Strasbourg: Members of the European Parliament called on the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU to advance Europe's strategic autonomy while underscoring the necessity for EU-backed resolution of the Cyprus issue. This was emphasized during the presentation of the Cyprus Presidency's program at the European Parliament Plenary Session in Strasbourg.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Manfred Weber, Chair of the European People's Party (PPE), highlighted that Cyprus assumes the Presidency at a critical juncture when a robust Europe is imperative. He articulated that Cyprus is poised to act as a bridge builder in the region. Weber emphasized that the Cyprus issue is a European concern and stressed the impossibility of a unified Europe without a united Cyprus, affirming the PPE's support.
Costas Mavrides of the Socialists and Democrats (S and D) group advocated for a holistic approach to current challenges, positioning the EU strategically. He commended the Cyprus Presidency for its focus on the EU's strategic autonomy, emphasizing adherence to international law and social cohesion, starting with housing and energy. Mavrides questioned the EU's inconsistent application of principles regarding sanctions, contrasting the response to Ukraine with the situation in Cyprus.
Kinga G¡l from Patriots for Europe criticized the Migration Pact and called for a new narrative in Ukraine, supporting US-led peace talks. She warned of threats to agriculture and cohesion from the new budget and a controversial Mercosur agreement, urging the Cyprus Presidency to act.
Geadis Geadi from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group argued that European autonomy equates to national autonomy and called for policies to enhance competitiveness and achieve energy autonomy. He criticized Europe's focus on global issues while neglecting Cyprus, urging European solidarity.
Dan Barna from Renew Europe highlighted EU enlargement as a strategic tool and advocated for progress in negotiations with candidate countries. He emphasized the need for swift MFF negotiations to secure funds for enlargement.
Bas Eickhout of Verts/ALE thanked President Christodoulides for supporting Ukraine and urged proactive initiatives from the Presidency. He stressed that Europe's strategic autonomy should address military, digital, and economic domains.
Giorgos Georgiou from The Left (GUE/NGL) argued that larger member states and the private sector dictate EU priorities. He stressed the importance of resolving the Cyprus issue for regional stability and called for respect for the rule of law.
Ren© Aust from ESN lamented the loss of Europe's industrial base due to previous energy policies and called for a return to nuclear energy. He emphasized the need to revive European production for economic sustainability.
Non-aligned MP Fidias Panayiotou urged the EU to prioritize Cyprus's territorial integrity, emphasizing the ongoing occupation by Turkey and the Presidency's opportunity to address this European issue.
Loucas Fourlas from PPE expressed confidence in Cyprus's ability to bridge Europe and the Middle East. He called for a non-negotiable right to veto and stressed common values and principles, urging President Christodoulides to uphold these tenets.
Michalis Hadjipantela from PPE highlighted Cyprus's division as a source of European instability, calling for an EU stance on Cyprus akin to its position on Ukraine. He emphasized the ongoing consequences of Turkey's invasion and the need for decisive EU action.
Other MPs discussed migration, geopolitical developments, and the need for simplification and deregulation, expressing views on social issues, democracy, cohesion policy, and minority rights.