The Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Energy Policy Council with a view to hold regular briefings and exchange of views between the Minister of Commerce and parliamentary parties on energy matters.

The Council is a purely advisory body and its objective is to hold regular and thorough briefings and exchange of views between the Minister of Commerce and parliamentary parties on the government energy policy, with emphasis on the hydrocarbons sector, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said after todays Cabinet meeting.

He also said that the Council will provide the Government with the necessary expertise before any decisions are taken.

The Spokesman said the Council aims at strengthening and deepening transparency and teamwork and building on expertise in these very important energy issues.

He also noted that the establishment of the Energy Policy Council puts into effect the political commitment of the government to create new institutions, which will contribute to the effective energy policy of the Government and to the sustainable management of hydrocarbon reserves within Cyprus` EEZ.

The President of the Council is the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The members include one representative of each parliamentary party, the President or his representative of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA), the Chairman or a representative of the President of the Board of the Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (KRETYK), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and of the Ministry of Commerce, the Director of the Energy Service of the Ministry of Commerce or his representative, the Director or a representative of the Directorate of Policy Planning for Energy and Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and three academics or experts from related fields or scientific professions.

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