The European Union continues to be a space of democracy, freedom and protection of the rights of its citizens, while at the same time seeking to strengthen resilience, social cohesion and sustainable development, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, has said.
In his address at the Europe Day event held Saturday, May 9, at the Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca, Kadis said that the event reflected, ‘in a very beautiful way, the true meaning of the European Union through co-operation, culture and the participation of citizens, particularly young people. Music, art and creativity underline that the Union is not only about institutions and policies, but above all a community of people and shared values.’
Europe Day, he said, ‘serves as a reminder of the common path followed by the peoples of Europe after periods of war, division and major challenges. ‘European integration was founded on the belief that democracy and solidarity are the most stable foundations for peace, stability and progress’, he said.
Today, he said, in an international environment of increased uncertainty, this message remains particularly relevant. ‘The European Union continues to be a space of democracy, freedom and protection of the rights of its citizens, while at the same time seeking to strengthen resilience, social cohesion and sustainable development’, he said.
Noting that the continuation of the positive European outlook is a collective endeavour that requires constant effort, co-operation and trust in shared values, he stressed that ‘this is precisely why the participation of citizens, especially young people, in events such as today’s is of particular importance.’
Kadis congratulated the Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Larnaca for its participation in the event, explaining that ‘its presence gives real substance to the idea of promoting culture and strengthening a shared European identity.’
In his speech, the Commissioner also referred to the photography exhibition by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute entitled Beneath the Surface: CMMI’s Dive into Marine Sciences, which was inaugurated during the event.
As Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, he said, he knows well ‘that our seas and oceans are spaces for co-operation, sustainable development and shared responsibility’, adding that the European Ocean Pact, which was recently adopted, reinforces precisely this approach by linking scientific knowledge, environmental protection and the sustainable development of coastal and island communities.
These elements, he said, more broadly reflect the importance of joint action and collective responsibility for the future of Europe, adding that this event ‘serves as a reminder that Europe is, above all, its people. It is the societies that co-operate, the young people who create, and the communities that continue to invest in democracy, co-operation and a shared future’.