The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, was the guest of honour of MEPs on Wednesday 12 December during the traditional debate on the future of Europe in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It was an opportunity for him to present his vision of Europe, but also to remind us that solidarity is not a one-way street (see the special report published in EUROPE 12157).
The country's accession to the EU in 2004 is undoubtedly one of Cyprus's great achievements, Mr Anastasiades said. Since then, the country has always defended the EU's interests, in particular by exploiting its geographical position and privileged relations with neighbouring countries to act as a bridge between the EU and the eastern Mediterranean.
But during his speech, the Cypriot President expressed particular concern about the “totally random application of the principle of solidarity”, particularly on the migration problem and the disproportionate burden on the countries of southern Europe.
A group of countries including Cyprus: “We are now one of the countries with the highest number of asylum seekers, in proportion to the size of our population”, he said, calling for a rapid review of the European asylum system.
Cyprus also expects EU support for the reunification process of the island, which has been divided since 1974. “At a time when we are talking about the future of Europe, there is still a fundamental freedom - which seems obvious to the rest of Europe - that cannot be achieved by Cypriot citizens”, he explained.
For the Cypriot President, the EU has a real "duty” to contribute to the resolution of this problem, which affects one of its Member States and constitutes an “open wound in its own body”. "Healing this wound" would strengthen the EU, because only then will Cyprus be able to play its full role, he stressed.
The Commission and the European Parliament reiterated their support for the island. “Your country has always shown solidarity”, acknowledged the European Commissioner for Employment, Jyrki Katainen, considering that in the field of migration Cyprus had even assumed much more than its burden.
MEPs widely congratulated the country on the way it has managed to recover from the financial crisis that hit it in 2013. "Cyprus is a small country, yes, but it is a country that makes the difference in the EU. Many great countries should take you as an example for your determination and courage”, said EPP Group President Manfred Weber of Germany.
They also called on the Cypriot President not to give up and to relaunch negotiations for the reunification of the island. “I have the will and determination to work tirelessly to find a solution that will create neither a loser nor a winner”, he assured them, but lamented the lack of cooperation from the Turkish Cypriot leaders.
For the rest, Mr Anastasiades set out an ambitious vision for Europe, which should be reflected in the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. The budget will have to include the necessary expenditure to address a range of contemporary challenges, such as digital integration, innovation, sustainable development, the fight against climate change, immigration and the fight against terrorism, he said.
But first and foremost, according to the Cypriot President, it should place European citizens at the heart of its programmes and make it a priority to improve their quality of life. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)