The aim of the Cyprus EU Presidency is to contribute constructively to strengthening Europe's competitiveness, reinforcing its strategic autonomy and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, said Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.
Speaking during the first roundtable session in Nicosia of the informal EU Competitiveness Ministers meeting on internal market and industry, the Cypriot minister said the Cyprus Presidency begins at a defining moment for the European Union. The EU faces an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, persistent energy challenges, rapid technological developments, and intensifying global competition, he noted.
“These developments call for a European Union that is resilient, competitive, and able to act strategically and decisively. Building on the valuable work of previous Presidencies, Cyprus assumes this responsibility with a strong sense of duty and commitment.
“Our aim is to contribute constructively to strengthening Europe's competitiveness, reinforcing its strategic autonomy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, while remaining open to the world and firmly grounded in our shared European values,” he said.
Damianos argued that autonomy comes through competitiveness, which plays a central role in safeguarding Europe's economic strength, social cohesion, and global influence.
European defence industry
Regarding Tuesday’s agenda, he noted three important items on the agenda, the first of which being the European defence industry.
“This is a sector with significant growth potential and increasing strategic importance. It is also important to highlight that smaller member states, including those with more limited industrial bases and smaller enterprises, can meaningfully benefit from and contribute to the development of this industry,” he said.
According to the Energy Minister, discussions will then turn to the Competitiveness Compass, looking at the real impact of actions taken to date, and ways to move forward with speed.
EU ministers will also have the opportunity to hear from the Commission on the New European Consumer Agenda 2025-2030, adopted by the European Commission on November 19, 2025.
Source: CNA