President Christodoulides leads Cyprus' EU initiative

President Nicos Christodoulides is currently in Strasbourg with the main objective of promoting the proposal for a more active involvement of the European Union (EU) in resolving the deadlock on the Cyprus problem and resuming talks. Today's agenda includes significant engagements on the sidelines of the President's appearance before the European Parliament, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech.

At 11 a.m. local time, the President of the Republic arrived at the European Parliament, where he received a warm welcome from the President of the institution, Roberta Metsola. An official welcoming ceremony followed, featuring the national anthems of Cyprus and the EU.

President Christodoulides held a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Parliament, addressing various topics such as the Cyprus problem, immigration, and other issues of European interest. After their extended private talks, both Presidents made statements to the media. The statements were broadcast live.

Later, President Christodoulides is set to address the Plenary Session of the European Parliament, where he will present his proposal for increased EU involvement in resolving the Cyprus problem under the title "This is Europe." Following his speech, there will be a debate with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) involving comments and questions.

During his address, President Christodoulides will emphasize Cyprus' role as an EU member state that can serve as a bridge with neighboring countries. He will also highlight trilateral cooperation with regional nations, discuss his vision for Europe, the path towards European integration, and touch upon the Southern Neighbourhood. Energy issues, Ukraine, migration, and the 2024 European elections will also be addressed in his speech. Additionally, he will discuss domestic policy and reform matters concerning Cyprus in a second speech.

Following President Christodoulides' address, leaders from the seven political groups of the European Parliament will provide their statements. Cypriot MEP Costas Mavridis will speak on behalf of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, as President Iratxe Garcia Perez is absent. Subsequently, the remaining five Cypriot MEPs will have the opportunity to speak.

The President's visit to the European Parliament continues with a meeting with Manfred Weber, the President of the European People's Party (EPP), at 1:30 p.m. This will be followed by a lunch hosted by Mr. Weber in honor of the President, attended by Vice-Presidents from the European Parliament and the EPP. Discussions regarding the participation of Cyprus government ministers in EPP ministerial meetings are expected during these contacts.

President Christodoulides will also have meetings with Renew Stéphane Séjourné, the President of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, at 3:30 p.m., and with Pedro Marques, the Vice-President of the Social Democrats, at 4 p.m. Later in the evening, he will participate in a coordination meeting with the EPP political group at 7 p.m.

In the evening, the President will depart for Vienna, where he will undertake a one-day working visit on June 14.

Accompanying the President of the Republic to Strasbourg and Vienna are the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letibiotis, the Director of the President's Diplomatic Office, Marilena Rauna, the Director of the President's Press Office, Victor Papadopoulos, and other officials.

Last night, the President attended a dinner in Strasbourg with the six Cypriot MEPs, during which they discussed various issues that the President will address before the plenary session today.