Strasbourg, France. President Nikos Christodoulides is to address the European Parliament on Tuesday, outlining the Cypriot government’s priorities for its six-month term holding the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency.
Speech to focus on sovereignty, international law and European values
On Monday, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Christodoulides’ speech will be based on the “European responsibility” assumed by Cyprus as the southeasternmost tip of the union and “the only European capital still under illegal occupation”.
Letymbiotis said Christodoulides will underline that adherence to international law, respect for the sovereignty and integrity of all states, and the defence of fundamental European values are prerequisites for the security, stability and cohesion of the European Union.
Reference to Greenland and EU stance
Letymbiotis linked the remarks to United States Donald Trump’s recent heightened rhetoric over his demands that sovereignty over Greenland, held solely by Denmark since the Treaty of Kiel of 1812, be handed over to the US.
He said the EU’s steadfastness regarding Greenland must hold “in the same spirit” as the union’s support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion and violation of international law.
Cyprus role in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East
Letymbiotis said particular emphasis in the speech will be placed on Cyprus’ role as a bridge between the European Union and the wider eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region.
He said this will highlight the need for a more active, coherent and strategic European presence in the region in support of stability, peace and regional cooperation.
Competitiveness, borders, and green and digital transition
Letymbiotis said Christodoulides will also highlight strengthening European competitiveness through investment in innovation, research, energy security, digital technology and the green transition.
He added that the speech will stress protecting the union’s external borders with full respect for the rule of law and human rights, and the need to accelerate the green and digital transition with social justice and tangible public benefit.
Questions from MEPs and joint press conference
Following the address, Christodoulides is to take comments and questions from members of the European Parliament and then hold a joint press conference with European Parliament president Roberta Metsola.
What issue from Christodoulides’ outlined priorities would you most want the European Parliament to question him about?
