Deputy Minister for Research Nicodemos Damianou held key meetings in Brussels this week ahead of Cyprus’ upcoming EU council presidency in the first half of 2026, it was reported on Thursday.

During his two-day official visit on June 3 and 4, Damianou outlined Cyprus’ main priorities and progress in preparations, with the message that Nicosia is ready to take on a constructive and leading role.

The deputy minister emphasised Cyprus’ commitment to acting as an “honest broker”, aiming to advance legislative files in line with the Trio presidency programme. His meetings spanned all three EU institutions, the commission, the council, and the House, and focused on critical areas including digital policy, innovation, space and cybersecurity.

In talks with senior EU officials, Damianou presented Cyprus’ plans to support Europe’s technological sovereignty and improve digital safety.

“We stand fully available at all levels,” he said, “in a spirit of open and constructive cooperation.”

At the council, he met with Peter Javorcik and Isabel Riano, directors-general of the secretariat, to discuss how Cyprus can shape the sectoral programme and ensure smooth coordination of the six-month term. The council secretariat, in turn, pledged organisational support and guidance to enhance collaboration with other institutions.

In the European commission, Damianou met with commissioners Ekaterina Zaharieva (research and start-ups), Andrius Kubilius (defence and space), and executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen (technology, security and democracy). Discussions centred on aligning the Cyprus presidency’s goals with broader EU strategies.

He also engaged with members of the European parliament from the influential ITRE committee, including Michal Kobosko, Christophe Grudler and Anna Cavazzini. There, he underlined the need for close coordination with MEPs, not just as co-legislators but as strategic partners.

A working lunch with Cypriot MEPs highlighted how they could play a vital role in shaping parliament’s positions and raising the visibility of the presidency’s priorities. Discussions explored ways to strengthen Cyprus’ voice in key committees like ITRE and IMCO, and to showcase national initiatives that deliver tangible European value.

Throughout the visit, Damianou reiterated Cyprus’ dedication to the European vision, aiming to boost competitiveness, support innovation and improve quality of life across the bloc.