared strategic priorities, guided by dialogue, restraint and respect for international principles," he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
