As part of the ‘This is Europe’ debate series, President Christodoulides called for a united Europe capable of changing to secure its place in tomorrow’s world. “I am strongly convinced that the EU must be strategically autonomous, in areas such as security, energy, health”, he highlighted, to ensure it can face challenges effectively, thereby becoming a more valuable and an equal partner and ally.

Ukraine

Mr Christodoulides stressed that the EU needs to continue supporting Ukraine. It is a matter of principle “to ensure that the law of the jungle will not prevail”, he said, referring also to the almost half-a-century-long occupation of part of Cyprus by Türkiye. The high cost of the decisions to address the Russian aggression is worth shouldering, as peace in Europe has to be defended, he argued.

Eastern Mediterranean, Southern Neighbourhood, and migration

Cyprus, with its gas reserves and excellent relations with almost all its neighbours in the Eastern Mediterranean,…