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“The war on the doorstep of the EU demonstrates more than ever the need to strengthen our sovereignty and fight for our values and rights,” said French Ambassador to Cyprus Salina Grenet-Catalano at a rally Tuesday night. in Nicosia entitled “The Night of Ideas – Rebuilding tomorrow's Europe, discussions with dedicated young people”, organized by the French Embassy in Nicosia, in the framework of the French Presidency of the EU, in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus and under the auspices of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In her introductory speech, Ms. Grenet-Catalano said that “we are probably at a turning point in European history”, adding that “the time has come for the EU to become a fully developed, autonomous and powerful player on the international chessboard”.
The French ambassador said, among other things, that the last two years have shown the importance of the challenges facing Europe, from health risks to the transformation of the economic model, and now “the military threat at our borders”.
“It is clear that we can meet these challenges at European level, first and foremost by standing united in favor of Ukraine. “The unity that has been shown so far in adopting some massive and damaging sanctions against Russia shows our ability to adapt quickly to this unprecedented situation.”Referring to the “Night of Ideas”, Ms. Grene-Catalano said it has been organized around the world for the past seven years and is a major cultural event for France. “It is a unique opportunity to celebrate the free flow of ideas and knowledge by organizing conferences, forums and roundtable discussions, as well as artistic performances,” he said.
He also said that the two crucial issues for Europe to discuss during the event are the consequences of climate change and the future of youth in the digital age and its role for Europe.
“The Night of Ideas” follows the model of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the conclusions of which will be announced in May.
Ms. Grenet – Catalan said that all events in the EU Member States, in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, should be an opportunity to rethink our European institutions and our EU structure.
“Citizens' proposals must lead to a more adequate Europe, a more democratic Europe and a Europe that protects them. The war in Ukraine poses a powerful challenge for us. “I am convinced that we will be able to meet this challenge,” he said.
He said that in order to achieve this goal it is also important to listen to what young people have to say, noting that the French Presidency of the EU has made youth a priority, in line with the agenda of the Commission and the European Parliament for the European Youth Year in 2022.
In her speech, the Speaker of Parliament, Annita Dimitriou, said, among other things, that she deeply regrets that this event is taking place, while the Russian invasion of Ukraine is in progress.
“I am deeply saddened that in 2022 we are experiencing such a violent attack and violation of international law and basic human rights,” he said. He added that he deeply regrets that we see the same image and the same violation as in 1974 when Turkey invaded Cyprus, noting that in Cyprus after 48 years we are still suffering. “Let's hope that hope, stability and principles prevail as soon as possible,” he said. He said.
Ms. Dimitriou expressed satisfaction with the fact that this event is addressed to dedicated young people. He stressed the importance of involving young people in formal political processes, through their right to vote, but also their active participation in decision-making at local, national and European level.
“As politicians and those we take “We must aim to both inspire and empower young people to become active citizens,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou, said that “at the moment our thoughts are with the people and youth of Ukraine. “We reiterate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and hope that the international community will be able to end the aggression and the war,” Prodromou said. committed young people to discuss and share their views on the role of European youth in an era of digital revolution and environmental challenges.
He stressed that “the active participation of young people is a vital element of citizenship in a democratic society and in a democratic Europe” and is the means of strengthening the role and integration and inclusion of young people, and of strengthening their contribution to the development of democracy. across Europe.
He said policymakers need to empower young people, and said the ministry he heads has a vision to maximize the potential of young people.
MEP Costas Mavridis, speaking online from Brussels, said, among other things, that youth is the future and its contribution is a particularly important factor in the exchange of ideas and views on shaping the future of Europe. >
Mr Mavridis said that in today's world, with what we have seen and are seeing in the Eastern Mediterranean, in Ukraine, with migratory flows turning into a hybrid attack on the EU and with climate change, strategic autonomy is not just one stressed that the EU's strategic autonomy and the security and defense of the EU must be based on respect for the international community. of law. “And of course if Putin and Russia are the ones who are attacking Ukraine today, that is, Mr. Erdogan is also the one who is attacking the EU, by occupying part of the Republic of Cyprus, which is EU territory,” he said. .
The first discussion at the event was entitled “The EU faces climate and environmental challenges” and the second “What is the future for young Europeans in a world marked by the digital revolution?” . & nbsp; The former EU Commissioner, Androula Vassiliou, the expert on environmental issues and President of the AKTI Center for Studies and Research, Xenia Loizidou, as well as speakers from abroad participated.
