Activities of the Representation in Cyprus

A group of local councillors from Cyprus and Greece visited the European Commission in Brussels from 22-23 April 2024 as part of the project “Building Europe with Local Councillors” [BELC]. The BELC project makes it possible for local politicians to work together and to disseminate information about EU issues that concern their constituents at the local level. It also helps to boost engagement and foster debates about these issues and the future of Europe. The overall aim is to support the creation of a truly European public sphere. More information about BELC can be found here: https://europa.eu/!YD7jH8

The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus organised a study visit to the European Commission in Brussels for young diplomats from the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Ministry of Defence. As part of their programme they met with Giorgos Rossides, Head of Cabinet for European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, had a live tour of the European External Action Service Situation Room and the EU diplomatic service HQ, as well as a meeting with their colleagues from the Permanent Representative of Cyprus in Brussels.

For the second year running, we proudly supported the Scyence Fair, organised by the Cyprus Institute. It brings together children of all ages, united by their love of science, exploration and curiosity. We were so impressed by the ingenuity displayed by the participants at this year’s festival. Speaking at the launch, our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris described how the Fair gives children who love science and tech the opportunity to 'learn through play and experiments'.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans & Fisheries visited Cyprus on 15 April 2024.His programme included meetings with the Minister of Agriculture, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs and the Mayor of Nicosia. He also held a dialogue with environmental, biodiversity and conservation NGOs from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and had a tour of CYENSCoE and environmental projects in Nicosia.

As part of her visit to Cyprus 11-14 April 2024, Commissioner Kyriakides participated in the 49^th Christodoula March in Nicosia. The annual march raises awareness on issues related to cancer and is organised by the Cyprus Anticancer Society. During her visit she also addressed the 10th meeting of the WHO's Small Countries Initiative (SCI) in Limassol, spoke at the SEK Trade Union event on sexual harassment in the workplace and met with the House of Young Representatives.

Vice-President Margaritis Schinas visited Cyprus on the 22 March 2024: His visit included, among other things, participation in a cross-ministerial meeting, a lively discussion with students at the University of Nicosia, a meeting with Erasmus+ programme participants, and a visit to cultural heritage sites in Larnaca.

Our Head Myrto Zambarta spoke at a conference organised by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry on the occasion of World Consumer Day in Nicosia on 15 March 2024. Speaking at the event, Ms Zambarta outlined that "the goal of the EU Strategy for Consumers is to give them the power of easy, conscious and free choice. Consumers need to know their rights in order to assert them."

In their first ever joint study trip, 17 EU high school students from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities studying at the United World Colleges (UWC) in Germany and in the Netherlands visited Brussels on 13 and 14 March to learn about the EU institutions, policies and programmes. The study visit was organised within the framework of the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth to study at UWC, a bi-communal peace programme that aims to build trust and mutual understanding between the communities with the overarching goal of contributing to reconciliation and Cyprus’ reunification. The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth to study at UWC is funded under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, which aims to facilitate Cyprus' reunification. Read more here.

On 8 March 2024, on the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay we co-organised a special event with UNHCR Cyprus on refugee women in Cyprus.

Speaking at the event our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris said: “The EU remains committed to supporting national efforts to ensure dignified conditions for refugees and asylum seekers in #Cyprus and to ensure the specific needs of women and girls are taken into account. A lot has been achieved but of course more needs to be done.”

Profound, personal testimonies were given by women from Cameroon and Somalia, followed by a panel discussion with the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS), Caritas Cyprus, the Deputy Ministry of Welfare and the National Coordinating Body on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women, Ministry of Justice.

We were delighted to host Leopoldo Rubinacci, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade at the European Commission, during his two-day visit to #Cyprus in early March for discussions related to trade and commerce. He met with representatives from Cypriot farmers' associations, stakeholders from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation, and the Cyprus Consumers’ Association, as well as the Minister of Commerce and Energy and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A new EU Infopoint was inaugurated in the Turkish Cypriot community with the support of the European Commission and the attendance of European ambassadors. 

Mario Nava, Director-General of EU Reforms attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech about EU support aimed at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus. 

The EU Infopoint aims to increase public knowledge, awareness and understanding of the European Union, its values, policies and programmes as well as the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. The EU Infopoint is a project funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community with the aim to bring the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU.

Visit the EU Infopoint's website here.

The EU Infopoint in the Turkish Cypriot community organised an event supported by the European Commission and the Turkish Cypriot Union of Journalists on press freedom. The event included the screening of a documentary entitled 'The Killing of a Journalist', which provides a compelling look at the challenges faced by a group of journalists in Slovakia. Nikos Isaris, the Deputy Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus gave the keynote address at the event saying: "The EU has continuously worked to protect journalists and ensure that safeguards are in place for media freedom throughout the evolution of the media sector over the past decades. That is why, last December, the EU took definitive steps to ensure that media freedom is not just a principle enshrined in treaties but a living, breathing aspect of our daily lives. The European Media Freedom Act is an ambitious initiative that seeks to protect media independence and to foster a diverse and pluralistic media landscape across the Union." Members of the Turkish Cypriot Journalists Union, who came together at the event, had the opportunity to discuss important issues regarding press freedom.

