A number of crucial dossiers on trade, energy and competition will be discussed at EU Council level end of November and beginning of December, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Neoklis Sylikiotis has said.
Sylikiotis was making statements to the press on Tuesday after a briefing of EU member states Ambassadors on the matter.
He specifically referred to the EU Council of Foreign Affairs in its Trade formation on November 29, the EU Council of Energy on December 3 and the EU Council of Competitiveness in its Industry formation on December 10, meetings which Sylikiotis will preside over as the minister of the EU Council Presidency.
Cyprus holds the EU Council rotating Presidency for the 2nd half of 2012.
Sylikiotis said the work to be achieved by the three Councils “reflects the successful management on the part of the Cyprus Presidency of a range of extremely crucial portfolios during our six monthly presidency period with a view always to achieve our goal for a ‘better Europe’”.
The total impact for the EU economy as a whole of possible bilateral trade negotiations to be discussed at the EU Council of Foreign Affairs in its Trade formation would probably increase its GDP by 1.4% and create between 1.6 and 4.6 million new jobs, he pointed out.
The most important matters on the agenda are the EU – Japan Free Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade EU – Canada Agreement, the EU – Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreements of Free Trade with countries of the South Mediterranean. EU – Russia and EU – China trade relations will also be discussed.
Referring to the Energy Council, the Cypriot minister recalled that one of the main priorities of the Cyprus Presidency was to begin dialogue with a view of formulating the future EU policy on renewable energy sources.
Undoubtedly, he said, “the Council Conclusions on Renewable Energy Sources, which are expected to be unanimously adopted on December 3, are a solid basis for the achievement of our goal and the continuation of this dialogue”.
The Council, he added, will also be informed by the Presidency and the Commission on the results of a jointly organised conference with Southern Mediterranean countries which focused among others on the safety of offshore oil and gas drilling activities.
The Council, Sylikiotis noted, will be briefed analytically on current developments as regards international relations on energy matters. In this context the Cyprus Presidency will host the 7th EU – Russian Federation Permanent Cooperation Council, he added.
The EU Competitiveness Council is expected to among others decide on the necessary political framework for a stronger European industry for growth and financial recovery. An action plan on improving entrepreneurship in Europe will also be presented by the European Commission.
