Brussels: On Tuesday, Nikos Christodoulides outlined Cyprus's vision for an 'Autonomous Union. Open to the World,' amidst a backdrop of global challenges. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed the President of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing the pivotal period for Europe and the global community. She acknowledged the upcoming six months as challenging, emphasizing Europe's focus on maintaining competitiveness and facilitating ease for families and businesses, while investing in new realities, particularly in security and defense. Metsola reiterated the European Parliament's commitment to supporting Cyprus in its pursuit of a bicommunal, bizonal federation as per UN resolutions, rooted in shared values and EU law.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the defining moment for the EU, characterized by geopolitical instability, geoeconomic competition, continental war, and pressures from digital and environmental transitions, as well as migration. He highlighted the need for Europe to respond with unity, deeper integration, and decisive action, focusing on cooperation, solidarity, and progress.
Christodoulides reiterated the Presidency's goal for an autonomous and open Union, describing autonomy as the next stage in European integration. He stressed that citizens expect Europe to protect its borders, defend democracy, and safeguard its way of life while remaining an open and reliable global partner.
In terms of security and defense, Christodoulides noted the urgency of reinforcing Europe's security architecture in light of Russia's war against Ukraine. He reaffirmed the EU's steadfast support for Ukraine, emphasizing that borders cannot be altered by force, whether in Ukraine, Greenland, or elsewhere.
On competitiveness, he advocated for a pragmatic agenda emphasizing investment, innovation, simplification, and SME support, alongside completing the single market and deepening capital markets. He also highlighted the importance of the EU remaining open to the world, with enlargement as a crucial geopolitical tool. He called for progress with Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Turkey, while underscoring the significance of relationships with the Southern Neighbourhood, the Gulf region, and strong partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom.
Regarding values and social cohesion, Christodoulides emphasized the EU's commitment to leaving no one behind, with democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights protected in practice. He noted priorities such as affordable housing, addressing child poverty, safeguarding young people, strengthening the Health Union, and ensuring access to essential medicines.
In response, many MEPs expressed support for the Cyprus Presidency's focus on European autonomy, security, and unity amidst challenging geopolitical contexts. They highlighted the need for a resilient Europe capable of decisive action while remaining globally open, and emphasized deepening integration.
Several MEPs pointed out Cyprus's unique position as the only EU member state under military occupation, calling for renewed efforts to maintain territorial integrity and international law, and work towards the island's reunification. They described enlargement as a vital geopolitical tool for enhancing Europe's stability and influence.
Migration and competitiveness were also significant topics, with MEPs calling for stronger border controls, effective returns, and reduced business bureaucracy, alongside emphasizing solidarity, social cohesion, and a fair, people-centered long-term EU budget.