Cyprus Chooses Costas Kadis as EU Commissioner

Cyprus has officially nominated Costas Kadis, an environmental science professor and former minister, as its candidate for the European Commissioner role, as announced by government spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis on Monday. Letympiotis highlighted Kadis's extensive experience in various institutional roles within Cyprus and his academic qualifications as key factors in his selection for this significant position. Kadis, who served as the minister of agriculture, rural development, and environment until February 2023, is recognized for his expertise in biodiversity and sustainable development. He is currently the acting dean at the School of Health Sciences at Frederick University in Cyprus. If approved, Kadis will succeed Stella Kyriakides, the current health commissioner, who recently announced she would not seek a second term. Kyriakides extended her best wishes to Kadis via social media, expressing confidence in his capabilities. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides communicated the nomination to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week. The deadline for EU member states to submit their commissioner nominations is August 30, as stated by a Commission spokesperson. Notably, despite von der Leyen's call for gender-balanced nominations, several countries, including Cyprus, have proposed only male candidates. Countries yet to nominate a commissioner include Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Romania, highlighting ongoing discussions within the EU regarding representation and gender parity in leadership roles.