Cyprus EU Presidency

Arrival of Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus

Keywords : competitiveness | Sylikiotis | Cyprus Duration : 00:00:03

SOUNDBITE (Greek) Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus

At today’s Competitiveness Council I had the opportunity to present the priorities of Cyprus in view of our taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in about a month’s time. We believe is that it is important to reinforce competitiveness and entrepreneurship and to contribute towards the return of Europe to economic growth. Regarding the issues of entrepreneurship, which today are highlighted as extremely important, our main focus is on supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) – we believe that in order to overcome the problems caused by the economic crisis, we need to support SMEs. In fact, the informal Competitiveness Council to be held in Cyprus on the 18th and 19th of July, will focus on the issues of entrepreneurship, particularly for women and young people. I would also like to point out that it is extremely important to promote the COSME Programme and to complete the discussions successfully. As far as industrial policy is concerned, it is important to promote those policies that will bring the European industrial policy to the levels of our competitors around the world, on such sectors as the automotive and raw materials industries. Lastly, I would like to point out that the 12 legislative proposals of the Single Market Act are also among the dossiers that we will be managing. These include public contracts, the recognition of professional qualifications and the accounting Directives. And of course, in cooperation with the European Commission, we will promote the Single Market Act II. In closing, I would like to thank the Polish and Danish Presidencies for the excellent work they have done. We, as a member of the Trio, take over with the aim of completing these policies, as we also have to contribute, together with the Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission, towards the formation of those conditions necessary for economic growth and social cohesion in Europe. We aim for a “Better Europe”, a Europe that will be better primarily for its citizens.

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Minister and delegation going to the meeting

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