Nicosia, Cyprus. Greece and Cyprus must deepen business cooperation as Europe faces war, bureaucracy and competitiveness pressures, Sev executive committee president Rania Aikaterinari said on Tuesday. She spoke at the Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) annual general meeting in Nicosia.
Calls for stronger ties amid uncertainty
Speaking on behalf of the Federation of Hellenic Enterprises (Sev), Aikaterinari said economic and political ties between Greece and Cyprus have remained strong throughout history, adding that this is even more important “in today’s environment, where uncertainty has become the new normal”.
“Greece and Cyprus stand together in the face of every challenge,” she said.
Reference to March developments and EU treaty provision
Aikaterinari said this was reflected in early March, when Cyprus faced unforeseen situations as a result of the war in the Middle East and Greece responded immediately “with the dispatch of military force” and by sending “a message of unity and support within Europe”.
She said Greece’s support extended beyond the military level to diplomacy, citing the European Council of March 19 and 20, where Greece raised the issue of the possible future activation of Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty.
The article stipulates that “in the event of an armed attack on its territory, the other Member States shall assist and assist it by all the means at their disposal”.
EU unity, alliances and defence capabilities
In a period of intense geopolitical developments, Aikaterinari said it is important for the EU not only to send a message of unity and solidarity, but also to ensure “a unified European approach based on deepening alliances and further strengthening its defence capabilities”.
Business cooperation and regulatory concerns
Aikaterinari said cooperation between Greece and Cyprus remains close at the economic level, particularly through Sev and Oev.
She said the two organisations have repeatedly warned that businesses across the European Union are operating in “a difficult and inflexible regulatory environment” which is affecting competitiveness.
Aikaterinari said Cyprus and Greece also co-signed a joint letter by 22 member states to European Council president Antonio Costa, calling for more decisive measures to reduce the regulatory burden of European legislation.
How do you think Greece and Cyprus can strengthen business cooperation while addressing EU regulatory pressures?