The European Office of Cyprus (EOC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Nicosia, with representation offices in Brussels and in Athens. EOC was established in 2007 by 18 organisations from a wide spectrum of sectors and interests. Today, EOC counts 29 members (universities from Cyprus and from Greece, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus, a number of research institutes and VET centres, as well as the business and industry community in Cyprus).
EOC represents all 8 Cypriot universities (3 public and 5 private), 5 Greek public universities and 1 Czech university:
- Cyprus University of Technology
- European University Cyprus
- Frederick University
- Neapolis University Pafos
- Open University of Cyprus
- University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus
- University of Cyprus
- University of Nicosia
- Athens University of Economics and Business
- Hellenic Open University
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- National Technical University of Athens
- University of Thessaly
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
EOC’s mission is to support its members to actively engage at EU level and enhance their participation in EU funding programmes and initiatives.
EOC activities are structured as follows (non-exhaustive list):
Information and advice
- Timely intelligence on EU legislation, policies and funding programmes
- Specialised advice on EU policy and funding developments
Representation
- Raising profile of members towards EU Institutions and European Stakeholders
- Creating strategic alliances for influencing EU policies on R&I, education
Networking
- Developing transnational cooperation and strategic partnerships
- Building of cooperation and initiatives among EOC members
Project Development
- Enhancing our members’ competence in project development and proving support in all stages
- Organisation of training seminars and brokerage events
The EOC Brussels office collaborates with more than 350 regional representation offices, with European sectoral networks (European Regions Research and Innovation Network – ERRIN, Informal Group of RTD Liaison Offices – IGLO, etc.)
In addition, EOC is member of the Enterprise Europe Network – Cyprus (since January 2015), together with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Research Promotion Foundation (RPF) providing integrated support services to Cypriot enterprises wanting to invest in entrepreneurship, knowledge, research, technology and innovation.
- Research interests: research and innovation (renewable energy, health, agriculture – food, water, ICT, SSH), education, cultural heritage, tourism.
- Participation in EU projects in the fields of education, employment and entrepreneurship.
- Offers hot desk facilities and two meeting rooms located within walking distance of most EU buildings.