The Representation organised an all-day seminar on Effective Communication Practices for the Europe Direct centres. It took place in Larnaca on Thursday 22 February 2024 and included presentations by experts and marketing specialists on subjects such as communicating with the press, how to chair debates, effective public speaking, presenting techniques and communicating on social media with impact.

A special press conference was held at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia's buffer zone on 13 February 2024. Organised by Europe Direct Ledra, its aim was to brief journalists about the upcoming EU elections to be held in Cyprus on 9 June. Thea Pieridou of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus and Athanasios Athanasiou of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus shared perspectives on voter engagement, and collaborative initiatives on active citizenship. From stressing the importance of voter registration to addressing concerns about language inclusivity, the briefing showcased the commitment to ensuring everyone's voice is heard in the democratic process.

Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights visited Cyprus on Friday. His meetings included the President, Nikos Christodoulides, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panayiotou, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis, and Deputy Minister of EU Affairs, Marilena Raouna.

During his visit the Commissioner also met with social partners and labour unions, and was impressed by his visits to EU-funded social projects in Nicosia including a day-care centre for children from vulnerable backgrounds, and training for young people in the skills that are in demand in the labour market.

"The reality of climate change shows that we have no time to lose. The decisions and investments we make now are what will define our collective legacy. And the future of generations to come." Our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris speaking at the Green and Sustainable Finance Conference in Nicosia, 18/1/24.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson visiting the Pournara Reception Centre as part of her visit to Cyprus to discuss current challenges in migration management and security.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson visited Cyprus to discuss current challenges in migration management and security. During her visit she met with the Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs, as well as with the Deputy Minister for Social Welfare. She also met with migration and asylum stakeholders and visit the Zenon Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Pournara reception centre. 

In her bilateral meeting with Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, Commissioner Johansson expressed the EU's support in Cyprus' management of migration and discussed efforts to combat migrant smuggling.

Myrto Zambarta, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus spoke at the second annual event on Cyprus' Recovery and Resilience Facility (2021-2026), which took place in Nicosia on the 14 December 2023. In her address she outlined the importance of preparing for future challenges, saying: "The Recovery and Resilience Mechanism is the EU's response to the major crises we have faced and are facing in recent years. We have seen spikes in the price of energy and problems in supply chains. We also saw how crucial it is to move forward with green and digital transition reforms so that our economies can recover and become more resilient to future challenges. We cannot predict the future. But we can prepare. Signs of future challenges are already visible. We have a duty to strengthen our collective readiness now."

The Representation organised a visit to the European Commission headquarters in Brussels for a bicommunal group of Cypriot journalists. During their visit they met with Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. 

Our Head Myrto Zambarta spoke at the event "Progressing in Green Transition: Advancing the Clean Energy Agenda through Industrial Applications of Solar Energy" organised by the Spanish Embassy at The Cyprus Institute on 1 December 2023. In her speech Ms Zambarta said "Renewable energy is crucial in our global move towards fossil fuel-free energy systems. Cyprus must use its comparative advantages. The EU is here to support this transition. The wholesale use of solar energy in Cyprus is a no-brainer. With technological advancements and EU and national financial support, the concept that every household is not only energy self-sufficient but an energy producer, is not a pipe dream. It’s a realistic and necessary target."

Our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris addressed the Regional Forum for Blue Skills on 1 December 2023 in Ayia Napa organised by the CMMI - Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, ΙΔΕΠ Διά Βίου Μάθησης Erasmus+ Cyprus and Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού Κύπρου - ΑνΑΔ.

"The only way to harness Cyprus’ potential in the blue economy is if we invest in its human capital: in their skills and potential. Investing in its people is the strongest investment in the island’s future. That is why today’s Regional Forum is so important. So that we can make sure we foster the relevant blue skills that can contribute to the prosperity of Cyprus."

On Saturday 25/11, our building was lit in orange to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Through this symbolic gesture we joined our voices in raising awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls in society.

"We must break the silence on mental health, in sports and in all aspects of life. It is ok to not be ok, and to seek the help we need."

Commissioner Stella Kyriakides speaking at the event on "Mental Health in Sports: Loud Silence” organised by GDA Sports Ltd with support from the European Commission in Cyprus.

We were delighted to welcome Isabelle Pérignon, Director for Consumers, Directorate-General Justice and Consumers of the European Commission to Cyprus where she participated in a special Consumer Dialogue: "New consumer Agenda - Challenges ahead" at EU House in Nicosia.

Pictured with our Deputy Head, Nikos Isaris.
 

The Commission services organised a first ever joint visit to Brussels for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot translators and interpreters during 9^th to 13^th of October. A group of 20 Cypriot linguists learnt first-hand what it means to translate and interpret for the EU. They experienced the practical aspects of working in the multilingual environment of EU institutions, which included sharing EU standards and best practices in translation and interpretation. During the 5-day visit, the participants met with the relevant services of the Commission and the Parliament, including with the Commission’s Director-General for Interpretation, Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, the Commission’s Acting Director-General for Translation, Christos Ellinides, the Parliament’s Director-General for Translation, Valter Mavrič, and the Parliament’s Director-General for Logistics and Interpretation for Conferences, Agnieszka Walter Drop.

