Strasbourg:References to Cyprus, energy interconnections, and fire protection were central to a European Parliament debate on the Pact for the Mediterranean held on Tuesday. The discussion, titled 'A new common commitment for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations - the Pact for the Mediterranean,' addressed various regional issues.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica highlighted the European firefighting hub in Cyprus and the leaders' call for a similar hub in the western Mediterranean. She also outlined initiatives under the Pact, such as the University of the Mediterranean, youth skill development, support for SMEs and start-ups, and the T-MED initiative for renewable energy, which aims to mobilize up to £25 billion for clean energy investments.

AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou emphasized the Mediterranean's potential and challenges, including wars, inequalities, and environmental threats. He advocated for the Pact to foster peace and cooperation without prioritizing EU geopolitical influence. Georgiou also addressed contradictions regarding peace and militarization and the application of international law, particularly concerning Palestine and Cyprus.

DIKO MEP Costas Mavrides spoke on the potential for energy cooperation to enhance stability and prosperity, stressing adherence to international law and the law of the sea. He cited existing structures like the East Mediterranean Gas Forum and the EastMed pipeline as opportunities for collaboration and questioned the EU's approach to rule violators like Turkey.

ELAM MEP Geadis Geadi underscored the Mediterranean's geopolitical and economic significance, advocating for cooperation based on international law. He praised efforts to secure decisions on electricity interconnections and pipelines, while urging action against threats from Turkey.