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The Council of Ministers, at its meeting today at the Presidential Palace, chaired by the President of the Republic Mr Nicos Christodoulides, decided to set the date of entry into force of the Law on the Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs (Temporary Provisions) of 2023. The date of entry into force of the Law is set at 11 January 2024.
It is recalled that the Act allows for the immediate appointment of a Deputy Minister to undertake the preparations and conduct of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 and provides, inter alia, for the appointment of a Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs by an act of the President of the Republic for the period ending 31 July 2026, as well as for the definition of the responsibilities of the Deputy Minister limited by the nature of the Cyprus Presidency and the obligations with which it entails.
The decision of the Council of Ministers will be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
As you know, Mrs Marilena Raouna, previously Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic, has been appointed Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs.
The appointment of a Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs was deemed necessary as the assumption of the 2nd Cyprus Presidency creates, inter alia.
(b) The need for appropriate preparation for adequate briefing and coordination of the various services of the Republic.
(c) The need to hold a series of contacts at political level with representatives of the European Parliament and other institutions of the European Union (EU). It is therefore necessary to appoint a Deputy Minister of State for European Affairs.
Taking into account the experience gained during the first Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2012, the Deputy Minister will have overall political oversight and will be exclusively involved in the preparation and conduct of the Cyprus Presidency.
Her responsibilities will include:
(a) The political supervision of the Secretariat of the Cyprus EU Presidency in 2026.
(b) Political representation in EU institutions and bodies and conducting contacts with these institutions and bodies.
(c) The overall supervision, in cooperation and consultation with the Ministers responsible, of the preparation and implementation of the Cyprus Presidency. In this context, he/she will be responsible for coordination:
[I) THE PROGRAMME AND PRIORITIES OF THE CYPRUS PRESIDENCY,
[II) THE ORGANISATION OF MEETINGS TO BE HELD, AS WELL AS OTHER ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS, AND
[III] the communication strategy, in close cooperation with the Government Spokesperson and the Press and Information Office.
(d) The Deputy Minister will appear during discussions before the Cabinet on matters within his/her remit and the submission of briefing notes, but will not participate in the decision-making process.
Our aim is for the six months of the Cyprus Presidency to be an important milestone not only for Cyprus but also for the EU. Drawing up an ambitious, concrete and realistic plan of priorities will contribute to a successful Presidency that will further strengthen the vision of European integration based on the principles and values of our European family. Our main ambition is to have a Presidency of hope and perspective. Hope and perspective for more and better Europe.
In another decision, the Council of Ministers today appointed the members of the Board of Directors of the Single Body for the Out-of-Court Settlement of Financial Disputes.
The new composition of the Board of Directors is as follows:
(i) Ms. Avgi Chrysostomou Lapathiotis, as representative of the Ministry of Finance and Chairperson of the Board.
(ii) Ms. Vassilia Iraklidou, as representative of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and Vice-Chairperson of the Board.
(iii) Ms. Mikaella Papanikolaou Agathokleous, as the second representative of the Ministry of Finance.
(iv) Ms. Anastasia Stylianidou, as the second representative of the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry.
(v) Mr. Michael Kronidis, as the representative of the Banks.
(vi) Ms. Elizabeth Solonos, as representative of the Credit Acquisition and Credit Management Companies.
(vii) Mr. Akis Papachristodoulou, as representative of the Association of Insurance Companies.
(viii) Mr. Andreas Koufkis, as representative of E.P.E.Y.
(ix) Mr. Lucas Aristodimou, as representative of consumers.
(PM/NZ/AF)
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