The government will propose professor Costas Kadis for Cyprus’ EU commissioner, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday.

Kadis’ experience from serving the Republic of Cyprus in various posts, as well as his academic qualifications, were the main reasons for his nomination. Kadis has served as minister of health, education and agriculture at various times.

In a written statement, Letymbiotis said President Nikos Christodoulides held a telephone conversation with president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen last week to inform her on his choice and the criteria it was based on.

Christodoulides has expressed his gratitude towards outgoing commissioner Stella Kyriakidou for her work in the health portfolio, especially during the crucial time of the pandemic.

In a post on X, Kadis assured he would do his utmost to represent Cyprus in an honorable way and contribute to the implementation of von der Leyen’s ambitious programme.

“My warmest thank you to @PresidentCYP for the great honour of nominating me for the post of Commissioner of the European Commission. I will do my utmost to adequately represent Cyprus and contribute to the implementation of @vonderleyen’s ambitious programme,” Kadis said on X.

He also thanked Stella Kyriakides for her “valuable advice” based on experience gathered from her successful service.

Kyriakidou in a post on X wished Kadis all the best.

Kadis, a professor of biodiversity conservation, has served in three ministries – health, education and agriculture.

From July 2007 to February 2008 Costas Kadis was health minister.

From March 2014 till February 2018 he served as minister of education and culture and from March 2018 till February 2023 he served as minister of agriculture, rural development and environment.

It was during Kadis’ tenure as minister of agriculture that two controversial projects were undertaken – registering halloumi as a Cypriot product – an issue still clogged with objections – and implementing the local plan for the Akamas peninsula – for which protests over the road networks have marred efforts.

He has also worked for the Enalion Environmental Management Centre of the Cyprus Development Bank, the Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus and Frederick University and in March 2008 was appointed leader of the Greek Cypriot Technical Committee on the Environment.

He is married to children’s book author and environmental scientist Marina Michaelidou-Kadi and they have two children, Sophia and Christopher.