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- Ελληνικά
In the framework of the working visit of the Greek delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Cyprus, a debate on "European elections amidst geopolitical challenges" was held today at the Parliamentary and Participatory Democracy Foundation of the House of Representatives, with the main speakers being the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Anita Demetriou and the Head of the Greek delegation to the CSCE, Mrs. Dora Bakoyannis. The discussion was also attended by the Head of the Cypriot delegation to the CSTO, Mr. Nikos Tornaritis and the members of the delegation Mr. George Loukaidis, Ms. The President of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs Mr. Harris Georgiades and the members of the Committee Mr. Averof Neophytou, Mrs. Marina Nikolaou, Mr. Chrisis Pantelidis, as well as the Councillor Mrs. Alexandra Attalidou.
In her intervention, the President of the Parliament pointed out that European voters are called upon to make crucial decisions for the future of Europe in a highly unstable international environment. Ms Demetriou stressed the need to shield the common European edifice and protect democratic institutions against extreme ideologies. We must do more to restore citizens' confidence in the European project. She also stressed the need to regulate social media at national and European level in order to tackle their malicious use, which discourages women and young people in particular from active participation in politics.
To every challenge and every threat against European principles, Ms Demetriou said, we must respond with more democracy and to every violation of international law with the same determination, wherever it comes from, abandoning the logic of two measures and two stations.
Referring in particular to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, the President of the Parliament noted the important role of Cyprus, as the closest EU member state in the region, and the initiative taken by the Republic of Cyprus to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza. She stressed that the EU should have an autonomous foreign policy and be more actively involved in the wider region. Finally, the President stressed that a strong EU must be based on mutual respect and equal representation of all its Member States on the basis of the principle of unanimity.
The head of the Greek delegation to the CSCE, Ms Dora Bakoyannis, pointed out that this year's European elections are being held at a particularly critical juncture for the future of Europe, stressing that at such a juncture, abstention and petty political considerations cannot be an option. The stakes are such that the representatives who will be elected to the European Parliament should fully understand the course and the significant achievements of the Union so far in order to further strengthen it.
The head of the Cypriot delegation to the CSCE, Mr. Nicos Tornaritis, said that in the light of the multiple crises facing Europe today, the participation of citizens in the upcoming European elections is the most democratic expression of their will to participate in shaping the Future of Europe. He pointed out that the devaluation of European institutions strengthens extreme voices and Euroscepticism, eroding the foundations of the European edifice.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Mr Harris Georgiades, referred to the need to upgrade the geostrategic role of the EU and the more active involvement of the Union in regional issues, especially in the volatile Middle East region. He stressed the importance of developing a coherent and credible EU policy towards Turkey. Kostis Efstathiou on the causes of the complex challenges facing Europe today, such as the rise of the far-right and the migration crisis, stressing the need for more solidarity and support from the EU for frontline countries.
On behalf of Greek MEPs Nina Kasimatis, George Papandreou, Euripides Stylianidis, Liana Kanelli, Dimitrios Mantzos, Ioannis Economou and Mr. George Stamatis, made references to the current challenges and the stakes of the upcoming European elections for social cohesion, progress and prosperity of European citizens. The importance of clear positions and objectives, especially for the small EU Member States, and of optimal coordination between Greece and Cyprus for the defence of national interests were underlined.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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