[PIO] The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs participated in the Meeting of the Chairmen of the European Affairs

The Meeting of the Chairpersons of the European Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC), which took place in Madrid today in the framework of the parliamentary dimension of the current Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), concluded its proceedings. The House of Representatives was represented by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Mr. Harris Georgiades.

In his intervention in a discussion on the priorities of the Spanish Presidency, Mr. Georgiades said that, as the strategic autonomy of the EU and the more effective role of the Union in the world are sought, it is crucial to decide how to deal with authoritarian regimes. Prioritising trade benefits over freedom, principles and values is wrong, Georgiades underlined, while placing the Union's energy security and selling arms to regimes that violate human rights will ultimately harm the Union's vital interests.

Noting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call for all, Georgiades stressed that in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Cyprus faces significant difficulties with an important neighbouring country, Turkey. Cyprus, more than any other member state, Georgiades said, could benefit significantly if Turkey sincerely pursued its European perspective. But for now, he stressed, Cyprus is still facing Turkish actions and policies that demonstrate that we are far from that prospect.

Finally, Georgiades acknowledged the need to maintain open lines of communication with third countries, as the position of European Commission President Ms. Von der Leyen, but stressed that more should be done to define a more effective and credible policy on such regimes.

Finally, Georgiades acknowledged the need to maintain open lines of communication with third countries, as the position of European Commission President Ms. Von der Leyen, but stressed that more should be done to define a more effective and credible policy on such regimes.

(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)

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