President Nikos Christodoulides who is addressing on Tuesday the plenary of the European Parliament is expected to speak to MEPs about the need for the EU to be powerful and cohesive at home, as well as to showcase the close cooperation the Cyprus EU Presidency will have with the European Parliament as a substantive condition to promote important European policies and legislative initiatives, reliable sources have said.
President Christodoulides’ speech, they note, will refer ‘to the European responsibility the Republic of Cyprus is undertaking as the most southeastern part of Europe and as the only European capital which continues to be under illegal occupation, with an emphasis on a Europe which will enhance its strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness in an environment of increased geopolitical challenges.’
The President is expected to focus, they add, on the fact that a truly autonomous Europe ‘must be powerful and cohesive from within, able to protect its citizens, borders and interests and at the same time be outward looking, create alliances and cooperations from a position of credibility, and having as compass principles, international law, dialogue and diplomacy.’
In this context, they continue, the President is expected to underline that a commitment to international law, the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states are a prerequisite for the Union’s security, stability and cohesion, in the same spirit of continued and resolute support of the EU towards Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
The same sources say that the President is expected to present five interconnected pillars regarding security and defence, competitiveness, external affairs, social cohesion and economy.
The President is expected to place emphasis ‘in showcasing the close cooperation the Cypriot Presidency will have with the European Parliament, as a substantive condition in promoting important European policies and legislative folders,’ the sources note.
The same sources also refer to the fact that during his visit the President will open together with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola an exhibition by the Press and Information Office entitled ‘Myths of Cyprus’, ‘as a reminder that the European political identity is founded both on common values as well as on the culture of the peoples of Europe.’