Nicosia: European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis are scheduled to visit Cyprus on June 25 and 26.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the visit will involve various high-level meetings and conferences aimed at strengthening the European Union's ties with Cyprus, focusing on islands and coastal communities.
Fitto's itinerary begins on Thursday with a meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace. Following the meeting, Fitto is expected to make statements to the media. His visit will continue with a trip to the village of Agios Ioannis in the Pitsilia region of the Limassol district as part of the 'Right to Stay' initiative. Additionally, he will visit the Troodos Observatory, a project funded by the European Union.
On Friday, Fitto will participate in a high-level conference in Paphos, titled "Strengthening islands and coastal communities of the European Union." During this event, he will present the European Union's strategy for islands. According to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the conference will convene European leaders, ministers, senior policymakers, representatives of regional and island authorities, European institutions, experts, and various stakeholders to deliberate on the future development of the European Union's island and coastal regions.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis will also be present to outline the European Union's strategy for coastal communities. The event aims to highlight the European Union's new strategies for islands and coastal communities. The strategies emphasize economic competitiveness and diversification, support for the sustainable blue economy, climate change mitigation, and enhanced resilience and connectivity. These initiatives are designed to foster vibrant and inclusive local communities while promoting citizens' right to remain in their home regions.