Unity is our greatest strength, stressed the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, presenting the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU to the European Parliament on Tuesday.
“The future of Europe, our future, will ultimately be judged by our ability to act collectively. Unity is our greatest strength. And only if we act together, interinstitutionally and transnationally, can we turn unity into action,” he said.
Noting that the Presidency begins at a turning point for the Union, he said that the times require action, decisive, credible and united, they require a Union that is more Autonomous and Open to the World.
The Presidency's program, he said, is structured around five interrelated pillars.
The first pillar is Autonomy through Security, Defense and Preparedness.
“Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, on European soil, has demonstrated the urgent need to strengthen the European security architecture and our defense readiness. For upgrading. Improvement. From our own corner of the Union, to the last member state under occupation, the stakes are absolutely clear. Cyprus knows firsthand what insecurity means,” he stressed.
He said that Ukraine is fighting for a fundamental principle: That the use of force cannot redraw borders in Europe, and if this principle collapses, then everything becomes negotiable, whether in Ukraine, or in Greenland, or anywhere else.
“That is why we must build a stronger European security architecture, and we must do it now, including strengthening security in the Arctic. I want to be absolutely clear. We fully support and stand in solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland,” he stressed.
Referring to the second pillar of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, he said that this is Autonomy through Competitiveness. Europe faces intense geo-economic competition, strained supply chains and rapid technological change and our response must be realistic, targeted and deeply rooted in the real economy, the President noted.
The third pillar, he said, is An Autonomous Union, Open to the World, and enlargement is at the core of this pillar.
“From Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans and Turkey, enlargement remains the Union’s most powerful and transformative geopolitical tool. It is much more than completing a map. It is about completing a vision. A vision of a reunited Europe, deeply rooted in peace, democracy, security and stability.”
He said that when on May 1, 2004, Cyprus joined the EU, there was a pervasive sense of hope, that the possibilities opened up by EU membership were limitless.
“This promise has been confirmed: EU membership has transformed the country, brought prosperity, security and opportunity. And Cypriots keep alive the unfulfilled promise of reunification. European integration cannot be complete as long as a member state remains divided and under illegal occupation, as long as Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots do not enjoy the same fundamental rights as all other Europeans. And we know that the European Union has all the tools for the solution of the Cyprus problem,” he stressed.
He also said that our relations with the Southern Neighbourhood and the Gulf, our immediate neighbourhood, are equally strategic. “The new Pact for the Mediterranean provides a crucial framework for cooperation, which we must strengthen with complementary initiatives such as the India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEC),” he said.
The fourth pillar of our priorities is a Union of Values, for all. “Affordable housing has emerged as one of the most serious social challenges. And this means that the Union must act. Cyprus will give priority to promoting the European Plan for Affordable Housing, with full respect for the principle of subsidiarity and national competences,” the President continued.
He also referred to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, saying that it is the point where priorities meet reality.
“And it must become the means through which the Union will deliver on defence and security, competitiveness, sustainability, resilience and cohesion.”
Same speech:
Thank you very much for the invitation to address the Plenary Session of the European Parliament today.
Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a sense of Pride but also with a high sense of responsibility.
I stand before you today, as the President of the Member State located at the southeastern tip of the European Union and the only Member State still under illegal occupation, with a sense of honour and pride.
Honor, because I am in the House of European Democracy. In the house that is being built, it gives voice to the 450 million citizens of our Union.
And for the responsibility that comes with addressing you at such a defining moment for Europe.
At the same time, I stand before you with a deep sense of Pride.
For the Union we have built. For the greatest political undertaking the world has ever known. The largest economic union and a global trading power.
A political Union of 27 states, where each member state stands equally, and assumes the Presidency of the Council.
A Union in which each Member State,
He can lead. He can act as a mediator. And represent the Union.
This is the essence of the European project.
A Union where size or strength does not play a decisive role, but a Union of equality.
A Union that does not ignore differences, but a Union that turns them into strength.
Yes, our Union is not perfect.
But it is precisely this unique ability to evolve, especially in times of crisis, that makes it stand out. Its ability to unite in the face of major challenges, with the goal of greater European integration.
This was exactly the vision of our founders. An increasingly united Union, as a constant call to us and to future generations.
As Robert Schuman reminds us,
"Europe will not be created all at once nor on the basis of a single plan.
It will be built through concrete achievements that will first create real solidarity."
And in this sense, our Union is a sacred promise that is constantly renewed.
A promise that continues to inspire.
It is this timeless strength of our values, of respect for human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, that makes the European Union the best place in the world to live.
Our unity around the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
This is the Union we must defend. The Union we must fight for.
And it is precisely this Union that my country, Cyprus, has the honor to serve during its Presidency.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our Presidency begins at a turning point for the Union. At a time of profound transformation.
Europe is facing a rapidly changing geopolitical and geoeconomic environment, marked by uncertainty. The international order on which we have relied for decades can no longer be taken for granted.
War has returned to our continent with the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Instability continues in Cyprus' immediate neighborhood, the wider Middle East region.
People are being brutally murdered because they are fighting and demanding freedom after decades of oppression.
Fundamental principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity are being tested and openly violated.
Trade tensions are increasing and strategic dependencies are being instrumentalized.
Climate change, migratory pressures and technological developments are reshaping our societies.
And yet, this is not the first time that our Union has faced adversity.
And each time, Europe rose to the occasion.
And we have always chosen cooperation over division, solidarity over isolation, and progress over regression.
And now the time has come to do again what we as Europeans know how to do best.
To believe in our collective ability to shape change. And to become the change ourselves.
Let us invest, with a sense of urgency, in more integration.
Let's strengthen the network of free trade agreements, because Europe's competitiveness is strengthened by being open to the world.
To defend our borders, our citizens and the European way of life.
To those who question whether Europe's lighthouse still shines, we will respond with actions.
We will respond with determination to those who attempt to undermine our values and unity.
Because the question before us is not whether we are in the midst of a storm. We have long since overcome that.
The real question is whether we will rise to the heights imposed by the circumstances and whether, once again, we will shape solutions. In the European way.
Dear Members of the European Parliament,
The decisions we make today will determine the Union we will hand down to the next generation. To our children.
The times call for action. Decisive, credible and united action.
They demand a Union that is more autonomous and open to the world.
Because autonomy, European independence, can no longer be just a slogan.
It is the natural next stage in the evolution of European integration. It requires building strength from within and at the same time being outward-looking. It requires strength through partnerships.
A more Autonomous Union is a Union that has the internal strength to cooperate whenever possible and to act autonomously whenever necessary.
A Union that is secure, competitive, open and unwaveringly committed to its values.
A Union that draws legitimacy and strength from its citizens.
And from all of you, as their representatives.
For this very reason, we have prioritized closer and more substantial cooperation with the European Parliament, inviting your representatives to participate in the high-level meetings that will be held in Cyprus.
Dear friends,
Our Presidency's program is structured around five interrelated pillars.
The first pillar is Autonomy through Security, Defense and Preparedness.
Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, on European soil, has demonstrated the urgent need to strengthen the European security architecture and our defense readiness. For upgrade. Improvement.
From our corner of the Union, to the last occupied Member State, the stakes are absolutely clear.
Cyprus knows firsthand what lack of security means.
We stand firmly and unwaveringly by the side of Ukraine, while supporting international efforts for a sustainable and lasting peace, fully in line with the United Nations Charter and with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ukraine is fighting for a fundamental principle: that the use of force cannot redraw borders in Europe. And if this principle collapses, then everything becomes negotiable.
Whether in Ukraine, or Greenland, or anywhere else.
That is why we must build a stronger European security architecture, and we must do it now, including strengthening security in the Arctic.
I want to be absolutely clear. We fully support and stand in solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.
A more autonomous Union must also be able to protect its citizens, its borders, its interests and, ultimately, its values themselves.
Security today requires a 360-degree approach.
It concerns defensive preparedness and the readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion.
It also concerns military mobility, maritime and water security, economic security, migration management, cyber resilience, democratic resilience and crisis preparedness.
In this context, the swift implementation of the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 is a priority. We will promote the implementation of key defence initiatives and flagship projects, such as the EU Defence Industrial Strategy, as well as the SAFE initiative.
At the same time, we will work to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation in an inclusive, transparent and mutually beneficial manner.
We are more valuable to our partners when we are stronger.
Maritime and water security deserve more attention. In the Mediterranean and beyond, security moves by sea. Trade moves by sea. Energy routes move by sea. Freedom of navigation is therefore a strategic necessity. That is why we will actively promote the EU Maritime Security Strategy.
Security also comes from within, by shielding our democracies from foreign interference, disinformation, hybrid threats and pressures on media freedom. By strengthening law enforcement cooperation and by combating organized crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
Effective migration management is also a fundamental dimension of security. As a frontline state, Cyprus will work to address both the internal and external dimensions, with an emphasis on root causes, cooperation with key third countries and the full implementation of the Compact on Migration and Asylum.
Madam President,
Honorable Members of the European Parliament
The second pillar of our priorities is Autonomy through Competitiveness.
In today's world, only a more competitive Europe can be a more autonomous Europe. Economic power and strategic power go hand in hand.
Europe faces intense geoeconomic competition, strained supply chains and rapid technological change.
Our response must be realistic, targeted and deeply rooted in the real economy.
Competitiveness means the ability to invest, to innovate, to produce, to grow. to lead.
We need to make Europe faster. Simpler. Smarter.
