Cyprus Nominates Costas Kadis for European Commission Role

Cyprus has nominated Costas Kadis, a scientist and experienced government official, for a position in the European Commission. If confirmed, he will replace Stella Kyriakidou, the current holder of the health portfolio. Kadis has extensive experience in health, education, and agriculture ministries and is an acting dean at a private university.

Cyprus on Monday named Costas Kadis, a scientist who held several cabinet posts in previous administrations, as its nominee for a post in the European Commission. If the EU's parliament confirms the 57-year-old in the role, he will replace Cyprus's Stella Kyriakidou, who holds the health portfolio. Kadis had not been among those rumoured for the post.

'The experience of Dr Kadis with the institutional positions he has held in the service of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as his academic skills and credentials were the key elements in his selection for this important post,' Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Nicosia's choice in a phone call last week, Letymbiotis said.

Kadis is a biologist with a focus on biodiversity conservation, and has held ministerial portfolios in health, education, and agriculture under two different administrations. He is currently the acting dean of a school of health sciences at a private university in Cyprus.

(With inputs from agencies.)