President Nikos Christodoulides will today, Tuesday, 20 January brief the members of the European Parliament on Cyprus' political footprint during its six-month Presidency term, which began on 1 January.
President Christodoulides departed for Strasbourg on the afternoon of 19 January, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement, adding that the President will present the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency, under the central title 'An Autonomous Union. Open to the World', with an emphasis on an EU that wishes to strengthen its strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness in an environment of increased geopolitical challenges.
As the Spokesperson said, the President's presentation will be based on the responsibility assumed by the Republic of Cyprus, as the southeasternmost tip of the Union and as the only European capital that is still under illegal occupation.
The President, he adds, will underline that adherence to international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, particularly in light of recent developments at European and international level, and safeguarding of fundamental European values is not an option but a prerequisite for the security, stability and cohesion of the EU, as the above are implemented in the framework of EU's firm and unwavering support for Ukraine in light of Russia's invasion and violation of international law and as an expression of European credibility and collective responsibility towards peace and international legality.
President Christodoulides will also place special emphasis on Cyprus' role as a bridge between the European Union and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, highlighting the need for a more active, coherent and strategic European presence in the region, for the benefit of stability, peace and regional cooperation.
At the same time, the Spokesperson says, the importance of strengthening European competitiveness through investment in innovation, research, energy security, digital technology and the green transition will be highlighted, so that Europe remains economically strong, socially fair and geopolitically credible.
The President will also highlight the importance of protecting the Union's external borders with full respect for the rule of law and human rights, as well as the need to accelerate the green and digital transition, with social justice and with real benefit for citizens, which are key pillars for a resilient, secure and globally competitive Europe.
The President of the Republic will receive comments and questions from MEPs and then will hold a joint press conference with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.
He will also have a bilateral meeting with Metsola focusing on the close cooperation of the institutions during the Cyprus Presidency and the effective promotion of the priorities of the European agenda.
The President of the Republic and the EP President will also inaugurate the exhibition by Cyprus' Press and Information Office titled “Myths of Cyprus”, a cultural initiative that highlights the historical path and cultural identity of Cyprus in Europe, underlining that the European political identity is founded on both the values and the culture of its peoples.
President Christodoulides returns home on January 20.
This is the second time Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, assumes the EU Presidency. The first time was in 2012.
(Source: CNA)
