Nicosia, Cyprus. State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou met with European Court of Auditors member Lefteris Christoforou and office director Theodosis Tsiolas on May 21 to discuss the agency’s strategic priorities.
Strategic priorities
Michaelidou said the agency is working to upgrade its institutional role, not only as a compliance tool but also as a growth engine aimed at ensuring compatible state funding and promoting strategic aid that strengthens and modernises the economy.
She added that changing European realities are making the office’s role more demanding and complex, with expanded responsibilities as state aid rules decentralise powers to individual member states.
Upcoming Cyprus presidency sessions
The commissioner highlighted the importance of her office’s participation in the Competition Working Group on state aid issues during Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.
She said hosting the State Aid Working Group in Cyprus on June 8 and June 9, 2026, would mark a major milestone, as Cyprus welcomes representatives from all member states for the first time to make key decisions.
European Court of Auditors discussion
Christoforou outlined the specific competencies of the European Court of Auditors and how they intersect with the state aid sector.
Christoforou and Tsiolas congratulated Michaelidou and her staff for their continuous work and wished them complete success in meeting their operational goals for the 2026 to 2027 period.