Amongst others, the group had the opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art digital translation tools and observe interpreters during the Commission’s midday briefing and the Parliament committees’ meetings.

Our Head, Myrto Zambarta spoke at the award ceremony honouring printmaker and artist Hambis Tsangaris who received the Europa Nostra Heritage Champion award at a special event in Nicosia. We honour his immense and invaluable contribution to the cultural heritage and art of Cyprus.

“Despite significant progress in science and medicine, people with a history of cancer still face social and economic discrimination today. The "right to be forgotten"* is our vision for equality and tackling discrimination.” Commissioner Stella Kyriakides at the 19th EUROPA DONNA CYPRUS March with Pink Silhouettes on 7 October 2023

*The “right to be forgotten” principle aims to ensure fairness in access to financial products for persons with a history of cancer.

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides gave a keynote speech on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan at an event organised at EU House in Nicosia by the Pancyprian Federation of Women's Organisations (POGO).

"New challenges have emerged which threaten rights, civil discourse and public health. Making it even more pressing that an appropriate legal framework is in place. This is what the EU's cornerstone legislation - the Digital Services Act - is about."

Our Deputy Head, Nikos Isaris, addressing the Cyprus Forum on the 30 September 2023.

A press conference was held at EU House to mark Spain taking over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU until December 2023, with a promise to focus on the green transition and social and economic justice.

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, travelled to Nicosia, Cyprus on 4 and 5 May 2023, to discuss the 2022 Rule of Law Report, as well as the enforcement of the EU restrictive measures against listed Russian & Belarussian individuals and companies. During the visit, Commissioner Reynders met with the Minister for Justice, Anna Koukkides-Procopiou; and Speaker of the House, Annita Demetriou.

The Commissioner exchanged views on the rule of law with the representatives from the Parliamentary Committees on Foreign and European Affairs, on Legal Affairs, as well as on Institutions, Merit and the Commissioner for Administration. He also take part in a roundtable discussion with the representatives of civil society organisations present in Cyprus on the situation of the rule of law in Cyprus.

Finally, Commissioner Reynders met with the Attorney-General of Republic of Cyprus, George L. Savvides, and the Commissioner for Transparency, Harris I. Boyiadjis, to discuss the judicial reforms in Cyprus.

The Representation supported the Graduates Bootcamp at the Future Skills Hub of the European University Cyprus. The 2-days of workshops was part of our commitment to the European Year of Skills, aimed at boosting upskilling, training and innovation in EU member states.

Our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris addressed the 650 participants of the Annual Conference of the European Association of Environmental & Resource Economists, which took place in Limassol 27-30 June 2023. The conference was organised by the The Cyprus Institute, the Cyprus University of Technology / Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου and the University of Cyprus, with support from the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus.

On the 23 June 2023, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides met with members of Accept - LGBTI Cyprus to discuss various issues related to health in the trans community. The meeting was held at EU House in Nicosia.

On the 22 June 2023, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides visited the new Mammography Centre in Geroskipou, Paphos district as part of her official visit to Cyprus. The Ministry of Health invites all women aged 45-75 to take part in the breast cancer population screening programme which is offered free of charge. Call 26-306444 to make your appointment.

The Representation supported the 2023 Make Music Cyprus festival on the 21 June 2023. It celebrates World Music Day in the heart of Nicosia with live music of all genres, interactive music activities, food and drink. More than 350 musicians took part.

Our Deputy Head Nikos Isaris gave a presentation at a press conference introducing the National Action Plan for the European Year of Skills "Contemporary Professional Development for the green and digital transformation", which took place at the Presidential Palace on 2 June 2023.

We were happy to support the bicommunal First Lego League Discover/Explore event that took place in the Nicosia buffer zone on the 28 May 2023, bringing together over 200+ students nd 50+ coaches from both communities of the island. The European Year of Skills wants to empower young people, and girls in particular, in digital and green techs kills.

Bicommunal First Lego League Discover/ExploreMathisisMasterKids EducationIET Cyprus Local NetworkGoethe Institut Nicosia

Cyprus Pride 2023: a day of celebration of diversity and love and a reminder of the progress achieved but also the challenges ahead to end discrimination once and for all. The EU stands with the LGBTI+ community every step of the way.

We celebrated all that the European Union has to offer us - over half a century of peace, stability and prosperity - with a big festival in Eleftheria Square in Nicosia on 13 May 2023, featuring live music, activities for kids, tasty treats from member states and much more!

Early in the morning of 9 May, the EU flag was raised in Eleftheria Square in Nicosia in the presence of European Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Myrto Zambarta, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, Andreas Kettis, Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Mayor of Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, Martin Hagström, Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus at the Embassy of Sweden in Nicosia and members of the diplomatic community.

Commissioner Kyriakides then gave a keynote address at the House of Representatives at a special event to mark Europe Day.