The Cyprus Institute Supports the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union: Science, Diplomacy, and Regional Cooperation Featured
The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during the first half of 2026, positioned Cyprus as a hub for cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
The Cyprus Institute has actively supported the priorities of the Presidency, providing scientific knowledge, expertise, research infrastructure, and its international networks to serve the Republic of Cyprus. As one of the government’s institutional scientific partners, it contributed to evidence-based decision-making and policy design regarding climate resilience, the green and digital transitions, research and innovation, European competitiveness, and science diplomacy.
As emphasized by the President of the Institute, Professor Stavros Malas, scientific knowledge enlightens government decisions and strengthens the country’s ability to shape its future.
Climate Change, Green Transition, and Resilience
Climate action and environmental resilience were a key component of the Cyprus Institute’s contribution to the Cyprus Presidency. Through its scientific expertise, the Institute strengthened European dialogue and highlighted the specific climate challenges faced by Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
On January 26–28, 2026, the Institute’s President, Professor Stavros Malas, participated in the Informal Workshop of the Working Party on International Environmental Issues – Climate Change (WPIEI-CC) and in the proceedings of the WPIEI-CC Group, contributing to the development of common approaches and collaborations. This was followed by his participation, together with Professor Theodoros Zachariadis, in the meeting of the EU Climate Ambassadors Network on January 29–30.
The importance of science in shaping European environmental policy was also highlighted at the Informal Meeting of Environment and Climate Ministers, which took place on February 5–6, during the speech of Professor Costas Papanicolas.
On February 24, Professor Theodoros Zachariadis participated in the “Supporting Evidence-Informed Policymaking for the Twin Transition” Conference, on evidence-based policymaking for green and digital transition, which was attended by officials from the European Commission’s Joint Research Center.
A key highlight was the Regional Conference on “Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus in the Mediterranean Source to Sea Continuum: From Strategy to Action”, held on February 24–26 at the Institute’s facilities. It brought together 219 representatives from 25 countries and highlighted integrated natural resource management and regional cooperation as key prerequisites for addressing the climate crisis.
Science in the Service of Public Policy and the Economy
The Institute’s primary objective during the Cypriot Presidency was to convey scientific knowledge into applicable public policy.
On February 10–11, 2026, at the Conference of European Independent Fiscal Councils, ‘Fiscal management in changing times: The initial responses’, Professor Theodoros Zachariadis highlighted the need to include climate risk in economic and fiscal planning as a fundamental factor for resilience and competitiveness.
The economic and social dimensions of energy transition were also presented at the meetings of the Employers’ and Workers’ Groups of the European Economic and Social Committee by the Institute’s President, Professor Stavros Malas, and Professor Theodoros Zachariadis.
Through these initiatives, the Institute has fostered dialogue among the scientific community, European institutions, and social partners to promote evidence-based, effective, and socially just policies.
Research, Innovation, and European Competitiveness
The link between research and innovation with industrial development, the energy transition, and Europe’s strategic autonomy was a key pillar of the Institute’s contribution.
On April 15, 2026, the research facility ‘PROTEAS’ welcomed more than 50 representatives from EU energy authorities, highlighting the role of Cypriot centers of excellence in the development of clean technologies and energy transition.
At the informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council on May 28, the EMME-CCI Initiative—whose secretariat is managed by the Institute—was presented as a model for bridging science, innovation, competitiveness, and regional cooperation.
On June 25, during the visit of the EU Working Group on Telecommunications and the Information Society, the Institute’s capabilities in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, computer science, and data analysis, as well as its contribution to digital transformation and European competitiveness.
Regional Cooperation and Science Diplomacy
The Cypriot Presidency showcased Cyprus as a hub for regional cooperation. The Cyprus Institute leveraged its international networks to promote science diplomacy and address common challenges.
On March 19–20, 2026, it co-organized the ‘Climate Neutral Blue Cities’ conference with the Municipality of Limassol on climate-neutral blue cities, linking European initiatives with the needs of local communities.
On April 8–9, the International Conference on Climate Action in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East brought together more than 150 participants from 30 countries. Its key outcome was the adoption of the “2026 Nicosia Call for Climate Action.”
The Institute’s contribution to science diplomacy was further strengthened by Professor Costas Papanicola’s speech to the European Research and Innovation Area Committee and by a visit from European representatives of research and innovation to its facilities. The presentations and guided tours highlighted its facilities in climate science, computer science, cultural heritage, and unmanned systems.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Presidency
The Cyprus Institute’s contribution to the Cypriot Presidency assisted in strengthening further the link between science, government, and European institutions.
Through initiatives in climate action, the green and digital transitions, resilience, and competitiveness, the Institute has reaffirmed its role as a scientific partner of the Republic of Cyprus and has positioned Cyprus as a regional hub for research, innovation, and science diplomacy.
This legacy lays a firm foundation for continued cooperation beyond the completion of the Presidency.