President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has referred to the importance of an energy union for the EU, which can enhance Europe's competitiveness.

Asked about energy costs, upon his arrival at the General Assembly of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), he recalled that the issue was discussed at the informal European Council that took place last week in Cyprus in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. 

"These are the immediate solutions and for this reason the President of the Commission has presented a package of immediate solutions. From there on, a comprehensive solution must be found, which can be achieved through the energy union of Europe".

"An energy union that will also strengthen our competitiveness. And within this framework, but also due to the Presidency of the European Council, we are moving forward with specific legislation that will lead - because this is our long-term goal, this is what we have agreed on at the level of EU27- to achieving the energy union, including of course the Republic of Cyprus", he went on to say. 

Asked whether the EU plans for no fossil fuels leaves Cyprus out of the plans for the exploitation of its natural gas and its transfer to Europe, the President stressed that natural gas is a bridge solution to achieve the final goal.

"Natural gas is used by many EU member states, it is not a permanent solution. It is a bridge to achieve this goal mentioned by the President of the Commission," he concluded.

CNA/TN/AAR/EPH/2026

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY