Salina Grenet-Catalano: The French community in Cyprus is growing, evolving and becoming more dynamic

"The energy deployed by the ‘French team’ in Cyprus in recent years has borne fruit: our bilateral relations are excellent, our defence cooperation has been enhanced and our cooperation in the cultural and educational fields is developing," France's Ambassador to Cyprus Salina Grenet-Catalano has said.

Speaking as part of the GOLD magazine’s February Cover Story, featuring 11 heads of diplomatic missions in Cyprus, Grenet-Catalano among other things, also suggests that French expertise in the fields of energy, in particular renewable energies (solar, hydrogen), and urban transport could also be very useful to Cyprus.

She also shared her thoughts on the shared values of France and Cyprus, the prospects for further cooperation, and the importance of having a united, strong Europe with strategic autonomy in the turbulent times that we are currently experiencing if we are to deal successfully with the many challenges that lie ahead.

In 2020 a Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed between Cyprus and France, solidifying collaboration in energy and maritime security. What notable progress has been noted since then?

Our defence cooperation is very dynamic and deepening. The development of air-sea activities and bilateral and multilateral military exercises, such as the annual EUNOMIA exercise organised by France in Cyprus in 2023, regularly remind us of the close defence relationship between our two countries. Cyprus is an exceptional support point for our forces in the region. Some twenty calls by French ships are recorded each year in Cyprus and we are very grateful to the Cypriot authorities for their hospitality and for the facilities provided. Within the European Union, France and Cyprus both support the project to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. In this context, France supports Cyprus in all its initiatives to promote maritime safety in the broadest sense and is working to meet the needs of the Cypriot National Guard.

Given France’s increased activity in the East Mediterranean, what are the country’s aspirations and vision for the region?

France, with its important Mediterranean coastline, has always taken a very strong interest in the Eastern Mediterranean. We have very good relations with most of the countries in the region, particularly in the Middle East. Our main concern has always been stability, at a time when the region is beset by numerous tensions. In this context, France remains committed to the fight against terrorism as part of the international coalition against Daesh (Isis). Since the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel on 7 October, which we immediately condemned, France has been politically very involved in the region and has done its utmost to prevent a regional escalation. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Armed Forces have separately made several visits to the region to work with our partners to reach that goal. The French President, who has also made two visits to the region, is defending a policy based on three objectives. Firstly, a security objective, to fight against Hamas and prevent any escalation of tensions in the region and obtain an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Secondly, a humanitarian objective, to meet the needs of the people of Gaza whose situation is catastrophic. France has transported almost 1,000 tonnes of freight through 13 air and sea operations. It also deployed the Dixmude naval vessel on the Egyptian coast to provide medical and hospital care to the people of Gaza. More than 2,000 treatments and consultations and nearly 300 surgical procedures have been carried out. The third objective concerns the restoration of a political horizon: the solution of two States living side by side is the only one that offers the prospect of a lasting peace. Finally, France is keen to maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. It is concerned about the threat to commercial traffic and is doing its utmost to protect merchant ships sailing in this area and is maintaining a military presence for this purpose.

In the broader EU context, it used to be that being a member of the EU was not just an obligation but a matter of collective sentiment. However, alongside the rise of anti-European sentiment, there is a trend toward more inward-looking policymaking among some EU member states. Is there a way to rekindle a deep affinity within the bloc for the founding ideals of the EU?

In a world where crises are adding up and multiplying, France is strongly committed to ensuring that Europe is reformed and strengthened in depth. Back in 2017, President Macron called for the rebuilding of a sovereign, united and democratic Europe. Firstly, on Europe’s strategic autonomy, many efforts have been made in this direction, including the introduction of a common military budget for defence and the strengthening of our industrial base with joint procurement and production. The EU has also strengthened its energy objectives to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons and accelerate the transition. In the wake of the pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Europe has strengthened its health and food safety policies. Secondly, with regard to unity, in connection with European defence, Europeans once again demonstrated their unity at the last European Council by reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. France welcomes the agreement of the 27 Member States, which will enable us to make a long-term economic and financial commitment. Finally, with regard to democracy, there is indeed a tendency towards inward-looking attitudes, but this is not inevitable. We need to strengthen the two pillars of Europe: democracy and the rule of law. A number of tools have been developed to maintain these values, which are the foundation of our unity and freedom. I hope that a large number of Europeans will take part in the great democratic moment of the European elections on 9 June, which will provide an opportunity to elect future members of the European Parliament. In view of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council in 2026, I would like to assure the Cypriot authorities of France’s full support in preparing and implementing the Presidency, which will undoubtedly be a great success. In this respect, I welcome the appointment of Marilena Raounas as Deputy Minister for European Affairs, with whom the French authorities intend to work very closely.

While some French companies have chosen to invest in the island (software developer Murex has relocated its operations to the island and energy giant Total is conducting exploratory drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ), our business ties are not as strong as our political ones. How can we better connect the business communities of the two countries?

