In light of International Women’s Day, what measures are you advocating for to promote gender equality across the EU?
Gender equality is a fundamental European value, yet disparities persist. I advocate for stricter enforcement of equal pay legislation, greater representation of women in leadership roles, and enhanced work-life balance policies. The EU must also address gender-based violence by ensuring comprehensive protection measures and harmonized legal frameworks. We need to support female entrepreneurship through targeted funding. Additionally, improving parental leave policies for both men and women is crucial to balancing career and family life. The European People’s Party remains committed to fostering a society where women and men have equal opportunities.
Regarding the issues of medicine shortages and external reliance, what steps do you think are necessary to ensure access to critical medicines across the EU, particularly for a smaller member state like Cyprus?
First and foremost, the EU must reduce its dependency on external suppliers by investing in domestic pharmaceutical production. Strengthening the European Health Union, enhancing joint procurement mechanisms, and diversifying supply chains are crucial. Smaller member states, such as Cyprus, should benefit from EU-wide stockpiles and crisis-response mechanisms to prevent shortages. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can encourage pharmaceutical innovation and production within the EU. Greater transparency in supply chains and stronger coordination among member states will ensure better distribution of critical medicines. A resilient EU health strategy must guarantee that every citizen, regardless of their country’s size, has access to essential medicines.
Cyprus has the highest number of asylum seekers per capita among all the European countries. What are your thoughts on the proposed changes to EU rules regarding migrant returns, and how do you think Cyprus should handle its obligations?
Cyprus bears a disproportionate burden in the EU’s migration crisis. Proposed reforms on asylum and returns must ensure a fairer distribution of responsibility among member states. Effective return policies require stronger cooperation with third countries to facilitate repatriations and curb irregular migration. Cyprus needs additional EU support—both financial and logistical—to manage asylum applications efficiently. At the same time, we must uphold human rights and integrate those who qualify for protection. Strengthening border controls, expediting asylum decisions, and enhancing EU solidarity mechanisms are essential to ensuring that Cyprus can meet its obligations without being overwhelmed.
This plenary will hold discussions on European security and future of defense, as well as the situation in the Middle East along with the topics of war in Ukraine and migration management. Where does Cyprus position itself along these discussions in the parliament?
Cyprus, as an EU member state at a geopolitical crossroads, plays a strategic role in security and defense discussions. We strongly support EU defense cooperation and advocate for a united European response to global security threats, including instability and the challenges posed by irregular migration. As a frontline state, Cyprus underscores the importance of Mediterranean security and border protection. We also emphasize the need for EU solidarity in managing migration and enhancing cooperation with regional partners to promote peace, stability, and humanitarian solutions in conflict zones.
US – Cyprus military relationships are strengthening on the island. With the EU set to increase financial and military assistance for Ukraine, what role does Cyprus have regarding the current relationship between the US and Ukraine?
Cyprus has strengthened its military ties with the US through security agreements and participation in regional defense initiatives. While it supports EU efforts to assist Ukraine, it also expects reciprocal support for the Cyprus issue. The island’s strategic location makes it a valuable partner in regional security, particularly in humanitarian missions and operational capacities. The Republic of Cyprus remains fully aligned with EU sanctions policies. As a bridge between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus plays a diplomatic role in facilitating discussions between the EU, the US, and regional partners while upholding international law and the principles of territorial integrity.
Turkey is being invited to the London conference on Ukraine, and to France on Syria. How does Turkey’s increased role on European safety reflect on the issues regarding Cyprus?
As Head of the Cyprus Delegation to the European People’s Party, I strongly emphasized to my colleagues that Turkey has no place in the new European security architecture. Its participation in European defense planning is unacceptable as long as it continues to illegally occupy 37% of the Republic of Cyprus—an occupation that has persisted for 50 years—while also challenging our EEZ and Greece’s sovereignty in the Aegean. Turkey seeks to portray itself as an indispensable partner for European security, yet it remains a source of instability and a threat to our region.
What measures are being discussed in Parliament regarding the rights of Turkish Cypriots as European citizens during this period?
Let me be clear—truthfulness is the only way we should approach this crucial issue. The European Parliament fully recognizes that Turkish Cypriots, as EU citizens, should enjoy their rights despite the island’s division. The focus remains on safeguarding their property rights and economic access. Furthermore, the EU continues to support confidence-building measures; however, any progress must align with efforts to reunify Cyprus under a just and lasting settlement.