Brussels: The priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union were detailed on Monday by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, to members of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM).
According to Cyprus News Agency, Fytiris emphasized that the Presidency is committed to promoting substantive gender equality, combating gender-based and online violence, and ensuring the inclusion of LGBTI+ persons and persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of cooperation with the FEMM Committee and other European institutions to advance coordinated equality policies.
Fytiris expressed Cyprus's commitment to acting as a mediator during complex geopolitical times, working towards a more secure, competitive, and open Europe. He highlighted the Presidency's goal of strengthening women's and girls' rights against gender-based online violence and emphasized the political commitment to gender equality through a Joint Declaration signed in Warsaw.
The Cypriot Presidency plans to host the High-Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming in Nicosia and has collaborated with the European Institute for Gender Equality for a study on online violence against girls. Fytiris announced forthcoming high-level conferences and meetings to address gender-based online violence and promote gender equality in the maritime industry.
The Minister also referenced the long-standing Horizontal Directive on Equal Treatment, mentioning efforts to advance this legislative initiative. He highlighted the new European Gender Equality Strategy as a top priority and discussed the fight against racism as part of fostering unity and inclusion within Europe.
Fytiris confirmed that combating gender-based violence is a central thematic priority, with plans in place to promote the relevant EU Directive and organize high-level actions to address online violence against women and girls. He emphasized the importance of the new European LGBTI Equality Strategy and the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for the FEMM Committee's role and underscored the Cypriot Presidency's commitment to building bridges, strengthening dialogue, and supporting a vision of Europe that actively promotes equality and human rights.