As Cyprus prepares for its EU Council Presidency in January 2026, AmCham Cyprus was honoured to host the AmCham EU delegation in Nicosia from 15–16 October 2025. This visit marked a strategic milestone, bringing together senior leaders from AmCham EU, multinational businesses and Cypriot government officials for a series of high-level meetings and strategic dialogues, internal committee sessions, and networking events.
During the two-day programme, the delegation engaged with key Government figures, including Mr. Michael Damianos, Minister of Health, Ms. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ms. Theodora Constantinidou, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr. Marios Panayides, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and Mr. Elikkos Elia, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
AmCham Cyprus’ executive committee also held a preparatory and strategic planning meeting with AmCham EU in view of the above-mentioned significant discussions. Following the conclusion of their meetings with Government Officials, the President and CEO of AmCham EU joined the Board Meeting of AmCham Cyprus informing them of the deliberations that took place, in a depth dialogue on transatlantic cooperation and Cyprus’s EU role. The visit of AmCham EU was concluded with a networking event held with the Board of Directors of AmCham Cyprus during which informal discussions on shared priorities took pace.
The discussions during these meetings centred on several shared priorities for Cyprus and the European Union:
- Enhancing EU Competitiveness and Reforming the Single Market: Exploring ways to make the EU more competitive globally and improve the functioning of the Single Market.
- Accelerating Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity: Focusing on digital innovation, AI adoption, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.
- Advancing Sustainable Agriculture & Water Resilience: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving water management and resilience.
- Promoting Healthcare Innovation & Pharmaceutical Legislation: Supporting innovation in healthcare and updating pharmaceutical regulations to foster growth and safety.
- Supporting Energy Transition & Clean Industrial Policy: Facilitating the shift to clean energy and sustainable industrial practices.
- Strengthening Defence Cooperation & Transatlantic Security: Enhancing defence collaboration and reinforcing security ties between Europe and the US.
- Simplifying Corporate Sustainability Regulations: Making sustainability regulations more accessible and actionable for businesses.
- Integrating Financial Services & Capital Markets: Working towards a more integrated and efficient financial sector within the EU.
As Mr. Liam Benham, President of AmCham EU commented: ‘Some highly capable Ministers will be spearheading the Cyprus Presidency, led by Ms. Marilena Raouna who will be a tremendous asset as the key link between Nicosia and Brussels’.
The delegation’s visit has laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between American businesses and European institutions, reinforcing Cyprus’s role as a bridge between continents. With Cyprus preparing for its EU Council Presidency, AmCham Cyprus will continue to champion innovation, competitiveness, and transatlantic cooperation, with its members eager to identify areas where they can provide valuable contribution to support these efforts.
