The EuroMED Days conference, held on Monday in Nicosia, emphasised the need to strengthen economic cooperation, investment flows and technological connectivity between Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The event took place at a hotel in the capital, under the framework of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union, bringing together government officials, industry leaders and international organisations.
Cyprus highlights role as regional bridge
Opening the conference, Invest Cyprus Chairman Eugenios Eugeniou said Cyprus has long served as a meeting point for cultures, trade routes and ideas.
He stressed that the country’s role as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia has become increasingly important amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting economic conditions.
Eugeniou noted that investors are now prioritising stability, institutional reliability and long-term growth prospects. He added that Cyprus combines access to the EU single market with a business-friendly environment and strong regional connectivity.
He also highlighted that the island has recorded among the highest growth rates in the EU in recent years, while technology now contributes around 14% of GDP.
Focus on Mediterranean economic integration
ANIMA Investment Network President Tarak Chérif said stronger economic links between Europe, the Middle East and Africa are essential for growth and job creation, particularly for younger generations.
He pointed out that global institutions and traditional multilateral frameworks are under pressure, making dialogue and trust-building even more critical.
BusinessMed President Tarek Tawfik called for a model of shared production and shared prosperity, arguing that cooperation across the Mediterranean must be mutually beneficial.
He also referred to initiatives such as the East Mediterranean Energy Hub and energy interconnections between countries in the wider region, describing them as foundations for deeper regional integration.
Cyprus EU Presidency priorities
Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said Cyprus aimed to place the Mediterranean at the centre of EU strategic thinking during its Presidency.
She stressed that the region is increasingly significant politically, economically and energetically, and called for a shift from general declarations to concrete, measurable cooperation initiatives.
Piki outlined four key areas for future investment: energy, digital connectivity, transport and logistics, and human capital.
She said Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy while remaining open to global cooperation, especially in a highly interconnected world.
Digital sovereignty and new economic models
Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou focused on digital sovereignty, warning that Europe remains dependent on external providers for key technologies.
He said strengthening autonomy in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors and data infrastructure is essential.
Damianou added that sovereignty should not mean isolation but rather the development of strong partnerships, describing the Mediterranean as a strategic hub for digital connectivity.
Cities as drivers of investment
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos highlighted the role of cities as key engines of economic growth and investment attraction.
He said cities concentrate most population and economic activity, making them essential to any investment strategy.
Prountzos also noted that smaller cities like Nicosia can serve as testbeds for innovation in energy, water, mobility and data systems, though he acknowledged challenges in securing funding for smaller-scale infrastructure projects.
Regional economic transformation
World Investment Conference President Dr James X. Zhan described a shift from global value chains to regional production ecosystems.
He said geopolitical tensions, sustainability demands and technological change are driving a more regionalised economic model.
According to him, the world is gradually moving towards a “tripolar” system centred on Asia, the Americas and Europe-Mediterranean region, with the Mediterranean gaining importance as a hub for trade and investment.
Conclusion
The conference concluded that the Mediterranean is entering a new phase of strategic importance, with Cyprus positioned as a key link between three continents amid evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
Also read: President calls for public feedback
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
