Cyprus has established a Deputy Minister position to oversee the preparations for its EU Council Presidency in 2026. The Deputy Minister will have responsibilities such as political supervision, representation in EU institutions, coordination of the presidency’s program, and communication strategies with the government spokesperson and PIO.
What is the role of the newly created Deputy Minister position in Cyprus?
The Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs in Cyprus is responsible for overseeing the preparations for Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency in 2026. Duties include political supervision of the EU presidency secretariat, representing Cyprus in EU institutions, coordinating the presidency’s program, and establishing communication strategies with the government spokesperson and PIO.
Unanimous Decision by House
In a significant step towards its upcoming role at the helm of the European Union, the House of Representatives in Cyprus has made a unanimous decision. A new law has been enacted, providing for the creation and definition of the powers of a Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs.
The Role of the Deputy Minister
This strategic move comes as the island nation prepares for its presidency of the EU council, which it will hold during the first half of 2026. The Deputy Minister will play a crucial role, being granted supervisory authority over the preparations leading up to and during the presidency.
By presidential act, the candidate for the deputy minister position will be appointed. The term of office is set to commence on a date specified by the president and will extend until July 31, 2026.
Responsibilities and Functions
The deputy minister is tasked with a range of responsibilities, central to ensuring the smooth operation and success of Cyprus’s EU council presidency. Among these duties are:
- The political supervision over the secretariat of the Cyprus EU presidency.
- The political representation of Cyprus in European Union institutions.
- Coordination of Cyprus’s EU presidency’s program and priorities.
In addition, the deputy minister will organize meetings on the island within the context of the EU presidency. Setting the communication strategy is also part of the role, to be done in collaboration with the government spokesperson and the Press and Information Office (PIO).
The minister’s presence in council discussions on relevant matters, although without a decision-making role, is also integral to the position. Notably, before the end of the term, an activity report will be submitted to the president and a copy to the House.
Cyprus and the EU Council Presidency
Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and had its first tenure as president of the European Council in 2012. This upcoming term marks an important milestone for the country as it seeks to further assert its role and influence within the EU framework.
Media and Information Dissemination
The Deputy Minister will also be involved in establishing and overseeing the communication strategy related to Cyprus’s EU council presidency. This will include managing the narrative and disseminating information both domestically and across EU member states through a variety of media channels.
Preparing for 2026
With four years to go, the groundwork for the EU council presidency is already being laid. The establishment of the Deputy Minister’s role is a testament to Cyprus’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in the EU during its presidency. The nation is gearing up for what promises to be a significant period in shaping not only its future but also contributing to the direction of the European Union as a whole.
Quick Recap
- Cyprus has established a Deputy Minister position to oversee the preparations for its EU Council Presidency in 2026.
- The Deputy Minister will have responsibilities such as political supervision, representation in EU institutions, coordination of the presidency’s program, and communication strategies with the government spokesperson and PIO.
- The House of Representatives in Cyprus made a unanimous decision to create and define the powers of the Deputy Minister for European Affairs.
- The Deputy Minister will play a crucial role in the preparations and during Cyprus’s EU council presidency in the first half of 2026.
- The Deputy Minister will be responsible for political supervision, representation, coordination, communication strategies, and organizing meetings for the EU presidency.
