The Parliament on Thursday unanimously approved legislation on Thursday, outlining the appointment and authority of the Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs, in preparation for Cyprus’ assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
Under this new law, the Deputy Minister will exercise overarching political oversight in the lead-up to the first half of 2026, concerning the Cyprus Presidency of the Council.
The legislation stipulates that the President of the Republic will appoint the Deputy Minister for European Affairs through an official decree, specifying the duration of their term. The Deputy Minister’s term will commence on a date determined by the President of the Republic and conclude on July 31, 2026.
Among the Deputy Minister’s responsibilities are political supervision of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union, representation in European Union institutions, and coordination of the program and priorities of the Cyprus Presidency.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister will oversee the organization of meetings in Cyprus as part of the Presidency, handle other logistical matters, and develop a communication strategy in collaboration with the Government Spokesperson and the Press and Information Office.
The Deputy Minister is also expected to be present during discussions before the Council of Ministers on matters within their purview and provide pertinent information notes, although they will not participate in the decision-making process.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister must submit an Activity Report to the President and provide a copy to the House of Representatives before the conclusion of their appointment.
Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, previously held the Presidency of the European Council in 2012.
