Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, came to the European Parliament in order to discuss with MEPs his views on Europe’s challenges and future. EP President Metsola and President Christodoulides had a bilateral meeting before his speech in plenary. This is the eleventh “This is Europe” plenary debate, and the fourth in 2023.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

meeting

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Cyprus (T)

president's agenda

This is Europe Debate (T)

CHRISTODOULIDES, Nikos

Visit of Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus to the European Parliament: meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the debate "This is Europe"

External shots, arrival Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcoming Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, Strasbourg, France, 13/06/2023, (5 shots)

lnternal shots, Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcoming Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus:family photo, anthem of Cyprus, Strasbourg, France, 05/06/2023, (3 shots)

lnternal shots, Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcoming Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus:family photo, European anthem, Strasbourg, France, 13/06/2023, (5 shots)

lnternal shots, bilateral meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and  Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, Strasbourg, France, 13/06/2023, (4 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, The first thing that I said in this House when I was entrusted to lead it was to tell Cyprus that you are not alone, that Europe will never be complete. As long as Cyprus remains divided. That we can use the power of Europe to find solutions and ways forward. And this is why this European Parliament will continue to support our shared ambition to see the reunification of your island under the auspices of the UN peace plan.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, We will never allow border changes stemming from violence and war. We will never accept the result of Russia's aggression against an independent sovereign state. It is a matter of principle and a priority to ensure that anarchy and the laws of the jungle will not prevail over international law and the international rules based order.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, Cyprus, the only member state in the eastern Mediterranean region with confirmed gas reserves and with historically excellent relations and long standing partnerships in the field of energy with the vast majority of its neighbours can play a key role in our joint efforts to address the energy crisis by providing a reliable alternative energy corridor to Europe, comprising diverse sources and routes.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, president of Cyprus, In fact, Cyprus is a member state with the highest percentage of first time asylum applications in relation to the population. The military occupation of 37 percent of the territory of Cyprus constitutes an aggravating factor that hinders efforts towards sound management of flows. Since control of those entering the country is practically impossible. 

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state and the Cyprus problem is a European problem that requires European solutions..... I would like to see a high level European politician become an EU envoy responsible for the Cyprus problem. I think that this would contribute greatly. It would help break the deadlock and help with a resumption of talks.

Cutaways (6)- atmosphere in the hemicycle