New Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos takes office

A careful and organized course is required to achieve the energy transition in Cyprus, support the industry and strengthen the economy, ensuring sustainable solutions for the country’s energy future, new Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos said. He took over from his predecessor George Papanastasiou.

Five ministers were replaced in a cabinet reshuffle under President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides. Among them, the now former Minister of Health Michael Damianos took helm of the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry from George Papanastasiou.

Cyprus is assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1 for six months. It means Damianos will chair the meetings of ministers responsible for the sectors in his portfolio, like the so-called Energy Council.

“We will work with innovation, excellence and sustainability in mind, to ensure that Cyprus continues to move in a direction that will serve the common good and future generations,” the new minister said at the handover ceremony.

Realistic, measurable goals for tangible results for all citizens

A careful and organized course is required to achieve the energy transition in Cyprus, support the industry and strengthen the economy, ensuring sustainable solutions for the country’s energy future, according to Damianos. He highlighted the importance of setting “realistic and measurable goals” to bring tangible results for all citizens.

Papanastasiou’s departure could be a signal from Nicosia about the fate of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel subsea power link

Some media is speculating that the switch is a signal from Cyprus about the embattled Great Sea Interconnector, a proposed underwater cable that would link Greece, via Crete, with Cyprus and Israel. Papanastasiou was apparently one of the few ardent supporters of the project in the country’s government.

The investment remains stuck over expenses and threats from Turkey.

University of Cambridge alum

Damianos studied law at the University of Southampton, from where he graduated with honours and received the best academic performance award. He earned a master of laws degree at the University of Cambridge, specializing in international law. The minister has received the best academic performance award from the Fitzwilliam College of the University of Cambridge.

The minister holds the professional title of a solicitor, granted by the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Damianos worked at the international law firms Simmons and Simmons and Hogan Lovells in London, specializing in corporate, commercial and energy matters.

In 2010 in Cyprus, he founded a law firm that bears his name. Damianos served as a municipal councillor in Strovolos Municipality from 2011 to 2016. Since 2018, he has been the vice president of the Democratic Party (DIKO).

Damianos became the minister of health in January 2024.