We must deliver more and better to our businesses and citizens. We must promote a simplification agenda that reduces administrative burdens in a balanced way, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises which are the backbone of our economy.
We will work closely with the European Parliament to finalize key legislative files that reduce bureaucracy.
But competitiveness is not just about removing barriers. It is also about building capabilities. Completing and strengthening the single market and deepening capital markets through the Savings and Investment Union remain central objectives of European integration. We will prioritise the modernisation of our industries, Europe's capacity to innovate and produce the technologies of tomorrow, while promoting the green and digital transitions.
Last year I visited the United States, from Silicon Valley to Houston and New York, to attract investment in strategic sectors. I was struck by the fact that in the largest American companies the talent is largely European. We cannot afford to lose our young and talented people. We must create the conditions for them to return, to do business and to innovate in Europe.
Strengthening Europe's digital and energy autonomy is also a strategic imperative. This requires diversified networks of suppliers and routes, affordable and predictable energy prices, modern infrastructure and strong interconnections.
Now is the time for a true Energy Union.
Competitiveness must also be inclusive. It must benefit all regions, including island, remote and less connected regions. Connectivity is vital.
Resilient ports, sustainable low-carbon manufacturing and strong agricultural and food systems are integral to our competitiveness.
Dear Members of the European Parliament,
An Autonomous Union is also a Union Open to the World.
It is a Union that interacts with the world from a position of inner strength and self-confidence.
Enlargement is at the core of this pillar.
From Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans and Turkey, enlargement remains the Union's most powerful and transformative geopolitical tool. It is much more than completing a map. It is about completing a vision. A vision of a reunited Europe, deeply rooted in peace, democracy, security and stability.
May 1, 2004, the day Cyprus joined the European Union, is indelibly etched in my memory. The most important historical moment for my country since independence. There was a pervasive sense of hope, that the possibilities opened up by EU membership were limitless.
This promise was confirmed: EU membership transformed the country, bringing prosperity, security and opportunities.
And Cypriots keep alive the unfulfilled promise of reunification. European integration cannot be complete as long as a member state remains divided and under illegal occupation, as long as Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots do not enjoy the same fundamental rights as all other Europeans. And we know that the European Union has all the tools for the solution of the Cyprus problem.
This is precisely what makes enlargement so powerful, because the Union is above all a project for peace, a source of security and stability. We cannot afford to let the new momentum of enlargement go to waste. We must make the process credible. By responding when our partners deliver.
Our relations with the Southern Neighborhood and the Gulf, our immediate neighborhood, are equally strategic.
The new Pact for the Mediterranean provides a crucial framework for cooperation, which we must strengthen with complementary initiatives such as the India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEC).
At the same time, an open, strong and sustainable EU trade policy, through the expansion of the Union's network of trade agreements, is vital.
This includes deepening partnerships with strategic partners like the United Arab Emirates and India, defending the rules-based multilateral trading system, and ensuring the effective implementation of our agreements.
And of course, we will continue to work constructively with the United States on all issues of common interest, as well as with like-minded partners like the United Kingdom.
The fourth pillar of our priorities is a Union of Values, for all.
The European Union is not just a single market or a single currency.
Europe is our values. And it is the promise that these values are respected.
The promise that rights are protected, that opportunities are real, that democracy is defended, and that the rule of law is strengthened.
And this promise must be felt in the daily lives of our citizens.
Affordable housing has emerged as one of the most serious social challenges. And this means that the Union must act. Cyprus will give priority to promoting the European Affordable Housing Plan, with full respect for the principle of subsidiarity and national competences.
Children and young people will remain at the heart of our policies. Tackling child poverty, ensuring access to quality early childhood education and protecting minors from online and offline threats are priorities. In this context, we look forward to promoting the European Action Plan against Cyberbullying.
A Health Union is also a central pillar of a more Self-reliant Union. We will focus on improving access to and availability of pharmaceuticals, strengthening health supply chains and deepening the interconnection of our health systems.
Honorable members,
The next Multiannual Financial Framework is where priorities meet reality.
And it must become the means through which the Union will deliver results in defence and security, competitiveness, sustainability, resilience and cohesion.
This is our common interest and our common responsibility.
We remain committed to working constructively and transparently with all partners and all institutions, and in particular with the European Parliament, to achieve a balanced, strong and ambitious framework for the future of the Union.
Madam President,
Honorable members,
The future of Europe, our future, will ultimately be determined by our ability to act collectively.
Unity is our greatest strength.
And only if we act together, interinstitutionally and transnationally, can we turn unity into action.
It was Robert Schuman who said,
"Europe needs a soul, an ideal and the political will to serve that ideal."
Honorable members,
We have the soul.
We have the ideal.
And we have the political will.
We have everything we need.
Let's start working together.
