Nicosia, Cyprus. Greek parliament speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis urged Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to use Cyprus’ term holding the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency to press for action on the cost of living and energy.
Call for influence during EU Council presidency
Speaking at a meeting with Christodoulides at the presidential palace on Friday, Kaklamanis said the president should “exert as much influence as you can” as the president-in-office of the Council of the EU. He said action was needed on the cost of living and on energy, describing both as “global phenomena.”
Invitation to address Greece’s parliament
Kaklamanis invited Christodoulides to address Greece’s parliament on May 14. Christodoulides thanked him for the invitation, calling it a “great honour for me, for the Republic of Cyprus” and a “historic moment.”
Brussels contacts and discussion of EU mutual defence clause
Christodoulides referred to contacts in Brussels during a trip earlier in the week for the European Council summit, saying he and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis “achieved specific goals we had set.”
He said he would begin with the discussion on Article 42.7, the EU’s mutual defence clause, and thanked Greece for its decision to send two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus after the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone earlier this month.
He said that in light of the drone strike, “it was decided to specifically discuss the European Union’s operational plan for when Article 42.7 is triggered by a member state.”
Energy costs and planned measures
Christodoulides also outlined discussions on competitiveness and energy, saying the cost of energy was rising as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He said that, in cooperation with the European Commission, “very specific measures” would be introduced to address increased energy costs. He said the measures would be targeted, implemented for a specific period, and that the government would “constantly evaluate each state of affairs.”
He added that the European Council decided each member state should consult directly with the commission because each country has a different energy mix and does not face the same energy issue. He said the commission’s response was positive.
What measures do you want EU leaders to prioritise to address rising energy costs?