Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus marked 22 years since joining the European Union on Friday, with President Nikos Christodoulides describing the bloc as “our common home.” He called accession “the most important political development” of Cyprus’ modern history.
Accession described as strategic milestone
Christodoulides said Cyprus’ entry into the EU was “a milestone for our country and for our people,” and a reminder of what he called the correct strategic choice to belong “to the core of the European family.”
He said the decision represented “a choice of peace, democracy, cooperation, justice, solidarity, respect for human rights,” and a guarantee of “security, stability, prosperity, and opportunities.”
Christodoulides added that accession 22 years ago marked a new era that made Cyprus “stronger and more secure” through participation in what he described as the largest political union of states.
Cyprus’ role as an EU member state
He said that 22 years on, the Republic of Cyprus is “a mature, reliable, and beneficial member state of the EU,” contributing to the formulation and adoption of common European decisions and policies.
EU Council presidency and regional engagement
Christodoulides said this year’s anniversary was significant as Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the current six-month period. He said Cyprus has been working “methodically and effectively” under a vision of an “autonomous union, open to the world,” which he said foresees greater EU autonomy in all areas.
He said Cyprus, as the EU member state located at the southernmost tip of the bloc and closest to the Middle East and the Gulf region, is demonstrating its ability to act as a bridge between the EU and the wider region.
He cited last month’s informal European Council summit in Nicosia as an example, saying it was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Christodoulides said discussions at the summit focused on EU cooperation with regional countries for de-escalation of the conflict that broke out in the Middle East earlier this year, and on ways to strengthen the EU’s strategic partnerships with those countries.
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