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- Ελληνικά
Dear Mayor,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
It is with great pleasure that I participate in today's event, which concludes a series of events that we have organised from 1 May until today, to celebrate the very important 20th anniversary of our country's accession to the European Union. First of all, I would like to thank the Director, Mrs Aliki Stylianou, and the staff of the Press and Information Office for today's event and for their valuable contribution to all the events organised. I would also like to thank Mayor Konstantinos Yiorkatzis for the facilities he has provided for today's event.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have repeatedly stressed in all relevant events that our accession in 2004 to the European family is the most important success, the most decisive development for our country since its foundation in 1960 and was the culmination of a multi-year strategic pursuit, in a course where all governments made painstaking and persistent efforts, always with the valuable assistance, cooperation and substantial support of the Hellenic Republic.
This is also evident from the report we have before us today, which captures some of the highlights of this long course, such as the signing of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the then European Economic Community in 1972, the signing of the Customs Union Protocol in 1987, and the letter of application for membership in 1990, the Corfu European Council in 1994, when it was decided to include Cyprus in the next enlargement, the opening of accession negotiations in 1998 and their formal conclusion at the Copenhagen European Council in 2002, the signing of the Accession Treaty in Athens in 2003 and the celebrations in Cyprus on the historic day of 1 May 2004.
Friends,
Today we honour with this exhibition and with the anniversary album all those who have envisioned, worked and are working so that we and our children can enjoy the multiple benefits and development, economic and social, that accompany the accession of our country to the European Union: The 4 freedoms, access to the single market, the protection of the environment and democracy, the plethora of choices given today to a young Cypriot man or woman as to where to study, work and live are just a few examples of the positive transformation brought about by accession and membership of the European Union.
At the same time, reviewing the past and the numerous challenges we face and are facing with our partners, such as the economic crisis of the last decade and the pandemic, but also the ongoing challenges, such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration and many others, we look to the future with optimism and confidence. As Member States, only if we are together, united in our diversity, sharing our common principles and values, can we not only survive but also play a leading role in the current international context of intense geopolitical competition, instability and multiple challenges. Strength through unity, therefore, is the element that must guide us and is the legacy that must determine our decisions.
Friends,
This year, unfortunately, also marks the tragic milestone of 50 years of the Turkish occupation of 36 percent of our homeland.
The Cyprus problem is a predominantly European issue, and we are investing in the European Union for its final settlement, using all the political and economic means and tools at its disposal, including in the context of Euro-Turkish relations. We claim nothing less and nothing more than what the citizens of the other Member States of the Union enjoy: the right, like all its legal residents, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins, to be able to fully enjoy their rights as European citizens in a reunified homeland.
I conclude by saying that we celebrate and commemorate this year's 20th anniversary of our accession with feelings of pride, optimism but also with a sense of duty and responsibility towards our young people, who are the future of Cyprus and Europe. For a European Union even stronger, even more resilient, even more competitive.
Thank you.
(PM/AF/GC)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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