In a videotaped message at the Cyprus Forum, that takes place in Nicosia, Commissioner Suica highlighted Cyprus’ strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that its geographical position and the strong relations it maintains with countries in the region put it at the forefront of the EU’s efforts to build partnerships.

She referred to the crises in Gaza and Lebanon and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Cyprus played an active diplomatic role in a particularly critical period for the region. The European Commissioner underlined the importance of the EU’s strategic and comprehensive partnerships with Jordan and Egypt, as well as the upcoming Summit and Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iraq.

She described Cyprus as a “bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf” and stressed the need for the next long-term EU budget to provide the necessary means for the exercise of European foreign policy.

In his videotaped address, Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, European Commission, referred to the contribution of EU programmes to improving the lives of EU states and citizens.

He said that Cyprus and the other member states face several structural challenges, from strengthening competitiveness, innovation and productivity, to addressing pressures on energy, housing, water and climate resilience, improving the mobility and connectivity and providing education, services and opportunities to citizens and businesses.

To achieve these goals, we need to sustain investment and reforms, he said. In addition, he added, Cyprus as an island with specific territorial and connectivity constraints requires a tailored approach. He said that currently Cyprus is benefitting from almost 1 billion euro in EU cohesion policy funds, noting that this support incudes areas such as energy efficiency, water and climate research and innovation, competitiveness, and integrating technical strategies between urban and non-urban areas. Ultimately, this translates to concrete improvement for citizens, he said.

Referring to EU projects implemented in Cyprus, he also referred to the EU Strategy for Islands, he encouraged Cyprus to start preparing its national and regional plan. An early start is essential to ensure a smooth process, he said, adding that the Commission stands ready to provide support through early dialogue, guidance and expertise.

“Our objective is clear”, he said, which is to create the conditions for Cyprus to become more competitive and resilient,  while ensuring that people have the opportunities, skills and quality of life they need to build their future on the island.

Addressing the Forum, Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis focused on the challenges facing the marine environment and coastal and island communities, noting that the sea supports fishing, trade, tourism and a range of other economic activities.

Referring to the European Ocean Pact, Kadis said that it links the protection of ocean health with the development of a sustainable and competitive blue economy, strengthening maritime security and supporting coastal and island communities.

The Cypriot EU Commissioner noted that the EU and Canada launched the International Ocean Eye Alliance a few days ago to strengthen ocean observation. More than 30 countries, including Cyprus, are already participating in the alliance, with commitments exceeding 250 million US dollars.