Nicosia: The importance of Europe and the future of young people took center stage at a recent event held at the CYENS Centre of Excellence in Nicosia. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, addressed students from Cypriot universities during the ‘Your Europe, Your Future: Talking to Youth’ event.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the need to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in health, advocating for greater European integration in education and health sectors. He highlighted the management of the coronavirus pandemic as a catalyst for the creation of a European Health Union. Metsola, on the other hand, stressed the importance of mitigating AI risks through regulations and ensuring educational advancements align with technological progress, noting the EU’s investment in AI.
Discussing the health sector, Metsola reflected on lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic, cautioning against the ease of spreading populism and disinformation. When questioned about the EU’s 100 billion euro investment in the defense sector and its implications for European and Cypriot security, Metsola called for a more cohesive European defense policy, emphasizing the need for self-reliance in areas like cybersecurity, autonomy, and essential resources.
President Christodoulides echoed support for the EU’s strategic autonomy, calling for clear priorities in the Multiannual Financial Framework, including housing, health, and education. Addressing the integration of third-country students, he outlined Cyprus’s plan to facilitate their employment and mobility within the EU, while stressing collective EU action on these issues.
Metsola expressed interest in expanding the single European degree and educational collaborations with Africa. When asked about plans for a green transition benefiting both communities in Cyprus, President Christodoulides highlighted projects like the EU-funded Renewable Energy Sources (RES) initiative in the buffer zone.
On youth training, Christodoulides emphasized aligning education with labor market needs, mentioning ongoing studies to assess graduate employment outcomes. He underscored the significance of brain gain, revealing a government campaign aimed at attracting Cypriot professionals back to the country.
Metsola addressed educational integration in the EU, noting the need to identify labor market gaps. Responding to queries on EU business programs, President Christodoulides highlighted the EU’s funding opportunities but acknowledged challenges in matching the competitiveness of third countries like the USA.
Discussing energy security, Christodoulides pointed to Cyprus’s isolation as an island state, advocating for interconnections with Greece and neighboring countries through EU-funded projects. He remarked on how today’s youth benefit from opportunities not available to previous generations, urging active participation in politics and society. He emphasized Cyprus’s influence in EU decision-making, reiterating that Europe’s future is intertwined with education, health, and broader issues.