The President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, will hold a series of meetings as part of the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, hosted by the Republic of Cyprus ahead of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, which Nicosia assumes on 1 January 2026.
According to a press release by the House, Demetriou will hold a private meeting on Tuesday with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. This will be followed by an expanded meeting with the participation of senior officials of the European Parliament and the House of Representatives.
The two Presidents will then have a joint meeting with the Presidents and representatives of the European Parliament’s political groups, as well as with the leaders and/or representatives of the parliamentary parties, during which a discussion will take place on the topic ‘Safeguarding the EU’s fundamental values in Europe and the world’.
The statement notes that the selected topic carries particular significance, as the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a critical international juncture marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, challenges to global security, and systematic questioning of the fundamental values of the European project.
‘The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East, the rise of extreme and radical ideologies, the increase in hybrid threats and the instrumentalisation of migration remind us how fragile peace is and highlight the need for collective, decisive and coordinated action to end hostilities and effectively address common challenges,’ it adds.
The House of Representatives, it continues, fully aware of the responsibility it is undertaking, seeks through this Conference and its overall contribution to the parliamentary dimension of the Cypriot Presidency to showcase the added value of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving the necessary unity and consensus within the EU for a Europe that is stronger and more determined in defending its fundamental principles and values, both within and beyond its borders.
The statement further notes that the Conference provides an important platform for a fruitful exchange of views on the challenges and opportunities shaping the common European future, placing particular emphasis on the importance of safeguarding and further strengthening democracy, peace and the rule of law in Europe and worldwide.