Activities in 2026
A summary of our recent activities. 2025 activities can be accessed here.
A two-day visit of preparedness stakeholders from Cyprus to the European Commission in Brussels took place 7-8 July, organised by the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus. Their programme included a tour of the European External Action Service - EEAS Crisis Response Centre and EU Situation Room, providing 24/7 global monitoring & early warning information alongside insightful discussions on current security, preparedness and defence matters. The group of stakeholders were accompanied by our Head of Press, Athanasios Athanasiou.
On 2 July 2026, the Embassy of Ireland Cyprus and HE Ambassador Sarah Hamilton presented the priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU at a special event at EU House attended by press, the diplomatic corps and Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna. In his speech, our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, said there is something particularly fitting about one island Member State handing the baton to another. "It reminds us that, in the EU, geography never determines influence. Every Member State, regardless of size, has the opportunity - and responsibility - to lead." He also presented a symbolic, handmade gift to HE the Ambassador of Ireland to Cyprus, Sarah Hamilton, to mark the start of the journey of the Irish Presidency. Find out more about the priorities of the Irish Presidency here.
Our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, had the pleasure of welcoming the Ambassador of Lebanon to Cyprus, Reina Charbel, to EU House on the 30 June, for a meeting discussing EU-Lebanon ties and recent cooperation decisions. HE Charbel also expressed thanks for the EU's support to Lebanon
Local councillors from Cyprus and Greece had a joint visit to Brussels on the 30 June, organised by the Representations in Cyprus and Greece. During their visit they learnt more about EU cohesion funds, affordable housing, water resilience, citizens' engagement and more. The EU local councillors from Cyprus were representing Larnaca, South Nicosia-Idalion, Strovolos and Polemidia municipalities and were accompanied by Vassili Danilof, Network Correspondent EUROPE DIRECT – EULC.
On the 29 June, our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides was invited to address the Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Equal Opportunities between Men and Women. Mr Pourgourides presented the EU’s approach to digital rights and its commitment to a human-centred, secure and inclusive digital transformation, where innovation goes hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law.
”We were happy to support the UNFOLD Festival 2026 yesterday, in the context of our small grants programme. The UNFOLD Festival brought together the new generation of entrepreneurs, leaders and creators who are shaping the future of Cypriot entrepreneurship. Our Head of Communications, Anna Danti, addressed the large crowd at the festival, which took place in Nicosia on 24 June 2026 and spoke about the strategic importance of entrepreneurship for Europe’s economic growth, competitiveness and independence. Ms Danti also outlined the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme which supports young aspiring entrepreneurs to spend 1-6 months visiting an enterprise in another EU Member State to gain experience on running a business and develop potential business partnerships. Find out more about the EYE programme and the three organisations in Cyprus that facilitate exchanges by clicking here.
The UNFOLD Festival 2026 was held within the framework of the Gen Z & Millennial Project, an initiative of IMH, with the support of, among others, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.
The Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Panicos Pourgourides, attended the graduation ceremony of the Evening School of Nicosia on the 24 June 2026. In his speech, Mr Pourgourides congratulated the graduates, saying the sky is the limit and their achievement proves “it’s never too late.” Mr Pourgourides was also delighted to present a special award to Anastasia Konstantinou who at age 68 graduated with a score of Excellent (20/20). Congratulations to all the students!
On 21 June we came together for an evening of open discussions, jam sessions, and music by DJ Vanesha, and Island Seeds at the Home for Cooperation and supported by the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of music in nurturing spaces for meaningful exchange and deep connections. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
We were happy to once again support the Make Music Cyprus festival featuring 500+ artists bringing Nicosia to life with countless performances and every genre of music! We also had a stand at the festival providing information on the EU.
“I am proud that we are once again supporting the celebration of World Music Day here in Limassol. I would like to warmly thank Dr. Niki Papadopoulou – Papa and the team of Alliance Française de Limassol, the Mayor, Mr. Armeftis and the Municipality of Limassol. Music speaks to all of us, regardless of language, nationality or background. It brings people together, creates friendships, builds bridges and reminds us of our common humanity. And this is exactly what the European Union is all about. A European Union that brings people closer together through culture, creativity and our shared values.”
Extract from the speech of Panicos Pourgourides, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus at Fête de la Musique 2026 in Limassol on the 20 June 2026.
The European Music Day concert took place in Lefkeliler Han Square in Nicosia on 19 June, organised by the EU Infopoint, providing music lovers with a very enjoyable evening. The night, featuring groups of young Turkish Cypriot musicians, was filled with music and high energy and the unifying power of music.
