Cyprus marked Europe Day on Saturday with a flag-raising ceremony at the old Nicosia Town Hall, where speakers called for deeper EU integration and strategic autonomy in the face of mounting geopolitical pressures, while repeatedly returning to the symbolism of celebrating European unity in the last divided capital on the continent.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, conveying the message of President Nicos Christodoulides, set the tone for the event. "The answer is and always remains more Europe, more integration, for a Union that is more independent, strategically autonomous," she said. Raouna described the EU as "an unparalleled historical achievement," noting that 76 years after the Schuman Declaration it "remains a unique edifice of peace, security, prosperity, stability and progress."
She placed particular emphasis on Cyprus's ongoing Council of the EU presidency, saying that "for six months, 181 days, the heart of Europe beats more strongly at its south-eastern tip, from the last occupied member state." She said Cyprus was working "methodically and effectively" to advance the Union's strategic autonomy across defence, security, energy and the economy.
On the Cyprus problem, Raouna spoke of "real European integration" that "cannot exist without the reunification of the last divided member state of the European Union," she said, describing Cyprus's EU membership as "our strongest asset in efforts to end the occupation and achieve a sustainable and functional solution."
Geopolitics and ocean policy
EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis described Europe Day as "a particularly significant moment," recalling the founding principles of peace, democracy, solidarity, human rights and international law on which the Union was built. He warned that the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and broader geopolitical pressures were a reminder that "peace and security require constant effort and unity." He said the EU must strengthen its resilience, protect democracy and ensure its citizens continue to enjoy stability, freedom, security and prosperity.
Kadis also announced that two significant strategies will be presented in Cyprus in June under the Cypriot presidency: a strategy for the development of coastal communities and a strategy for island regions. He referenced the recently adopted European Ocean Pact as a framework for the governance of European seas.
The flag in a divided city
Thea Pieridou, head of the European Parliament office in Cyprus, noted that the ceremony carries particular weight in Nicosia. "The flag of unity is raised in a city that remains divided," she said. "This contrast does not diminish the significance of the moment; on the contrary, it makes it more meaningful." She cited European Parliament President Roberta Metsola's recent statement that "Cyprus is not and will never be alone, and its security is inextricably linked to the security of the European Union itself."
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, speaking at the Davila Bastion, described it as "a symbolic meeting point of past and future," and said Nicosia today sits "at the centre of the European effort," hosting dozens of European meetings and taking initiatives on housing policy, sustainable development and bicommunal cooperation. "Nicosia is the last divided capital of Europe. A living symbol of the need for reunification, peace and reconciliation," he said.
The ceremony concluded with the raising of the EU flag in the courtyard of the old Town Hall, accompanied by the Ode to Joy, performed by the Cyprus Police Band.
Source: CNA
