On Thursday, the Ministry of Defense and the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) on Thursday, with the aim of strengthening public-private sector cooperation within the framework of the Civil Emergency Planning (PSEA), with an emphasis on crisis management, the protection of critical infrastructure, and strengthening the resilience of the Republic of Cyprus.

In remarks made during the ceremony, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas noted that the Memorandum establishes an institutional framework for cooperation between the OEB and the Central Civil Emergency Planning Service (CSPE), with the aim of optimizing coordination between the state and the private sector in times of crisis.

As he stated, the goal is to ensure the uninterrupted operation of vital government services and critical infrastructure, while simultaneously strengthening support for security forces to effectively counter threats and manage situations related to the security and defense of the Republic of Cyprus.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today at the Ministry of Defense between the Ministry and @OEBcy, establishing a framework for cooperation between the Central Civil Emergency Planning Service (KYPSEA) and the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, with the aim of… pic.twitter.com/pOstj7bWDd

— Vasilis Palmas (@PalmasVasilis) July 10, 2026

Mr. Palmas explained that the Memorandum provides for closer cooperation on emergency planning, strengthening the contribution of OEB members in supporting security forces during crises, the education and training of personnel, the participation of businesses in the implementation of the National Security Council’s plans, as well as the promotion of joint actions, studies, and research that will strengthen the resilience of businesses and the Republic.

He also noted that this cooperation is of particular importance, as the security environment becomes increasingly complex and threats take on a hybrid character, affecting critical infrastructure, the economy, and social cohesion.

“Effective crisis management requires coordination and cooperation among all government agencies and society, including the private sector,” he said, expressing his confidence that through cooperation between the state, social partners, civil society organizations, businesses, and citizens, the Republic of Cyprus will become stronger and better prepared to face any challenge.

He added that, through this cooperation, the Ministry of Defense and the OEB are taking the lead in implementing European guidelines to strengthen national resilience, helping to ensure the adequacy of critical resources, protecting supply chains, and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Pantelidis: The private sector is a critical partner of the state

For his part, OEB President George Pantelidis described the Memorandum as a substantial initiative for coordination and preparedness in an area that is becoming increasingly important, namely the country’s resilience in the face of crises, threats, and emergencies.

As he noted, modern crises are not limited solely to defense and security, but extend to energy, supply chains, transportation, communications, cybersecurity, production, and the economy.

He noted that in all these cases, the private sector is a critical partner of the state, as Cypriot companies possess the infrastructure, services, expertise, human resources, and production capabilities that can make a decisive contribution to crisis management and to maintaining the operational continuity of the state and the economy.

Mr. Pantelidis noted that the Memorandum establishes a practical framework for cooperation between KYPSEA and OEB, which includes planning, organization, training, the exchange of expertise, as well as the identification of businesses and sectors of critical importance to the security, defense, and resilience of the Republic of Cyprus.

He further emphasized that this cooperation is directly linked to the OEB’s role as a bridge between the state and businesses, contributing both to the transfer of know-how and to better preparedness among businesses.

As he noted, a nation’s resilience is built before a crisis strikes, through proper planning, evidence-based research, continuous training, and the development of trusting relationships.

Cooperation that began in 2024

The Director of KYPSEA, Brigadier General Iakovos Mikelides, noted that the collaboration with the OEB began in 2024, with an exchange of views and the OEB’s participation in contingency planning, particularly in the decision-making process regarding the contribution of private companies to the implementation of KYPSEA’s plans.

As he explained, the Ministry of Defense, adopting modern practices also used in other countries, proceeded to institutionalize this cooperation through the Memorandum, thereby creating a permanent mechanism for cooperation between the public and private sectors. He added that KYPSEA is the competent state body for national planning, coordination, and oversight of crisis management, with the mission of ensuring cooperation within the state apparatus and supporting the security forces to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus.