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The President of the European Commission, Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, who attended, at the invitation of the President of the Republic Mr. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union (EU)
In his address at the event, the President of the Republic said, inter alia, that "Cyprus' accession to the EU is an extremely important milestone in the modern history of our country. It is the culmination of a common, multi-year and painful strategic pursuit and diplomatic effort with a positive impact on the political, economic and social life of our country."
He added that "we are proud because integration has brought us enormous benefits in all aspects of human activity, from our daily life to trade, business, tourism, health, fisheries, shipping, agriculture, transport, the economy of our country, everywhere."
Addressing students and representatives of the younger generation who attended the event, the President of the Republic said: "I am absolutely convinced that continuous consultations with young people, their active participation in decision-making centres and electoral processes, as well as promoting their involvement in public affairs, are the basis and the background for achieving what I have mentioned. That is why I invite you, on the occasion of the fact that 2024 has been decided to be the Year of Youth, but even more so because of this year's twentieth anniversary of our accession to the EU, to participate en masse in the great celebration of democracy on 9 June for the election of Members of the European Parliament. I really believe that your mass participation, the mass participation of the Cypriot people, will be the best celebration of the 20th anniversary of our accession."
In her own address, the President of the European Commission said that Cyprus' accession to the EU has brought about significant changes, transforming it and noted that, among many other things, in these 20 years, Cyprus has built more modern public services for its people.
Ms von der Leyen cited as an example the YESY, which was created with EU support, and highlighted that two thirds of public hospitals in Cyprus have been expanded with new clinics thanks to EU funding.
She also said that in these 20 years, Cyprus' natural heritage has been protected as never before.
He also underlined the continuous increase in the growth rate of the economy by 4%, as well as in trade.
He also mentioned the large number of Cypriot students in EU countries and the thousands of people from European countries studying in Cyprus.
The President of the European Commission also stressed that Cyprus has become stronger with its accession to the EU, noting that Cyprus' accession has also transformed the Union, making it stronger.
Highlighting Cyprus' important geographical position, the President of the European Commission said that Cyprus is one of the Union's gateways to the world for trade, energy, shipping, but also for humanitarian actions.
Referring to the "Amalthea" initiative of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs von der Leyen noted that, together with President Christodoulides, she was present at the opening of the sea corridor for the dispatch of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Cyprus, she said, has become a knot not only for Europe but also globally and has become a new centre of gravity for the EU.
"It is thanks to you and the other countries that joined 20 years ago that the Union has become truly continental," Ms von der Leyen said.
She also pointed out that what makes us European is the solidarity that exists, the effort to tackle common challenges such as climate change, our shared values such as democracy, and the principle that everyone should share the same rights and opportunities, regardless of cultural origin, religion, colour or age
Finally, the European Commission President wished to see "this beautiful island reunited, especially for the young people who are the future of Europe".
The event was attended by the Cypriot Commissioner for Health and Food Safety of the European Union, Ms Stella Kyriakidou, whose work was praised by Ms von der Leyen, describing it as exceptional for all EU Member States.
Leaders and representatives of political parties, Ambassadors of EU Member States and other dignitaries were also present.
During the event, students presented their activities under the "School - Ambassador of the European Parliament" programme. In addition, students from the Nicosia Music School performed songs.
As part of the event, the President of the Republic and the President of the Commission symbolically planted an olive tree in the gardens of the Presidential Palace.
During the event, photographs of the Press and Information Office from the period before and after Cyprus' accession to the EU were displayed in the Presidential Palace.
(PM/GS/NZ)
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