Cyprus, a stable pillar in the Mediterranean, can act as a bridge to Europe, speakers said at a conference entitled ‘Cyprus Forward: Shaping EU and Mediterranean Horizons,’ organised by “The Parliament Magazine” at the EU House in Nicosia.
In a recorded message, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said that the cost of war is already being felt across the world. She stressed that ‘in moments like this, when trust and reliability are at a premium, it is crucial that we strengthen partnerships,’ noting that this is the main goal of the Pact for the Mediterranean: to strengthen ties with countries in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf, to build resilience across economies and to share in the benefits of cooperation, trust-building and prosperity.
The Commissioner spoke about the importance of collaboration in fields such as renewable energy sources, protection of infrastructure from cyberattacks, migration management, investment in skills and tackling skills gaps.
‘The Pact focuses on long-term solutions, and it works in parallel with bilateral partnerships,’ she said, referring to the EU’s strategic comprehensive partnerships with Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan. ‘We intend to move ahead with talks with Morocco and Lebanon,’ she added, while also stressing the need for peace in Palestine through a two-state solution, and in Syria through support for socio-economic recovery.
Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, Loucas Fourlas (EPP), noted that as a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, he witnesses every day that Europe’s security, stability and prosperity are connected to developments in the wider neighbourhood, especially in the Mediterranean region.
He highlighted that Cyprus stands at the heart of this region, serving as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and stressed that the island can play an important role in shaping Europe’s future strategy.
Additionally, Fourlas said that ‘Europe must remain competitive in a world where global competition is increasing every day,’ noting that other economies are moving quickly and Europe cannot afford to fall behind. ‘We need investment, innovation and smart policies that support growth while protecting our values,’ he noted.
He also highlighted that the EU must continue to support open trade and international cooperation. ‘Europe becomes stronger when it works together with trusted partners,’ he noted, adding that Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean region can contribute to this effort.
‘We can become a hub for connectivity, energy, shipping, technology, tourism and regional cooperation. We can help strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across Europe,’ he said.
Regarding energy, Fourlas stressed that it is now a matter of security and stability. ‘Europe needs secure, affordable and cleaner energy systems,’ he said, noting that Cyprus can contribute to Europe’s energy future through regional cooperation projects and stronger connections with neighboring countries. ‘Energy cooperation can bring stability, growth and long-term benefits for the entire region,’ he added.
Speaking on defence and security, he said that the region faces challenges including war, instability, hybrid threats, cyberattacks and migration pressures.
‘Cyprus understands these challenges well. We live in a sensitive region, but we have also demonstrated that we can be a reliable partner and a pillar of stability,’ he said.
Concluding, Fourlas said that Cyprus is at the frontline ahead of its Presidency of the Council of the EU. ‘It should remain there as a strong pillar of stability, cooperation and security in the region,’ he added.
Thea Pieridou, Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, noted that the Mediterranean is once again becoming central to Europe’s strategic outlook. In this context, she said, Cyprus holds a unique and meaningful role, naturally connecting Europe with the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East regions.
This role, she continued, takes on particular significance by strengthening Europe’s ability to remain present in a region of strategic importance. She also pointed to the important role of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, which, she said, ‘is now helping to steer discussions on key European priorities, ensuring coordination with the region and a clear sense of direction.’
Quoting European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who described Cyprus as ‘Europe’s lighthouse in the region,’ Pieridou noted that Cyprus’ Presidency is proving to be a crucial bridge for dialogue, cooperation and stability between Europe and the wider region.
Speaking about priorities currently being advanced at the European level in response to global challenges, Pieridou referred to strengthening energy resilience, accelerating strategic infrastructure projects to support a more competitive Europe, and reinforcing Europe’s security and defence capabilities.
‘In recent months, the Parliament has repeatedly stressed the need for Europe to become more resilient, less dependent on external vulnerabilities and better prepared to respond collectively to crises,’ she said.
She underlined the significant legislative work already advancing in areas such as energy interconnectivity, electricity grids, industrial capacity, digital resilience and defence readiness, noting the significance of these initiatives for the Mediterranean region.
Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), took part in a fireside conversation with Christopher Alessi, Editor-in-Chief of The Parliament Magazine.
Stavrou also stressed Cyprus’ strategic position in connecting people, businesses and nations from Europe to Africa, the Middle East and beyond. ‘Cyprus has always been a hub linking Europe with the region,’ he said.
He highlighted that business alliances form the foundation upon which political alliances are built.
He also pointed out that Cyprus can act as a facilitator in finding solutions to regional problems, not only because of its geographical position but also due to its relations with neighboring countries.
Referring to a recent business delegation visit to India, Stavrou noted that international partners share this assessment. ‘They identify Cyprus as a gateway,’ he said, adding that businesspeople in India were eager to learn more about Cyprus.
‘On the way back, everybody was thrilled about the appetite among people in India to move into Europe,’ he said, noting interest in sectors such as innovation, technology, energy, tourism, connectivity, shipping and investment.
Asked about the challenges European businesses face today, Stavrou said that overregulation must be simplified. He urged Brussels to become more of a facilitator rather than merely a regulator.
As he pointed out, just five US companies have a larger market capitalization than all listed companies in Europe combined, stressing that overregulation creates costs in time, productivity and even financing.