Innovation Deputy Minister holds contacts in Brussels, ahead of Cyprus EU presidency
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, paid an official visit to Brussels on June 3 -4 as part of preparations for Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2026 where he presented the main priorities of the Cypriot Presidency and the progress made in its preparations, according to a press release by the Deputy Ministry.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister held a series of constructive meetings with representatives from all three EU institutional bodies—the European Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament—focusing on research, innovation, and digital policy portfolios, including issues related to space and cybersecurity.
As it is noted, the Deputy Minister outlined the main priorities of the Cypriot Presidency and the progress in its preparations, reiterating Cyprus’s dedication to taking an active and constructive role as an honest mediator, with the goal of advancing related dossiers according to the Trio Presidency’s programme priorities.
He stressed that Cyprus remains fully available at all levels in a spirit of open and constructive cooperation and looks forward to continuing dialogue and collaboration in the coming months.
Damianou reiterated the Cypriot government’s commitment to the European vision and to the collective effort to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy and improve the quality of life for European citizens.
At the Council, Damianou met with Director Generals of the General Secretariat of the Council—Peter Javorčík (TREE – Transport, Energy, Environment, and Education) and Isabel Riaño (COMPET & Trade – Competitiveness and Trade)—exchanging views on the progress of the Cypriot Presidency in shaping the six-month sectoral programme and scheduled meetings. The Secretariat also provided information about its role in supporting and guiding the Presidency, especially regarding organisational matters and enhancing interaction with other EU institutional bodies.
The Deputy Minister also met with members of the College of Commissioners responsible for his Ministry’s portfolios, specifically with Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva (Research, Innovation, and Startups), Commissioner Andrius Kubilius (Defence and Space), and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen (Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy).
At the European Parliament, Damianou held successive meetings with several members of the European Parliament involved in the ITRE Committee (Industry, Research, and Energy), including Michał Kobosko, Christophe Grudler, Ville Niinistö, Eszter Lakos, Dario Tamburrano, and Anna Cavazzini. During these discussions, the importance of close cooperation and strategic alignment with the European Parliament was highlighted—not only as a co-legislator but also as a strategic partner in shaping policies and priorities.
An informal working lunch was also held with the Cypriot MEPs, during which the Deputy Minister had the opportunity to present the sectoral priorities of the Cypriot Presidency to promote political coordination and strengthen cooperation ahead of the upcoming Presidency, the press release noted.
Special emphasis was placed on the role Cypriot MEPs can play in shaping the positions of the European Parliament and promoting the Presidency’s priorities, leveraging their political visibility and institutional networks.
According to the press release, ways to enhance the presence and messages of the Presidency in the ITRE and IMCO (Internal Market and Consumer Protection) Committees, as well as opportunities to highlight national initiatives that add European value and contribute to achieving the EU’s strategic objectives, were discussed.