Energy Minister joins EU Competitiveness Council in Copenhagen

Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou participated in the informal meeting of the EU Ministerial Competitiveness Council that was held in Copenhagen on 18 July. 

Ministers exchanged views on ways to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union which is called upon to respond to increasing pressures from international competitors, as well as the need for a new strategy for industrial development and technological superiority, a press release said.

The Cypriot Minister  participated in thematic discussions on biotechnology and innovation. In his intervention he underlined the need for simplification and harmonisation of regulatory procedures at EU level, with an emphasis on scientific documentation, predictability and strengthening the staffing of the competent authorities.

He also stressed the importance of digitalisation and the creation of a single European platform for authorisation and evaluation. Regarding innovation, the Minister supported the creation of regulatory sandboxes to test new technological solutions in real market conditions. He also highlighted the need for standardisation of models, as well as their support through European funding, expertise and relevant guidelines.

Meanwhile, at the invitation of his French counterpart, Papanastasiou also participated in the Meeting of the Ministerial Alliance for Energy-Intensive Industries, during which they discussed challenges and prospects for the sustainability of energy-intensive industrial units in the EU.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Minister held bilateral contacts with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Stéphane Séjourné, the Minister of Finance of the Netherlands, Vincent Karremans, and the Secretary General of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy,  Thomas Steffen. During these meetings, they exchanged views on the priorities of Cyprus ahead of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the beginning of next year.

(Source: CNA)