With some 500 days left before Cyprus takes over the rotating EU presidency in July 2012, parliament was briefed this week on preparations underway.
The House European Affairs Committee even focused on a proposal by one of the six Cypriot MEP’s attending the meeting for the setting up of an international crisis management group.
“A small country like Cyprus has no margin for error and the presidency has to get top marks so as to establish its position as a credible member state,” said Committee Chairman Nicos Kleanthous, a coalition Diko MP.
A crisis group already exists in the Foreign Ministry but another one-made up by Presidency personnel-will soon be set up, according to head of the EU Cyprus Presidency Secretariat, Andreas Moleskis.
The international crisis group proposal was made by ruling Akel’s MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUENGL). He gave the French Presidency as an example, when President Sarkozy had personally intervened during the Russia-Georgia war two years ago.
The proposed group would look into various crisis scenarios that might unfold, and be prepared for immediate action if these materialise.
Moreover, Moleskis said some 140 committees and working groups will convene during the presidency plus nine EU ministerial councils. This week, the Secretariat should submit a bill before parliament asking for its approval to purchase services, he added.
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