The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has managed one of the most multi-thematic and demanding portfolios of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Energy Minister Michael Damianos has said, adding that its role was clear, mainly to contribute to policies that enhance competitiveness, energy security, the industrial base and the Single Market.
Speaking on Thursday at a press conference on the work and results of the Ministry during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, that concluded at the end of June, the Minister noted that this six-month period was one of increased challenges for the European Union. He stated that the assumption of the Presidency “was a top responsibility and a significant opportunity for the Republic of Cyprus to contribute substantially to the shaping of European policies.”
The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has managed one of the most multi-thematic and demanding portfolios of the Presidency, in areas that are at the core of European challenges, mainly competitiveness, energy security, the green and digital transition, the strengthening of European industry, the promotion of an open and fair trading system, the protection of consumers and the deepening of the Single Market, the Minister underlined and thanked all those who contributed to a successful Presidency.
Presenting the work of the Ministry, he referred to the trade sector, noting that there have been substantial and concrete results in strengthening the economic security of the European Union and strengthening its position through the creation of new opportunities for European businesses.
He said that the legislative package for the implementation of the EU-US Joint Declaration has been completed, ensuring more stable and predictable trade relations between the two largest economies in the world, to the benefit of the European economy and businesses.
He also referred to the negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, expanding the European Union's prospects in dynamic markets, the EU's preparation for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, and ensuring access to new markets.
The Minister spoke about the Competitiveness Council, stating that crucial files for a more competitive and resilient Europe were promoted.
He referred to the progress made in the policy on critical raw materials, saying that the Cyprus Presidency succeeded in formulating a common position of the Member States on one of the most strategic files on critical raw materials.
One of the most important successes of the Cyprus Presidency, he said, was the conclusion of the agreement on the Electronic Declaration of Posting of Workers (eDeclaration) which reduces bureaucracy and facilitates mobility in the Single Market.
Referring to the field of energy, the Minister said that the Presidency has succeeded in effectively combining the management of immediate geopolitical challenges with the promotion of important legislative reforms that will shape Europe’s energy future.
The most important success, he stressed, was securing the Council’s negotiating mandate for the new European Energy Networks package.
“This package accelerates the development of energy infrastructure, facilitates the licensing of strategic projects and strengthens the energy security and competitiveness of the European Union”, he explained.
The Presidency, he said, has effectively managed the geopolitical challenges arising from developments in the Middle East, ensuring European coordination on the impacts on energy markets. In addition, it began discussion on the future course of the Energy Union focusing on decarbonization after 2030, affordable energy for citizens and businesses, strengthening investments and Europe's strategic autonomy.
Finally, in the field of intellectual property, the Minister noted that the Cypriot Presidency managed to restart negotiations on the package of Supplementary Protection Certificates for medicines and pesticides, overcoming a multi-year deadlock and laying the foundations for a simpler and more competitive European system for the protection of innovation.