Trade between France and Cyprus is growing: it amounted to €381 million between December 2022 and November 2023, compared with €343 million in 2022 – an increase of 11%. In terms of direct investment, French FDI has seen a rebound in recent years, particularly in the agrifood, holding and construction sectors. The French commercial presence in Cyprus is doing well. Several major French brands are present in the fashion and ready-to-wear sectors (Kiabi, Celio, etc.), sports equipment (Decathlon) and housing (Leroy Merlin) and are developing their presence on the island as franchises. French companies are also active in the insurance and telecoms sectors, among others. In the tourism sector, the Accor chain recently opened a franchised Mercure hotel in Larnaca in 2023 and has developed a major investment plan for future projects. As you mentioned, TotalEnergies and Murex are present in Cyprus. Major French investors are very active in the air sector as well, with Bouygues Construction, Egis and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nice participating in the Hermes Airports consortium, which manages the country’s two airports, and in the water and waste treatment (Saur, Vinci) sector. Other French companies also invested in Cyprus but I cannot mention all of them! In order to improve the proximity between our Cypriot and French business communities, we need to maintain our efforts in terms of meetings and partnerships and further strengthen the links between our Chambers of Commerce. The French embassy and the regional economic service in Athens are willing to support them.

Do you see any specific sectors as having the potential to further stimulate investments between France and Cyprus?

It is indeed important to diversify investments. In recent years, Cyprus has seen a boom in its technology sector, with many companies and workers moving to the island. This could represent an interesting opportunity for collaboration and partnership between our two countries. French expertise in the fields of energy, in particular renewable energies (solar, hydrogen), and urban transport could also be very useful to Cyprus. In autumn 2023, President Macron launched the Make It Iconic/Choose France campaign, which sets out France’s priorities in terms of attractiveness. France positions itself in the sectors of technology and ecology, tourism and gastronomy, culture, education and science, and emphasises its potential for innovation, its competitiveness and the sustainability of its ecosystem. In 2022, for the fourth year running, France confirmed its position as Europe’s leader for foreign investment, with 28 investment announcements worth €13 billion and 8,000 jobs created.

Since assuming office, what initiatives have you spearheaded to bolster bilateral ties between France and Cyprus?

When I arrived on the island, I was immediately struck by the excellence of relations between France and Cyprus. They are based on a very close partnership, particularly at a strategic level, as well as frequent political contacts. On a day-to-day basis, as Ambassador, I have been able to forge close links in a wide range of areas by establishing a relationship of trust with my contacts. It seems to me that the energy deployed by the ‘French team’ in Cyprus in recent years has borne fruit: our bilateral relations are excellent, our defence cooperation has been enhanced and our cooperation in the cultural and educational fields is developing. In this respect, I welcome the major efforts made by the Cypriot authorities to promote the learning and use of the French language in Cyprus, which is developing very positively, particularly in secondary schools, where it was made compulsory in 2022. The Franco-Cypriot school in Nicosia is expanding, both in terms of numbers and infrastructure, and now has more than 400 pupils. However, all these achievements are not self-evident, and there are still areas of cooperation to be developed, particularly in the economic field.

What can you tell us about the number of French citizens residing in Cyprus and their main occupations?

The French community in Cyprus is growing, evolving and becoming more dynamic. More than 1,200 French citizens are registered with our Consulate. We have noted a significant influx of young working people who have come to live with their families in Cyprus, particularly in Limassol. This has led to a significant increase in enrolments at the local branch of the Franco-Cypriot school, which opened its doors in September 2022 and already has thirty pupils spread over 3 levels, with a 4th level due to open in September 2024. The consular team is also very busy with French tourists, whose numbers rose again in 2023 (80,105 compared with 61,300 in 2022). This is due, in particular, to the increased air links between our two countries, and not only to Paris, but now also to many provincial cities, some of which operate all year round.

How do you perceive Cyprus’ lifestyle and culture? Are there specific aspects of local life that have left a lasting impression on you during your time here?

Firstly, on a professional level, I was struck by the warm welcome I received from my interlocutors, because of the strong political ties that unite our two countries, but also because of the benevolent atmosphere that reigns in Cyprus. On a more personal level, as I was born and bred as a Mediterranean, Cyprus feels like home. I believe that Cyprus is an utterly fascinating destination, even though the island is strongly marked by its recent history. I was particularly moved by my first visits to the heart of the historical centre of Nicosia, where, in a way that is unique in the world, the city bears the imprint of the conflict that still runs through it today. I was also touched by my visits to the archaeological sites showing the richness and the depth of the island’s history. Generally speaking, I have really enjoyed talking to all the Cypriots, learning about their family history, their fears and their aspirations for the future of their island, which has also helped me a great deal in my professional life. I would like to say to all the Cypriots that they can count on France to help them build a future that we hope will be free of conflict and tension.

(This interview first appeared in the February edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.)