Press Releases

First of all, let me start by saying I am delighted to welcome the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. A familiar face for us here, but now, first time as President, he is here with us today as part of the "This is Europe" series and will present his vision for our future to the plenary. Since you took office, dear Nikos, we have already met four times in Brussels, in London, in Frankfurt, and just two weeks ago in Moldova, that we have already seen each other so many times is really a clear indication of the European Parliament's dedication to Cyprus's priorities, but also your commitment. Dear Nikos, I will say it again and as many times as necessary. As long as Cyprus is split, Europe will never be complete. And you are not alone in your desire to see your island reunified under the auspices of the UN peace plan. We also talk a lot about migration, a challenge which is not specific for Cyprus, but one that I know is very present for you. It is clear that no member state can handle migration flows on its own and this is why last week's breakthrough agreement, by your government and others on new migration rules, is very good news. The European Parliament has already adopted its position. In May we are ready to start negotiations and we can and must do progress. After seven years of deadlock, we owe it to everyone, to our population, our citizens, those seeking refuge and all our partners around the world, because the EU needs one migration and asylum policy. We can protect our borders and find an approach that is fair, that is humane with those in need of protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong against traffickers exploiting the most vulnerable. So dear President Christodoulides, I'm excited to hear your comments on Europe today. The floor is yours.

(MPO/NG)