Strasbourg - Migration, the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Middle East, Schengen, the enlargement, the Multiannual Financial Framework.and developments in Greenland were among the issues featuring in the MEPs’ interventions and questions in Strasbourg, Tuesday, following President Christodoulides’ address at the European Parliament. In his follow up remarks, Nikos Christodoulides said that European integration can not be achieved without the end of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus.
The President noted the importance of an autonomous Europe open to the world and added that it is precisely within this framework that Cyprus relies on the European Parliament, to work together and achieve this goal.
"It is for this reason, he added, that the Cyprus Presidency is possibly the first Presidency to have decided to invite representatives of the European Parliament to all meetings to be held in Cyprus", Christodoulides said.
"We do that in recognition of the important role of the European Parliament".
Concluding, he said that in this effort, over the next six months, the Cyprus Presidency, relies on all MEPs to achieve an autonomous Europe open to the world.
European integration and Turkish occupation
President Christodoulides said that the end of the Turkish occupation in Cyprus, liberation and reunification of the island is a requirement for the European integration. Referring to a Cyprus solution on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions, a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with the legislation, principles and values of the EU, the President welcomed the appointment of a European representative for the Cyprus problem by the Commission President.
"Cyprus will continue to be an EU member state after the solution of the Cyprus issue", Christodoulides noted, adding that the "EU has the tools and means to lead us to a mutually beneficial state of affairs".
As Ukraine and Greenland are on top of European concerns and discussions, the President repeated many times that is no other EU member state than Cyprus that better understands the concepts of invasion, occupation, missing persons and refugees.
Immigration
Cooperation among member - states was highlighted in Christodoulides' replies on immigration concerns by the MEPs., The Cyprus President said that there are solutions to this issue and referred to the actions of the Republic of Cyprus in recent years where arrivals to Cyprus have decreased by over 80% and returns have increased by over 60%.
"Our main priority during the Presidency is to ensure unity between the member states with the support of the Commission and the competent services in the preparation of a framework with the ambition of fully implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum", Christodoulides stated.
On the Schengen Area, Christodoulides said that it constitutes a strategic goal for Cyprus and that it will strengthen its security and European orientation. He further noted that Cyprus has completed all the technical checks and has achieved compliance in all areas waiting now for the final report of the Commission.
Enlargement and the Middle East
About enlargement, the President said that we must be ready when candidate countries meet their obligations to respond as well, otherwise we lose this "great geopolitical tool".
In relation to the Middle East, the President pointed out that each EU presidency brings its own agenda and that among Cyprus' priorities is to work to bring the EU closer to the wider region.
He noted that following Cypriot initiatives, an EU-Egypt Summit was held for the first time in December and the first EU-Jordan Summit was held two weeks ago.
During our Presidency, he continued, specific EU policies and measures in relation to the wider Middle East will be announced within the framework of the Pact for the Mediterranean.
Economy
Replying to MEPs on the rule of law, transparency and the fight against corruption, the President stressed that he is proud of Cyprus and referred to the relevant reports of Moneyval and Greco and other international organisations, saying that this is a key reason why Cyprus has attracted significant quality foreign investments.
Today, he said, the Cypriot economy is showing growth of over 3%, unemployment is below 5% for the first time since 2008 and Cyprus is in Tier A ranking by all credit rating agencies for the first time since 2011, while public debt is at around 50%.
"And all of this is important first and foremost because it allows us to pursue social policy by increasing social spending beyond 6%. This is the competitiveness that we as the EU should be working on."
In relation to the Multiannual Financial Framework, he said that we must send a message to citizens through the MFF, which must reflect our current needs, our current priorities without ignoring policies that have brought benefits to European citizens over time, such as the Cohesion Fund and the Common Agricultural Policy.
Greek Commissioner Tzitzikostas
Greek European Commissioner, for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said that the Cypriot Presidency has set out a clear agenda, noting that the EU Commission, remains fully committed, working hand in hand with the Presidency, EP and the member states to deliver tangible results.
"Mr President we trust you, Europe is counting on you" he told the President of Cyprus.