Cyprus will celebrate its 20th anniversary of joining the European Union with a special parliamentary session and festivities, marking a significant milestone in its history and EU journey. The event will feature high-level guests, including EU Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou, highlighting the island nation’s commitment to EU ideals since 2004.
What is Cyprus celebrating related to the European Union?
Cyprus is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union with a special session in the House plenum and various festivities that highlight the island’s journey and commitment to EU ideals since joining on May 1, 2004.
A Momentous Occasion
Cyprus is poised to celebrate a significant milestone in its history: the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union. A special session of the House plenum is scheduled for Friday, set to commemorate two decades of membership. High-level guests, including EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou, will attend the event, illustrating the importance of this moment for the island nation.
The festivities will commence at 10am in the parliament and will last for an hour. This will be succeeded by a separate celebration at the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (Thoc) premises, signifying the cultural as well as political significance of the EU membership for Cyprus.
Parliamentary Festivities
In the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides, cabinet ministers, and the diplomatic corps, the parliament will become a hub of reflection and projection. The session will be distinguished by an address from House speaker Annita Demetriou, who will be followed by speeches from the leaders or representatives of the various political parties and independent MPs.
Adding international flavor to the event, dignitaries such as the First Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta Dr Angelo Farrugia, among others, will engage in a dialogue that underscores Cyprus’ role within the EU framework. After the plenary, Thoc will resonate with the voices and messages of the dignitaries, including a keynote speech by Stella Kyriakidou.
A Tour and Roundtable Discussion
Before convening in the House, the foreign dignitaries are expected to be shown around the buffer zone, offering them a glimpse into the island’s complex history and the impact of EU membership. The tour, a prelude to the plenary session, symbolizes the bridging of divisions that the EU stands for.
A round table discussion entitled “Collective achievements, common challenges and future course as EU Member States – The role of parliaments” will offer a platform for exchange between Cyprus and the representatives from the parliaments of countries that joined the EU alongside Cyprus in 2004. This exchange will highlight the shared successes and hurdles faced by these nations as part of the EU family.
Celebrating Youth and Future
At Thoc, the event will not only look back at the past 20 years but also forward, with an award ceremony for students of high schools and technical schools who participated in an essay competition themed “20 years since Cyprus’ accession to the EU”. This acknowledgment of the younger generation’s perspective cements the ongoing dialogue about what EU membership means for Cyprus.
Since May 1, 2004, when Cyprus officially became a full member state of the European Union, it has walked alongside nine other countries in a journey of cooperation and shared destiny. The anniversary is a testament to the island’s commitment to European ideals and its aspirations for continued growth within the union.
What is Cyprus celebrating related to the European Union?
Cyprus is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union with a special session in the House plenum and various festivities that highlight the island’s journey and commitment to EU ideals since joining on May 1, 2004.
What will the parliamentary festivities include?
The parliamentary festivities will include a special session in the House plenum with high-level guests, speeches from political leaders and representatives, and a dialogue with dignitaries from other EU countries. There will also be celebrations at the Cyprus Theatre Organization premises to signify the cultural and political significance of EU membership for Cyprus.
Will there be any activities involving foreign dignitaries?
Yes, before the parliamentary session, foreign dignitaries are expected to be shown around the buffer zone to learn about the island’s history and the impact of EU membership. Additionally, there will be a roundtable discussion with representatives from other countries that joined the EU in 2004 to discuss shared achievements, challenges, and the future of EU member states.
How will the event celebrate the youth and future of Cyprus within the EU?
The event at the Cyprus Theatre Organization will include an award ceremony for students who participated in an essay competition themed “20 years since Cyprus’ accession to the EU.” This aims to acknowledge the younger generation’s perspective on EU membership and foster ongoing dialogue about the benefits and opportunities it brings to Cyprus.
