Brussels: Through the Cypriot Presidency, there is an opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of the European Union, emphasised the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, adding that Europe must demonstrate leadership and unity in a period of intense geopolitical and social challenges. She was speaking at a reception held in Brussels by the Women European Leaders (WEL) Foundation, within the framework of Cyprus' EU Council Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event, titled 'Parliamentary Leadership for an Autonomous Union, Open to the World,' began with a keynote speech by Ms. Demetriou, followed by interventions from women political leaders. In her address, the Parliament President stressed that a small country like Cyprus has the opportunity, through its Presidency, to make a meaningful contribution to shaping decisions affecting all EU member states, while simultaneously safeguarding its European perspective. As she noted, Europe remains a successful endeavor at a time when other geopolitical powers do not attract a comparable level of accession interest.
At the same time, she acknowledged the particularly strained political climate, referring to 'the elephant in the room.' Demetriou explained that this refers to propaganda, the toxicity on social media, and the rise of extreme voices-even within the European Parliament-that seek to challenge Europe's fundamental principles and values. Referring to the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, Demetriou highlighted that a central issue is the discussion on the European budget, aiming to adopt substantive policy decisions for all member states. Emphasis is placed on competitiveness, the green transition, agreements with third countries, and the need to simplify bureaucratic procedures.
She also made specific reference to women's political leadership, noting that Europe achieves the best global performance in this area-not because it has reached the ideal level of equality, but because it is comparatively ahead of other regions. However, she stressed that 'it is not enough,' as women continue to face multiple obstacles, including hate speech and discrimination. On the occasion of the upcoming International Women's Day, the Parliament President called on women and girls to raise their voices and claim their place in decision-making. 'No one handed us the positions we hold. We earned them through hard work,' she stated, stressing that equality is not only a women's issue, but a deeply democratic one.
She also expressed pride in legislative initiatives promoted in Cyprus, such as the criminalization of sexism and the establishment of femicide as a criminal offense, noting that beyond legislation, continuous awareness and political will are required. Demetriou described the Presidency as a 'great opportunity' for Cyprus to actively contribute to strengthening the autonomy and strategic perspective of the European Union, sending a message that Europe must demonstrate leadership and unity in a period of intense geopolitical and social challenges.
From her side, the Head of the European Parliament Relations Department at Cyprus' Permanent Representation to the EU, Christiana Tzika, presented the priorities of the Presidency, stating that the slogan 'an autonomous Union' reflects the EU's strategic direction in a period of successive and interconnected crises. She explained that the concept of autonomy is not equivalent to isolation or protectionism but represents the next step in European integration. 'It means a Union capable of protecting its security, borders, and citizens, while reducing strategic dependencies and simultaneously strengthening its partnerships,' she said.
Tzika presented the five pillars of the Presidency, beginning with strengthening security, defence readiness, and preparedness. She reiterated the EU's steadfast support for Ukraine, respecting its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. She stressed that Cyprus knows firsthand the consequences of aggression and occupation, highlighting that the EU must strengthen its capacity to act autonomously. Regarding the second pillar, she noted that enhancing competitiveness is a prerequisite for resilience and autonomy. She added that the Presidency focuses on completing the single market, deepening capital markets, strengthening energy and digital sovereignty, and promoting sustainable production.
The third pillar, an autonomous Union open to the world, was presented as a central element of the Presidency. Tzika stated that promoting a credible enlargement policy, based on meritocracy, is an investment in stability and democratic resilience. She placed particular emphasis on the southern neighborhood and Gulf countries, noting that Cyprus leverages its geographical location and historical ties. The fourth pillar concerns strengthening the EU's social dimension and the rule of law. 'The Cypriot Presidency promotes policies for social cohesion, cross-regional connectivity, child protection, online safety, health system resilience-with emphasis on mental health-disability rights, and active aging,' she explained.
Referring to the fifth pillar, she highlighted the Union's long-term budget, with the Multiannual Financial Framework at its core. As she noted, strategic autonomy requires adequate funding and transparent negotiations, aiming for a partial general approach in sectoral areas and the development of a mature negotiating framework. She also addressed women's representation, pointing out that, although Cyprus currently lacks female MEPs, women hold key positions within the Presidency, reflecting their substantial role in shaping the EU agenda. In closing, she noted that the visual identity of the Presidency was inspired by the embroidery of Lefkara, symbolizing unity, 'A single thread alone is fragile, but when woven together with others, it becomes strong, just like the Union,' she remarked.