President Christodoulides delivered a resolute message during the This is Europe debate series, emphasizing the imperative for a cohesive and adaptable European
Union (EU) capable of navigating the challenges of tomorrow's world. Addressing the European Parliament on 13 June 2023, he underscored the necessity for strategic autonomy in key areas such as security, energy, and health to bolster the EU's effectiveness as a global player and equal partner.
Regarding Ukraine, Christodoulides reiterated the EU's steadfast support, emphasizing the need to prevent the law of the jungle from prevailing. He drew parallels with the prolonged occupation of part of Cyprus by Türkiye, affirming the EU's commitment to defending peace in Europe despite the significant costs associated with addressing Russian aggression.
In the context of the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Neighbourhood, Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus's potential to contribute to addressing the energy crisis and advancing the green transition through its gas reserves and regional partnerships. He stressed the importance of a stable environment to realize these ambitions, urging the EU to maintain clarity and firmness to deter further provocations.
Addressing the burden of managing migratory flows, Christodoulides called for a Migration and Asylum Pact grounded in solidarity and responsibility, particularly focusing on the external dimensions of migration.
On the issue of reunifying Cyprus, the President reiterated the imperative for a comprehensive solution in line with international and EU law. Describing the occupation of the northern part of the island as a festering wound on Europe, he appealed for increased EU engagement and proposed the appointment of an EU envoy for the Cyprus problem to break the deadlock.
MEPs echoed support for a peaceful reunification of Cyprus, endorsing the call for an EU envoy and emphasizing the need for a robust EU stance against Türkiye's occupation and provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Illegal migration and energy resources were also central themes in the discussions, underscoring the geopolitical significance and environmental considerations in the region.
The reactions from MEPs reflected a unified stance against Türkiye's actions while advocating for strategic partnerships and decisive EU action to address pressing challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Photo by European Parliament, Wikimedia commons.