Cyprus Targets Autonomous Union

In a recent plenary session, Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, outlined the nation’s presidency priorities for the European Union, emphasizing the vision of an “Autonomous Union. Open to the World.” This declaration comes at a time marked by significant global challenges, including geopolitical instability and the ongoing impacts of the digital and environmental transitions.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed President Christodoulides, noting the critical period for both Europe and the broader international community. Metsola reinforced the commitment to maintaining Europe’s competitiveness and focus on security and defense, aiming to ensure a strong European presence on the global stage. She endorsed the support for Cyprus in its efforts towards becoming a bicommunal, bizonal federation, aligning with UN resolutions and EU law.

President Christodoulides highlighted several key areas during his address. He stressed the importance of European unity and deeper integration to effectively respond to international pressures such as the war in Ukraine and the necessity for enhanced security architectures. The Cyprus Presidency aims to foster a pragmatic approach towards competitiveness, focusing on investment, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Christodoulides also called for progress in EU enlargement, describing it as a crucial geopolitical tool, and emphasized the importance of strong relationships with regions such as the Southern Neighbourhood, the Gulf, and notable global partners like the United States and the United Kingdom.

The session also saw various Members of the European Parliament expressing their support for the priorities set by the Cyprus Presidency, particularly in aspects of European autonomy, security, and the need for a resilient and decisive Europe in a complex geopolitical environment. The discussion further covered the significance of addressing migration issues, enhancing social cohesion, and ensuring the rule of law and democratic values within the EU.