EP President in Cyprus to mark Europe Day (pics)

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visited Cyprus over the weekend to mark Europe Day.

She met with President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the ongoing preparations for Cyprus to assume presidency of the Council of the European Union, and also the reunification of the island.

During an event to mark Europe Day, organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament Offices in Cyprus, Christodoulides said Cyprus' Presidency of the European Council in the first half of 2026 is ready to actively “promote a joint European vision, for an even stronger and unified Union”.

The President said that the government is working on initiatives and suggestions that will impact people’s daily lives, such as the quest for housing, energy security and opportunities for young people. He also appeared confident for a successful management of the budget framework, too.

The EP President also met with House Speaker Annita Demetriou, saying on X that discussions “focused on our Parliaments’ role towards peace and unity”.

Metsola said that Europe will always support Cyprus in the road toward reunification, in the framework of the United Nations, through dialogue and diplomacy.

Later, during an event with Cypriot youths, Metsola remarked that she witnessed a determined youth generation, filled with ideas towards the next chapter of Europe’s history.

She was joined by President Christodoulides at the event “Your Europe, Your Future: Talking to Youth”, held at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, in Nicosia, with the participation of students from Cypriot Universities.

Responding to questions on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and education, President Christodoulides said “we must utilise AI in health”, while expressing the position of the Republic of Cyprus that “we need more European acquis in education and health”. Citing the management of the coronavirus pandemic as an example, President Christodoulides advocated for a European Health Union.

Metsola said that it must be ensured that the risks from artificial intelligence are mitigated, that regulations should be made, and that education should keep pace with technological developments, by informing and training individuals and not replacing them. She also pointed out that the EU was investing in Artificial Intelligence.

Referring to the health sector, the President of the EP said that “we have learned some lessons from the coronavirus pandemic”, noting that “populism and disinformation are easy”.

Asked what the investment of 100 billion euros in the defence sector by the EU meant for the security of Europe and Cyprus in particular, Metsola said that the European Parliament has been calling for a more common defence policy for some time, noting that the EU must stand on its own two feet without dependence on external assistance. She added that these issues also include cybersecurity, autonomy, electricity, water, etc.

President Christodoulides said the Republic of Cyprus was in favour of the EU’s strategic autonomy, emphasising that “we must decide what we want” and welcoming EU initiatives in this direction. He also noted that these priorities, as well as others, such as housing, health and education, should be defined within the Multiannual Financial Framework.