Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides marked Europe Day on Saturday by urging the European Union to strengthen cohesion and competitiveness while emphasising the role of young people in shaping Europe’s future.
Europe Day message and focus on youth
Christodoulides said Europe Day reflects the values of unity, cooperation and solidarity, calling it a day of “profound importance” for the European project.
Speaking to children and young adults at the presidential palace, he said building the Europe that is envisioned requires young people who think critically, innovate, work together and respect diversity in a multicultural environment.
Challenges facing Europe and link to education
Referring to Cyprus’ ongoing EU Council presidency, he said geopolitical challenges and technological changes posed “major challenges” to Europe’s security, competitiveness and democratic stability.
He said the pursuit of an autonomous and independent Union, open to the world, is directly linked to the education system.
Mobility programmes and daily impact of EU membership
Christodoulides highlighted initiatives such as Erasmus and other mobility programmes, along with the free movement of people and ideas, as central to participation in the EU and shaping Europe’s future.
He said Europe is part of daily life through opportunities to study, work, travel, settle and create without borders or restrictions, noting that his generation, which grew up before Cyprus joined the EU, did not take such opportunities for granted.
Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year
The president announced 93 new scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, comprising four full scholarships and 89 partial scholarships offered by the University of Cyprus, the University of Nicosia, Frederick University, the University of Limassol, UCLAN University and Neapolis University in Paphos.
He described the scholarships as “practical proof of our European identity” and said they would be open to both Cypriot and other European students.
What role do you think mobility programmes and scholarships play in shaping young people’s opportunities in Europe?
