Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said forging a closer connection between the European Union and its citizens will be a priority during Cyprus’ EU Council presidency. He also highlighted public support for the EU in Cyprus as exceeding 70 per cent.
Christodoulides outlines presidency priorities
Speaking at a meeting with the European Committee of the Regions, Christodoulides said Europe must become more self-sufficient in defence and security, and strengthen its unity and competitiveness. He said, “It is time to work so that European autonomy is much more independent.”
Christodoulides presented Cyprus’ agenda for the presidency, saying its three central points aim to address these issues. He cited bridging the gap between the EU and its citizens and strengthening European autonomy as key objectives.
He also said Cyprus’ proximity to the Middle East could help improve relations between the region and the EU. He described Cyprus as a small member state “with no hidden agendas and an honest broker,” adding that it is equipped to pursue these goals “by addressing the challenges that our citizens face every day.”
Committee of the Regions response focuses on decentralisation
In response, President of the European Committee of the Regions and former mayor of Budapest, Kata Tutto, highlighted the role of regional and local authorities. “We are the local level – mayors and presidents of regions – and as representatives of the people we feel both the satisfaction and the anger of citizens much more directly,” she said.
Tutto said she was concerned about increasing centralisation at both national level and within the European Commission. She said the Committee of the Regions’ focus regarding the next EU budget will be on decentralisation and cohesion.
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