On 27 November 2024, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, co-chaired the 2nd Intergovernmental Meeting between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of both countries responsible for Foreign Policy, Defence, Energy, Environment, Health, Education, Culture, Digital Policy, Research–Innovation–Technology, Labour and Social Security, Rule of Law, Justice, Economy, Social Policy, Shipping, and Coordination of Government Work.
In a constantly shifting geopolitical environment, with wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, a change of administration in the USA, and the beginning of a new institutional cycle in the EU, President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Mitsotakis reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalising these intergovernmental meetings. This initiative contributes to ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and further strengthens bilateral cooperation between Greece and Cyprus.
Focus on the Cyprus Issue and regional developments
This year’s discussions prioritised the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, marking the 50th anniversary of the illegal invasion and ongoing occupation by Turkey. The two leaders welcomed efforts within the United Nations framework, including the dinner in New York hosted by the UN Secretary-General on 15 October, and his intention to convene a multilateral conference shortly. Both leaders reiterated that a resolution to the Cyprus issue must be based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and expressed hope that Turkey would contribute constructively to restarting and advancing negotiations within the agreed framework, thereby promoting progress in EU-Turkey relations in line with the European Council Conclusions of 17–18 April.
Improving daily life and expanding cooperation
The meeting placed particular emphasis on collaboration to improve daily life and enhance the quality of life for citizens of both countries. To this end, it was decided to expand cooperation into new related areas, such as labour and social policy, complementing existing collaboration in education and health.
In education, progress was reviewed, including the signing of a new cooperation programme for 2023–2027 and the ratification of the Agreement on Mutual Academic Recognition of University Degrees. Discussions also covered school education topics such as tackling bullying, the use of new technologies, and developments in university operations and legislation for branch recognition. Opinions were also exchanged regarding Greek and Cypriot students.
Significant progress in healthcare cooperation was noted, including agreements on cross-border kidney transplants and lung transplants. It was further agreed to expedite actions related to cooperation in the pharmaceutical market.
In labour and social security, it was decided to strengthen collaboration between relevant services in Cyprus and Greece on issues such as the payment of proportional pensions, combating undeclared work, and promoting employment.
In social policy and welfare, it was agreed to expand cooperation to enhance the protection of vulnerable citizens. This includes drafting a Memorandum of Cooperation on family support, benefits for vulnerable social groups, support for individuals with disabilities and their families, and child protection.
Digital policy and technological innovation
Substantial progress was reported in the development of Cyprus’ Digital Citizen application, supported by knowledge transfer from Greece under a relevant bilateral agreement. It was also decided to integrate this application with its Greek counterpart for mutual document recognition and to develop additional services and certificates. Further collaboration was agreed upon in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital solutions for improving traffic flow, and leveraging space technologies in critical sectors.
Energy and environment
Discussions in energy highlighted significant progress in advancing the Cyprus–Crete electrical interconnection project, the Great Sea Interconnector, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two competent ministries. Satisfaction was expressed over the interest shown by investment funds from various countries, and it was agreed to enhance cooperation on competitive market operations, natural gas, and renewable energy.
In environmental and climate change policy, cooperation will focus on exchanging expertise in areas such as water resource development and management and a voluntary carbon market mechanism. Progress in civil protection actions, such as the 112 system and the Cyclops training centre, was recognised. Collaboration in repatriating nationals from Lebanon in October was also commended.
Justice and Public Administration
In justice, agreements were reached on knowledge exchange in judicial reform, combating corruption, and strengthening the rule of law. In fiscal policy, there was agreement on addressing tax evasion. The signing of a memorandum on preventing and combating violence against women in October was also celebrated.
In public administration, it was decided to draft a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Presidency of Cyprus and the Greek Prime Minister’s Office to transfer expertise from Greece to establish a Long-Term Planning Unit (Foresight) under the Cypriot Presidency.
Defence, research, and maritime cooperation
In defence, discussions covered the establishment of a Political Consultation and Interoperability Body and explored joint use of European tools for innovative defence initiatives. Multilateral security and defence collaborations in the Eastern Mediterranean were also considered.
In research and innovation, support was reaffirmed for a joint funding programme for research projects. This included the creation of a Cypriot platform based on the Greek Elevate Greece model, with plans to ensure interoperability between the two systems for mutual benefit. Further European collaboration on artificial intelligence infrastructure was agreed.
In shipping, progress was acknowledged in maritime education, digitising ship registry services, and ensuring the sustainable operation of the Cyprus-Greece passenger ferry connection. Further strengthening of cooperation through existing working groups was agreed upon.
Culture and infrastructure
In culture, discussions reviewed progress, including the first Cyprus-Greece Agreement on Cultural Cooperation. Issues discussed included combating the illegal trade of cultural assets, assessing the socioeconomic impact of culture, and enhancing ties in European and international partnerships.
It was also agreed to allocate the remaining funds from Cyprus’ 2018 donation to Greece, intended for reconstructing Eastern Attica areas affected by wildfires, to partially fund infrastructure projects.
Next meeting
Finally, it was agreed that the next Intergovernmental Meeting would take place in Greece in 2025, with the agenda to be jointly determined.
Also read: Christodoulides and Mitsotakis in Cyprus – “Today is a historic day”
