House President Annita Demetriou stressed Tuesday the full readiness and commitment of the House of Representatives to contribute meaningfully, within its competencies and institutional role, to the success of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. She was addressing European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the heads of the EP’s political groups during a meeting at the House in Nicosia
Demetriou also conveyed to Metsola her deep appreciation for the European Parliament’s longstanding and consistent support on the Cyprus issue. She highlighted the EP’s role – and the personal contribution of its President – during critical moments, including matters relating to Famagusta, the recognition of gender-based and sexual violence suffered by Cypriot women in 1974, and efforts to clarify the fate of missing persons. She stressed that Nicosia remains firmly committed to the goal of the liberation and reunification of the Republic of Cyprus.
‘The fact that you are here, at a time of intense geopolitical instability and uncertainty, sends a strong message of unity, solidarity and shared commitment to work together for more Europe and for the protection of the Union’s fundamental values. These values – peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights – lie at the heart of our European identity,’ she said.
Demetriou said the subject of the day’s discussion, ‘Challenges and opportunities in safeguarding the fundamental values of the European Union in Europe and the World,’ is more relevant than ever, in a period when peace, democracy, the rule of law and human rights come under daily attack. The erosion of the EU’s fundamental values, she added, constitutes one of today’s most serious challenges for Europe and the world.
Referring to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, she said it is a blatant violation of international law and a threat to Europe’s security. She highlighted the forced transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children as a grave breach of humanitarian law and ‘one of the darkest crimes of our era,’ requiring urgent international action. Cyprus, she added, fully supports the European Parliament’s 8 May 2025 resolution calling for the immediate and safe return of all children.
She also referred to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East, the rise of extremist ideologies, the increase in hybrid threats and the instrumentalisation of migration, all of which, she said, underscore how fragile peace remains. These challenges, she added, highlight the collective responsibility for coordinated and decisive action to end hostilities.
Demetriou expressed regret that the dominance of a wartime agenda has overshadowed human rights issues, deepening inequalities and risking a reversal of progress achieved to date.
She added that as a country still suffering the consequences of the ongoing Turkish invasion and occupation for more than half a century, with daily violations on the ground and within its EEZ, Cyprus fully understands the paramount value of peace, stability and security. For this reason, she added, the Republic of Cyprus consistently calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.
The House President stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in upholding the EU’s core values, noting that dialogue and cooperation between parliaments strengthen democracy, peace and security.
She affirmed that during the Cypriot EU Presidency, Cyprus will work for a stronger, safer and more democratic Europe, with priorities including closer ties with the Middle East, support for humanitarian efforts, unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and deeper cooperation with the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood.