Nicosia: The President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, will engage in a series of strategic meetings as part of the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament. This significant event is hosted by the Republic of Cyprus, in anticipation of its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, which Nicosia will assume on January 1, 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou is scheduled to have a private meeting on Tuesday with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. This will be succeeded by an expanded meeting featuring senior officials from both the European Parliament and the House of Representatives.
Subsequently, the two Presidents will participate in a joint meeting with the Presidents and representatives of the European Parliament’s political groups, as well as leaders and representatives of parliamentary parties. The discussions will focus on the theme ‘Safeguarding the EU’s fundamental values in Europe and the world’.
The statement highlights the significance of the selected topic, as the Republic of Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU amidst a critical international landscape characterized by increased geopolitical tensions, global security challenges, and systematic questioning of the fundamental values of the European project.
It mentions ongoing global issues such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East, the rise of extreme and radical ideologies, the increase in hybrid threats, and the instrumentalisation of migration. These challenges underscore the fragility of peace and the urgent need for collective, decisive, and coordinated actions to end hostilities and effectively address common challenges.
The House of Representatives, fully cognizant of its upcoming responsibilities, aims through this Conference and its overall contributions to the parliamentary dimension of the Cypriot Presidency to highlight the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. This effort seeks to achieve unity and consensus within the EU for a more robust and resolute Europe in defending its core principles and values, both within its borders and globally.
The statement also emphasizes that the Conference serves as a crucial platform for exchanging views on the challenges and opportunities that shape the shared European future. It places particular importance on safeguarding and fortifying democracy, peace, and the rule of law in Europe and around the world.