Limassol – The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) has expressed its readiness to assist the European Commission (EC) in fulfilling its trade and economic goals. This statement was made by EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič to TASR’s correspondent on Thursday following a joint meeting of the College of Commissioners and members of the Cypriot government, chaired by EC President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Limassol.
Maroš Šefčovič conveyed his satisfaction regarding the shared priorities between the European Commission and the incoming Cypriot Presidency. A primary focus is on European economic security, where actionable measures must be implemented to enhance this security, including improved information sharing among Member States and EU institutions, alongside the establishment of a European network of national economic security advisers.
“Additionally, we are focused on negotiations with our trade partners. This includes advancing the ratification of the agreement with the Mercosur countries, which is anticipated to be signed this weekend; a strong interest also exists in finalizing the deal with India, and expediting talks with Gulf countries, given Cyprus’s familiarity with the region,” Šefčovič elaborated.
He affirmed that the EC will rely on the support of the Cypriot Presidency to accelerate the ratification process of the trade agreement with Mexico, a key global player in food and agricultural imports.
In April, the Cypriot Presidency plans to organize an extraordinary summit centered on the Mediterranean agreement, inviting leaders from the Middle East and North Africa. The Cypriot president highlighted the summit’s significance for enhancing not only security and migration concerns but also the Union’s trade relations.
“The European Commission believes that cooperation between countries and businesses is facilitated by reducing barriers, not increasing them, and by operating within a framework defined by internationally recognized rules and adherence to international trade law,” Šefčovič stated. He emphasized that the EC supports initiatives aimed at barrier reduction and mutually beneficial trade, enhancing opportunities for European producers and traders to establish new contacts and business relationships. (15 January)
“There is also interest in expediting negotiations with the Gulf countries, given Cyprus’s strong understanding of this region.” Maroš Šefčovič
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