Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
President Christodoulides delivered a warning to the European Parliament that Ukraine’s fight against Russia sets a principle that applies equally to Greenland, declaring that if force can redraw borders in Europe, “everything becomes negotiable—whether in Ukraine, in Greenland, or anywhere else.”
Speaking in Strasbourg on Tuesday as Cyprus presented its EU Council Presidency priorities, Christodoulides stood in support and solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, whilst calling for strengthened Arctic security.
The President, leading from the Union’s southeastern corner and its only occupied capital, framed Cyprus’s six-month presidency around five pillars aimed at building European autonomy through strength, competitiveness and values.
“Ukraine is fighting for the principle that force cannot redraw borders in Europe. And if that principle falls, everything becomes negotiable,” Christodoulides told MEPs, adding that Europe must build a stronger security architecture with urgency.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the urgent need to strengthen European defence readiness, he said. Cyprus, under occupation itself, knows from experience what lack of security means and will stand firmly with Ukraine whilst supporting international efforts for viable, lasting peace that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Security and defence
Christodoulides outlined a 360-degree approach to security covering defence readiness, military mobility, maritime and water security, economic security, migration management, cyber resilience, democratic resilience and crisis preparedness.
Cyprus will prioritise swift implementation of the White Paper on the Future of European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, advancing key initiatives including the EU Defence Industrial Strategy and Programme and the SAFE initiative. The presidency will work to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation.
Maritime and water security deserve more attention, he argued. In the Mediterranean and beyond, security, trade and energy routes all travel by sea, making freedom of navigation a strategic necessity. Cyprus will actively advance the EU Maritime Security Strategy.
Security also means shielding democracies from foreign interference, disinformation, hybrid threats and pressure on media freedom, whilst strengthening law enforcement cooperation against organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
As a frontline member state, Cyprus will work towards effective migration management, addressing root causes, strengthening cooperation with third countries and ensuring full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Competitiveness
Only a more competitive Europe can be a more autonomous Europe, with economic strength and strategic strength going hand in hand, Christodoulides said.
Europe faces intense geoeconomic competition, strained supply chains and accelerating technological change. The response must be pragmatic, focused and rooted in the real economy, making Europe faster, simpler and smarter.
Cyprus will push a simplification agenda reducing burdens particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, whilst completing and strengthening the Single Market and deepening capital markets through the Savings and Investment Union.
The President recalled visiting the US—from Silicon Valley to Houston and New York—to attract investment. He was struck that the talented workers at the greatest American companies were Europeans. “We simply cannot afford to lose our talented young people. We need to create the conditions for them to return, do business and innovate in Europe.”
Strengthening Europe’s digital and energy autonomy is a strategic imperative, requiring diversified supplier networks and routes, affordable and predictable energy prices, modern infrastructure and strong interconnections. “Now is the time for a true Energy Union,” he said.
Enlargement and openness
Enlargement from Ukraine and Moldova to the Western Balkans and Turkey remains the Union’s most powerful geopolitical tool, Christodoulides said. It’s not about completing a map but completing a vision of reunified Europe anchored in peace, democracy, security and stability.
He recalled 1 May 2004, when Cyprus acceded to the EU, as the greatest historical moment for the country since independence, bringing overwhelming hope and opportunity. EU membership transformed Cyprus, bringing prosperity, safety and opportunity.
But Cypriots hold onto the unfulfilled promise of reunification. “European integration will never be complete with one of the Union’s member states divided and under occupation, with Cypriots—Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots—not allowed to enjoy the same fundamental rights that other Europeans enjoy,” he said, adding that the EU holds all the answers for solving the Cyprus question.
Cyprus will deepen engagement with the Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf through the New Pact for the Mediterranean and initiatives like the India Middle East Corridor. The presidency will expand the Union’s network of trade agreements, including deepening partnerships with the UAE and India, whilst continuing constructive engagement with the US and UK.
Values and budget
Europe is not only a Single Market or currency but a promise that rights are protected, opportunity is real, democracy is defended and rule of law is strengthened, Christodoulides said.
Cyprus will prioritise the European Affordable Housing Plan whilst respecting subsidiarity, tackle child poverty, ensure access to quality early childhood education, protect minors online and offline, and advance the European Action Plan against Cyberbullying.
A Health Union is central to autonomy, requiring improved access to medical products, stronger supply chains and better integrated health systems.
The next Multiannual Financial Framework must become the vehicle through which the Union delivers on defence, security, competitiveness, sustainability, resilience and cohesion, he said. Cyprus is committed to delivering a balanced, robust and ambitious framework.
“Unity is our greatest strength,” Christodoulides concluded, quoting Robert Schuman: “Europe needs a soul, an ideal, and the political will to serve this ideal. We have the soul. We have the ideal. And we have the political will. We have what it takes.”
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