The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a new De Minimis Grant Scheme for Cypriot businesses wishing to participate in international trade fairs abroad where the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI) will operate a national pavilion. The decision followed a proposal by the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou.

According to MECI, the scheme—budgeted at €1,700,000 for 2026—aims to enhance the extroversion of Cypriot manufacturing and trading companies, support their entry into international markets and help increase their export activity.

The Ministry notes that eligible applicants include businesses, as well as officially recognised Producer Groups and Producer Organisations active in the manufacturing and/or marketing of industrial and agricultural products, as well as in related service sectors.

It is clarified that the announcement concerning trade fairs abroad does not bind the Ministry in cases where participation is not achieved due to insufficient applicant numbers and/or non-approval of the relevant budget.

MECI states that applications may be submitted by hand, via registered mail or through private courier, from 28/11/2025 to 19/12/2025.

Applications received after Friday, 19/12/2025, will be considered late and will not be evaluated.

The call covers Cypriot participation in the following international exhibitions:

• Industrial products exhibition in Athens, 08–10/05/2026

• Food and beverage exhibitions in Dubai, UAE, 26–30/01/2026

• Food and beverage exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany, 15–17/03/2026

• Food and beverage exhibition in Paris, France, 17–21/10/2026

• Fruit and vegetable exhibition in Berlin, Germany, 04–06/02/2026