Our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, was glad to attend the European Aviation Strategy Summit on the 15 June, outlining the “important discussions on strengthening air connectivity for European citizens and ensuring a competitive, safe, secure and sustainable European aviation sector. Many thanks to Dr Marina Ioannou Hasapi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works, for the invitation and the excellent organisation of the Summit.”
““The national blood strategy is of vital importance for Cyprus. It is not only a key health policy tool, but also a strategic instrument for the harmonisation of Cyprus with the new European regulatory framework [the new SoHO regulation.]” I am confident that your collective work has contributed to the formulation of a strategy that can address the challenges of the present and the future.” From the address by Alexis Pantelidis on behalf of our Head, Panicos Pourgourides, at the Final Workshop on the National Blood Strategy which took place in Nicosia on the 13 June 2026.
Our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, was pleased to attend the completion event of Part I of the EU-funded Pedieos River/Kanlıdere Rehabilitation Project which took place at the Home for Cooperation on 11 June 2026. Mr Pourgourides described it as "a tangible example of how the EU supports Cypriots across the island: improving the environment, enhancing quality of life, and creating shared spaces that bring people from both communities closer together. Every such project is an investment in trust, cooperation, and a common future for all Cypriots."
This project is funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by UNDP.
"Space is no longer only about exploration. It is a powerful tool for building a greener, more innovative and more competitive Europe. By transforming data into knowledge and innovation into practical solutions, we are investing in a better future for our citizens. And the new Multiannual Financial Framework proposal underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthen Europe’s space capabilities and tech sovereignty."
An extract from the speech by Panicos Pourgourides, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus at the High-Level Forum: 'From Space to Solutions' in Nicosia on 8 June 2026.
Organised by Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EXCELSIOR, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026. See less
On the 6 June 2026 we proudly participated in the #CyprusPride organised by Accept - LGBTI Cyprus. Equality and non-discrimination are fundamental rights in the EU. The European Commission, the Parliament and Council, together with Member States, all share a responsibility to protect fundamental rights and ensure equality for all. The Commission’s LGBTIQ+ equality strategy 2026-2030 is part of the EU’s effort to build a Union where diversity is celebrated as part of our collective richness, where all people can be themselves without risk of discrimination, exclusion or violence.
“Gender-based violence and violence against children are among the most serious human rights violations. These phenomena do not discriminate by borders, social class or education level. The PREVENT initiative demonstrates in practice the importance of cooperation between institutions and CSOs.” Panicos Pourgourides, speaking at the 'PREVENT Programme Information & Networking Day: Prevention of gender-based violence and violence against children,’ which took place in Nicosia on 28 May 2026. PREVENT is co-funded by the EU’s CERV programme, and implemented by the Bodossaki Foundation and NGO Support Centre.
“A truly inclusive society is not judged by how it treats the strongest, but by whether everyone has a place, a voice, and equal opportunity to participate. This is the Europe we must continue building together." Extract from the speech by Panicos Pourgourides, Head of our Representation, at the scientific conference DisAbility Culture: Art, Inclusion and Social Transformation which took place at UCLan Cyprus University on Saturday 23 May. The conference was the opening event of the European Dis Festival – Together We Are Better, organised under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
On the 18-19 May 2026, a delegation of Polish media representatives visited Cyprus on an info visit organised by the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus in cooperation with the Representation in Poland. During their stay in Nicosia they visited Politis newspaper premises, toured the walled city of Nicosia, including the Green Line, had meetings with Panicos Pourgourides, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Stella Michael, Spokesperson for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and Athanasios Athanasiou, Head of Press at the European Commission in Cyprus. They also visited the Ministry of Agriculture and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
On 18 May 2026, the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Mr. Panicos Pourgourides, presented an award at the IN Business Awards, which recognise the contribution and achievements of both small and large enterprises, as well as Cypriot entrepreneurs.
Mr. Pourgourides, stated, among other things, after the awards ceremony that:
“The European Union has consistently and strongly supported entrepreneurship, growth and, in particular, people with vision, resilience and a strong sense of social contribution, who contribute substantially to the progress of Cyprus and of Europe as a whole.”
