Cyprus is set to nominate former minister Costas Kadis as its pick for European Commissioner, the government announced on Monday.
Kadis was the Minister of Health from July 2007 to February 2008. He served as Minister of Education and Culture in 2014–2018, and as Minister of Agriculture in 2018-2013. He is Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Frederick University.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement that Dr Kadis’ experience in institutional roles serving the Republic of Cyprus, along with his academic career and expertise, are key factors in his selection for the role of Commissioner.
President Nikos Christodoulides discussed the nomination with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a telephone conversation last week, informing her of his choice and the reasoning behind it.
The President also expressed gratitude to outgoing Commissioner Stella Kyriakides for her work, particularly praising her contribution to the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, comprises one commissioner from each of the bloc’s 27 member states. Each commissioner oversees a specific policy area.
In response to the nomination, Costas Kadis thanked the President in a post on X for the “great honour of nominating [him] for the post of Commissioner of the European Commission”.
He further stated that he will do his “utmost to adequately represent Cyprus and contribute to the implementation of von der Leyen’s ambitious programme.”
My warmest thank you to @PresidentCYP for the great honour of nominating me for the post of Commissioner of the European Commission. I will do my utmost to adequately represent Cyprus and contribute to the implementation of @vonderleyen's ambitious programme.
— Costas Kadis (@CostasKadis) August 19, 2024
