Round table discussion between CCCI members and MEPs held in Limassol

The bill for regulating telecommuting, the Green Line regulation, the financial sector, the geopolitical situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and labour market issues were the main topics in roundtable discussions organised for the second consecutive year by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), in cooperation with the office of the European Parliament in Cyprus.

Participating in the discussion were members of the EP, Loucas Fourlas, Eleni Stavrou, Georgios Georgiou, Niyazi Kızılyürek, and Costas Mavrides.

Regarding the labour market, MEP Loucas Fourlas commented that it is "changing significantly, and it appears that we are not ready to address it".  He emphasised the need for many changes and expressed concerns about the lack of specialized personnel, including trainers for workforce development.

MEP Eleni Stavrou addressed the geopolitical situation in the region, acknowledging the difficulty of drawing firm conclusions because things are currently very fluid. However, she noted that they reached a consensus that a new Middle East is forming, in which Cyprus will have a role to play.

Addressing the telecommuting bill, which is under discussion by the House of Representatives Labour Committee, Georgiou said, "We have concluded that things are fluid, they are currently taking shape, final decisions may not be made, and there may be objections from the business world as well as from the trade unions". He expressed hope that a way will be found between the business community and trade unions so that, through flexible and innovative forms of telecommuting, businesses can be assisted, and the labour and other rights of workers are not undermined."

MEP Niyazi Kızılyürek said that they discussed the issue of trade relations and the approach of the two communities through the Green Line regulation. He noted that there is a lack of proper information on this matter, and many people do not fully understand how it can work. He emphasised the need for contact, adding that there is a proposal to organise a meeting in Limassol with Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs who wish to collaborate with Greek Cypriots. 

On his part, MEP Mavrides, who is the Chair of the Political Committee for the Mediterranean at the European Parliament, stressed the need for the creation of a Common Defense and Security Mechanism in the EU. He argued that without this mechanism, the goals for the environment, society, and the economy cannot be achieved. 

(Source: CNA)