Members of the EU Local Councillors (EULC) network from #Cyprus actively participated in the 2nd annual national meeting of the EULC network from Greece which took place in Alexandroupoli on 11 May, organised by the Representation of the European Commission in Greece, on the occasion of Europe Day. An opportunity to network, exchange views and experiences through concrete examples of actions and initiatives with the aim of talking about Europe to citizens, in both Greece and Cyprus. The EULC members from the Municipalities of Larnaka and Amathounta were accompanied by Vassili Danilof, Network Correspondent EUROPE DIRECT - EULC
We started our activities on Friday 8 May with a special Europe Day reception at EU House attended by European Commissioner Costas Kadis, Deputy Minster for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, Speaker of the House Annita Demetriou, and ex Commissioners Stella Kyriakides and Androulla Vassiliou, along with guests from the diplomatic community, and stakeholders and partners. On Friday afternoon the EU Infopoint in the Turkish Cypriot community organised a festival featuring music, stage performances, kids’ activities, and stands. On Saturday morning Nicosia Municipality organised a ceremony raising the EU flag over the capital. Also on 9 May, Europe Direct Limassol-Paphos co-organised a special event along with the Municipality of Amathus and the EU Local Councillors Network.
And last but not least, on Saturday afternoon we co-organised (along with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Europe Direct-Larnaca Ammochostos and #CY2026EU) a large Europe Day festival on the Phinikoudes beachfront in Larnaka, attended by around 3,000 people and featuring stalls from EU programmes and embassies, interactive activities, a maritime photo exhibition, a musical programme and more.
To celebrate Europe Day, and the importance of sports at the heart of the EU, we also produced two videos – one with the PASP Footballers’ Association and another with young sailors from Limassol Nautical Club.
In early May we were delighted to host the participants of Newsroom Europe 2026: an Europäische Akademie Berlin project training young journalists to cover EU affairs, focusing on the 2026 German, Cypriot and Irish EU Council presidencies. During their visit they had a lively debate with our Head of Press, Athanasios Athanasiou.
On the occasion of International Firefighters’ Day on 4 May, a delegation from the Cyprus Firefighters’ Association visited the EU House in Nicosia for a meeting with Athanasios Athanasios of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, and Evangelos Vassiliou of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus. The purpose of the meeting was to present a memorandum from the Association with the main request to recognise cancer as an occupational disease for firefighters. The initiative is part of the campaign of the European Public Service Unions for a European policy and national legislation on the issue.
On 28 April, our Language Field Officer of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation, Mary Panousi, travelled to Paphos to meet the students of Kykkos Lyceum of Paphos, opening up a conversation that went far beyond words. Students explored how languages shape ideas and mentalities and got a glimpse behind the scenes of the European Commission’s translation work, discovered study and career possibilities, and heard real-life stories of how languages can turn into journeys.
The 2nd Sustainable Festival of the Pedieos River took place on Sunday 26 April at the Psimolofou community picnic area. The event featured games with recyclable materials, planting herb gardens, recycling frying oil, and traditional crafts and activities such as hand-milling grain, basket weaving, woven chairs, and baked goods. The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus was there, sharing a stand with the EU Climate Pact Ambassador, the Cyprus Energy Agency, distributing information about the environmental actions of the EU, and providing educational material for children and adults.
The International Symposium "Cultural Property Protection as an Enabler for Cooperation in Europe, the Mediterranean & the Gulf"* took place in Nicosia 20-21 April 2026. In his opening address, our Head, Panicos Pourgourides, spoke of the importance of cultural heritage in not only preserving the past but forming our identities and shaping our societies.
Mr Pourgourides described the concrete actions being taken by the European Commission to tackle the looting and trafficking of cultural objects, such as stricter import regulations for cultural goods, particularly from conflict zones, and reinforced cooperation with law enforcement authorities. The Commission is also integrating cultural heritage protection into broader EU security and external policies, including through the Cultural Compass for Europe.
Mr Pourgourides also emphasised that “protecting cultural heritage is about the future. It is about ensuring that younger generations understand, value and safeguard what has been entrusted to us.”
*The Symposium was hosted by Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence at the A. G. Leventis Gallery, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and with support from the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.
On the 15 April our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, welcomed the recently appointed UNHCR Cyprus Representative, Leslie Esther Vélez, to EU House. Mr Pourgourides described it as a "fruitful exchange on migration and protection, with a shared commitment to making a difference. Looking forward to our cooperation ahead."
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis was inspired by the energy and ideas of young Cypriot leaders at the special Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY event on 'The EU as an Ocean Union: Protecting the Ocean and Leveraging its Potential for EU Next Generation' which took place at EU House on the 8 April. Together, the Commissioner and participants discussed how the EU can empower the next generation to protect our ocean and unlock its full potential and explored how the #EUOceanPact can turn ambition into real action, keeping our seas healthy and helping coastal communities thrive for years to come. The event was co-organised with the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus and the European Parliament office in Cyprus.
An inspiring event - titled: “Peter Pan: One tale, many languages” - took place at Agios Vassilios Primary School in Nicosia, in the context of International Children’s Book Day on 2 April. Our Language Field Officer Mary Panoussi of the Directorate-General for Translation, visited the school and for a little while, languages and imagination took flight together with J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, fairies and crocodiles. Through playful multilingual activities, children discovered that words can open windows onto whole new worlds, discovering the rich world of multilingualism, translation and Europe.
