Harris Kyriakides
Harris KyriakidesEleni Neoptolemou -
Harris Kyriakides

Eleni Neoptolemou

Partner

Harris KyriakidesEleni Neoptolemou -
EXPERTISE

Commercial, Public Procurement, Competition and Administrative Law, specialising in oil and gas, data protection, and tender procedures

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

LLM, University of Central Lancashire - Cyprus, 2017 LLB, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2015

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Member of the Cyprus Bar Association, 2017 Member of the Cyprus Mediators Association, 2022

Eleni Neoptolemou is a Partner in the Commercial Team at Harris Kyriakides, specialising in complex commercial, administrative, and data protection law. With a strong track record in sectors such as maritime, aviation, energy, and public procurement, Eleni provides strategic legal guidance across a broad spectrum of cases. Her recent work includes advising on mergers and acquisitions, overseeing GDPR compliance for high-profile entities, navigating challenging competition law matters, and representing clients in intricate IP and trademark disputes. She also plays a key role in public procurement cases, frequently appearing before the Administrative Court and Tenders Review Authority. Eleni’s expertise extends to guiding organizations through complex transactions in renewable energy, handling high-stakes competition inquiries, and advising on regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies in the oil and gas industry. Her work is distinguished by a meticulous approach to due diligence, a deep understanding of compliance and regulatory standards, and a commitment to protecting her clients’ interests in high-stakes litigation and strategic negotiations. 

Recent Practice

  • Prepared recourses to the Administrative Court and Tenders Review Authority, appeals to Court of Appeal covering among others planning permits, public tenders, and environmental compliance. 
  • Successfully argued for the right of contractor to be heard in administrative proceedings before the Tender Review Authority in case of an application to declare a contract inactive (recourse 274/22and others). 
  • Advised public and private entities on regulatory matters, including public sector appointments and environmental law, with a focus on harmonization with the Offshore Safety Directive. 
  • Developed GDPR frameworks, documentation, and training for banks, hotels, municiapilities and other public and private entities, and served as Data Protection Officer for several organizations. 
  • Drafted and negotiated contracts in the aviation, oil and gas, and technology sectors, including supply agreements, software licenses, and service agreements. 
  • Provided extensive IP counsel on trademark registration, brand protection, and franchise disputes, including representation in EUIPO proceedings and securing interim orders to prevent IP misuse. 
  • Defended clients in investigations by the Competition Authority and Consumer Protection Agency, and advised on state aid applications and compliance issues. 
  • Led the merger of two leading non-profits in the marine sector, overseeing compliance, due diligence, and integration for effective cross-sector collaboration. 
  • Provided comprehensive legal support for acquisitions across various sectors, from initial due diligence to negotiation and structuring, ensuring compliance and protecting clients’ interests throughout the transaction process. 
  • Advised on acquisitions and development of photovoltaic parks, handling due diligence, regulatory compliance, and financing negotiations. 
  • Provided counsel on complex energy transactions and compliance for oil and gas industry clients, including contract review and regulatory navigation. 
  • Advised on import agreements, aviation fueling regulations, online gambling compliance, and AML requirements for payment processing, safeguarding compliance in diverse regulatory landscapes.  
  • Presented as a speaker on topics such as public procurement, GDPR compliance, and interim judicial protection at conferences, and presented on high-profile EU events on data protection and AML strategies. 
EXPERTISE

Commercial, Public Procurement, Competition and Administrative Law, specialising in oil and gas, data protection, and tender procedures

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

LLM, University of Central Lancashire - Cyprus, 2017 LLB, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2015

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Member of the Cyprus Bar Association, 2017 Member of the Cyprus Mediators Association, 2022

RELATED PRACTICES

RELATED SECTORS

News
Cyprus updates legislation on recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms
18 December 2024 | 2 mins read

Introduction The Cyprus House of Representatives has approved two legislative amendments to align national laws with EU directives on the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms. These developments are part of a - Read More...

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CJEU Diarra Ruling on FIFA’s Transfer Regulations: Implications for international football and Cypriot clubs
17 December 2024 | 5 mins read

Introduction In October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (the CJEU) issued a ground-breaking judgment regarding FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the RSTP). This ruling is perhaps the - Read More...

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Cyprus passes law restricting large cash transactions to strengthen AML efforts
16 December 2024 | 6 mins read

Introduction On 5 December 2024, Cyprus parliament approved a significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing large cash transactions, enhancing the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) framework. The proposal, first introduced on 30 October 2024 by - Read More...

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Cyprus Ministry of Interior issues Best Practices Report to combat terrorism financing in non-profit organisations 
13 December 2024 | 4 mins read

On 26 November 2024, the Registrar of Associations and Foundations, which is part of the Ministry of Interior, issued a new Best Practices Report providing information on the risks faced by Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in - Read More...

News
Harris Kyriakides advises Petrolina on its acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus
3 December 2024 | 1 min read

Harris Kyriakides advised Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd on its landmark acquisition of 100% of the share capital of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. The transaction remains subject to the approval of - Read More...

News
Cyprus Parliament approves new framework for beneficial ownership compliance
2 December 2024 | 3 mins read

On 21 November 2024, the Cyprus Parliament approved a landmark amendment to the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities Law. The legislation introduces a comprehensive framework for the enforcement of penalties related to beneficial ownership - Read More...

News
Cross-border recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments
29 November 2024 | 7 mins read

The accession and successful implementation of the Hague Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of foreign judgments in civil or commercial matters (the Hague Convention 2019 or the Convention) between the European Union member - Read More...

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New era in the Cyprus arbitration regulatory framework
27 November 2024 | 7 mins read

The institution of arbitration, as an alternative means of dispute resolution, is heading towards substantial reform following a relevant draft bill by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, with the adaptation of the legislation - Read More...