**Limassol Chamber of Commerce Reflects on Role During Cyprus’ EU Presidency**
The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel) has recently highlighted its significant contributions during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. In its latest edition of the official periodical, Entrepreneurial Limassol, the chamber detailed its involvement in organizing two major events and participating in various activities organized by other entities.
The first of these flagship events took place on March 4, 2026, in the form of a gala dinner themed “Europe’s economy and competitiveness in a changing global arena, Cyprus and Greece’s strategic roles.” This gathering attracted a diverse group of attendees, including political, business, and diplomatic representatives. The discussions centered around Europe’s economic outlook and the pivotal roles that Cyprus and Greece play within the European Union.
A notable panel discussion featured prominent figures such as Harris Georgiades, the chairman of the House foreign and European affairs committee and former finance minister; Margaritis Schinas, a former vice-president of the European Commission; Natasa Pilides, chief executive of eWise Cyprus and former minister of energy, commerce, and industry; and Ugne Buraciene, chief executive of payabl Group. The chamber emphasized that the evening fostered networking opportunities and facilitated the exchange of ideas, underscoring the strategic importance of both Cyprus and Greece in enhancing Europe’s competitiveness.
The second event, held on May 22, 2026, was conducted in collaboration with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) and was titled “EU meets Limassol, towards a more sustainable blue economy.” This conference was part of the European CMMI-MaRITeC-X project, which played a role in establishing CMMI, with Evel serving as a project partner.
During this event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Limassol Chamber and CMMI, further solidifying the partnership between the two organizations. European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, delivered the keynote address, while European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, participated online to provide a welcome address.
The conference also included a panel discussion moderated by CMMI chief executive Zacharias Siokouros, featuring insights from Kadis, Captain Eugen-Henning Adami, chairman of the Cyprus Foundation for the Sea (CyFoS), and Anna Pittalis, president of WISTA Cyprus and commercial director at Intergaz Ltd. The discussions focused on innovation, sustainable development, and the blue economy, reinforcing the themes of cooperation and dialogue among businesses, institutions, and European stakeholders.
The Limassol Chamber of Commerce noted that these events were aligned with the overarching message of Cyprus’ presidency, which was “An autonomous Union. Open to the world.” With the conclusion of Cyprus’ term, Ireland has now taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Looking ahead, the chamber expressed its commitment to continue monitoring European developments and supporting initiatives that benefit the business community in Limassol and the broader district.