Celebrating Europe Day 2024 in Cyprus

This year was a very special Europe Day as it also coincided with the 20 year anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU. To mark these two important moments in the European calendar, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus showcased what Europe does best - bringing people together! On 9 May 2024, after the raising of the EU flag in Eleftheria Square organised by Nicosia Municipality, we held a reception at EU House, hosted together with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus (EPLO). The reception was attended by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, European Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, Speaker of the House Annita Demetriou, ambassadors of EU Member States and other dignitaries.

In the evening of the 9 May, Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, and Commissioner Kyriakides attended an event to mark the 20 year anniversary of Cyprus’ accession organised by the Government of Cyprus. Speaking at the event, VP Schinas said ‘Exactly 20 years ago Cyprus became a full, equal and integral member of a powerful group of states that share common principles and values. Since then, Cyprus has changed for the better. But allow me to emphasise that her participation has significantly changed our Union for the better.’ The event also included a photo exhibition of the history of Cyprus joining the EU. 

On Saturday, 11 May 2024, we organised a large European festival on the Molos seafront in Limassol, along with the Municipality of Limassol and the EPLO. The event featured an ‘EU village’ with multiple stalls of EU Member States, European Parliament Ambassador Schools demonstrating their projects, EU programmes and networks, and photo exhibits. 

This was followed by an artistic programme with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Limassol Municipality, and the premiere of an original song by celebrated composer Alex Panayi, commissioned by the Representation to mark Cyprus' 20 year anniversary of accession to the EU. The song was performed by 27 children from a local performing arts school and can be watched here. 

There were also performances by Alex Panayi, Konstantinos Christoforou + ONE, and Doros Demosthenous and his band. The festival was attended by the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, who spoke to the participants and public and addressed the gathered crowds. In her speech Commissioner Kyriakides said “Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are not to be taken for granted. We must protect what people fought for, in order to preserve it for future generations.” 

There were also video messages from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EP President Roberta Metsola. 

Photos of the reception can be found here, and the EU Festival here. Watch the highlights video of these two events here.