On the 30 March, our Head of Press, Athanasios Athanasiou, presented the first European affordable housing plan at the event: “The Housing Crisis in the European Union – What Cyprus and the EU Are Planning” co-organised by Europe Direct Limassol-Paphos and the Municipality of Amathus and the EU Local Councillors of the municipality. With house prices having increased on average by more than 60% and rents by more than 20% over the last decade, millions of Europeans are struggling to find a home they can afford. Learn about the Commission’s action on more affordable housing here.
The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus organised an info visit for seven journalists from Cyprus to Brussels. They covered the European Council, and the European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness, as well as the meetings between President Nikos Christodoulides, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
On Friday 27 February, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation organised a workshop at EU House under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, on the theme: "Common Language, Common Path: EU Terminology and Cyprus". The all-day event was well-attended by translators, academics and culture representatives.
On the 25 February, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, together with the Embassies of Poland and Sweden, co-organised a panel discussion to mark four years since the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Entitled “Ukraine’s EU Accession – Opportunities and Strategic Interest”, the panellists included Klara Lindström (Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies in Sweden) Tadeusz Iwanski (Centre for Eastern Studies in Poland) and Nadiia Mykhailina (Head of the Community of Ukrainian-Cypriot Friendship). The discussion was moderated by Dr Constantinos Adamides of the University of Nicosia. Our Head of Communications, Anna Danti, provided a welcoming address. Watch the highlights here.
The Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Panicos Pourgourides, received Alexandros Josephides, Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber at EU House. They held a constructive exchange of views on the current state of play of the shipping industry, and noted the strategic role of shipping for Cyprus and the EU.
Our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, received the Ambassador of Luxembourg to Cyprus, Paul Schmit, at EU House on 10 February 2026.
They discussed current affairs in the context of our close relations with EU Member States’ diplomatic missions to the Republic of #Cyprus.
“Regions and cities are not just implementers—they are frontline actors of EU resilience.”
With these opening words, our Head of Representation, Panicos Pourgourides, opened the European Committee of the Regions Bureau Exchange on the 9 February 2026 at the amphitheatre of Nicosia Municipality.
In his speech Mr Pourgourides also welcomed the European Committee of the Regions' emphasis on the territorial dimension of EU policy, saying that “cohesion, resilience, and trust are built locally.”
The EU Local Councillors Network had its first meeting in a Member State in Cyprus on 9 February 2026.
The meeting included a panel with high level representatives from the European Committee of the Regions and a roundtable with the active participation of Cypriot local councillors together with EUROPE DIRECT Larnaca and Europe Direct Nicosia.
Vassili Danilof from the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus gave a presentation on the progress of EU Local Councillors Network and its activities in Cyprus and received feedback from the members present.
The meeting was hosted by Nicosia Municipality in its amphitheatre, surrounded by the archaeological site of the ancient city.
“Thank you, Madame President of the European Committee of the Regions Kata Tüttő, for your visit to the European Commission in Cyprus and for such a productive and friendly exchange.
I was delighted to meet with you today and engage in a fruitful discussion on key priorities for Europe’s regions and cities, including the next #MFF, practical solutions to the housing crisis, and the important link between competitiveness and cohesion.
A timely and meaningful dialogue, once again highlighting the essential role of local and regional authorities in shaping a strong, inclusive, and resilient European Union.” - Panicos Pourgourides, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.
On the 28 January, the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Panicos Pourgourides, welcomed the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus, Sergii Nizhynskyi, to EU House for a thorough briefing and exchange of views on the current situation in Ukraine. Mr Pourgourides also reiterated the EU’s full solidarity and unwavering support with Ukraine.
We welcomed a group of 17 Political Science students from Elon University in North Carolina, USA to EU House for a very productive discussion. The group are visiting Nicosia on a study visit and our Press Officer, Athanasios Athanasiou was happy to explain EU law, the treaties forming the constitutional basis of the European Union, EU legislative process and the mandate of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.
On 19 January 2026, the EU Network Against Corruption held its Cyprus national workshop at EU House in Nicosia. The Head of the Representation of the European Commission, Panicos Pourgourides, opened the event, underlining that the fight against corruption remains a core priority of the European Commission, as clearly reflected in the priorities set by the President of the European Commission. In his address, he stressed the importance of preserving and safeguarding citizens’ trust in institutions and democracy, noting that this requires “constant vigilance and collective effort — a shared responsibility that rests with all of us who contribute to the functioning of the democratic system.”
