Last Tuesday, we had the pleasure of bringing a taste of Cyprus to Brussels, and it was an evening that truly captured the spirit of what beer represents across Europe.
Our Taste of Cyprus reception was not only a celebration of Cypriot brewing, but also a reflection of a broader story. Beer is more than a beverage. It is a source of connection, a driver of economic value, and a catalyst for dialogue. This message resonated throughout the evening, both in the speeches and in the many conversations that followed.
Cyprus stands as a powerful example of this. Its brewing and hospitality sectors contribute to local communities, support jobs, and reflect a rich cultural heritage that is deeply embedded in European identity. At the same time, Cyprus plays an important role within the European Union during its Presidency, demonstrating how collaboration across countries and institutions can deliver shared value.
What made the evening particularly special was the way it brought people together. Representatives from different backgrounds, nationalities and political perspectives gathered in a spirit of openness and conviviality. In a time when meaningful dialogue is essential, beer continues to create spaces where connections can flourish. This is what we mean when we say Beer is More.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our distinguished speakers who helped bring these ideas to life. Christian Weber, President of The Brewers of Europe, highlighted the strength and unity of our sector across Europe. Pambos Panayiotou, Managing Director of KEO plc, and Pavlos Photiades, Managing Director of Photos Photiades Group, shared valuable insights into the Cypriot brewing landscape and its contribution to the economy and society. Michalis Hadjipantela, Member of the European Parliament and the European Beer Group, emphasised the importance of continued engagement between policymakers and our sector. Cristiana Tzika from the Cyprus Permanent Representation to the European Union offered a perspective on Cyprus’ role within the European project.
We were also honoured by the presence of Commissioner Costas Kadis, whose participation underscored the importance of collaboration across the European institutions and with sectors such as ours. I would also like to warmly thank the co-chairs of the European Beer Group, Hannes Heide and Tomáš Zdechovský, for their presence and continued support for our sector.
Events like this remind us that beer has a unique role to play in Europe. It supports communities, strengthens economies and brings people together. From Cyprus to Brussels and beyond, Beer is More than what is in the glass. It is about connection, collaboration and shared experiences.
To everyone who joined us, thank you for contributing to such a memorable evening.