Following his recent meeting with Trade Minister Nicos Rolandis on progress with EU directives alignment, Mr. George Vassiliou, Head of Cyprus’ EU Negotiating Team met with Ministry of Labour & Social Security Andreas Moushouttas and discussed issues pertaining to his Ministry concerning alignment.

Following the meeting Mr. Vassiliou stated that the Ministry was on line as far as the legal framework was concerned and this is expected to be completed by May or June. There appeared however to be a delay in the appointment of the 150 extra staff needed, 41 of them for this year, and considered that this matter should be given high priority for examination by the Finance Ministry. Mr. Vassiliou stressed the importance of having the necessary staff in place before accession so that institutions have the capacity to carry out the necessary work.