EU Strategic Autonomy a ‘Necessity’, Christodoulides tells EPP Congress

Addressing the congress in Valencia, Spain, Christodoulides said the EPP had always led the way in defending common values and shaping the strategic direction of the European Union.
“It must continue to do so,” he said.

“We gather today in the shadow of mounting global instability and a complex geopolitical landscape. The continuing illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the renewed instability in the Middle East, the rise of populist forces across our continent call for a Europe that is united, resilient, and ready to act,” he said.

He added that “with a sense of urgency and responsibility for the future of our union, for future generations, we must realise the vision of an EU that is sovereign, capable of defending its territory, protecting its citizens and projecting confidence.”

He told the conference that the strength of the EU was its unifying force but that the union must look not only outwards but also inwards.

“The history of Europe has been one of perseverance, of unity forged through adversity, and of belief in a shared vision and a common destiny. Let us continue to lead with courage, confidence, and conviction,” he said.

He added that “with the EPP at the forefront, we can build a stronger Europe.”

He also mentioned that Cyprus would highlight that spirit when it takes on the presidency of the Council of the European Union in January of 2026.

Christodoulides referred to the Cyprus problem and efforts to resume negotiations for a settlement and thanked all those within the EPP who have advocated for reunification.

He also congratulated Manfred Weber for his re-election on Tuesday as EPP president, with 502 votes out of 563.

Meanwhile, in a draft resolution, the EPP says no European security architecture could be complete as long as an EU member state – Cyprus – remained under military occupation.

The resolution, put forward by Disy and expected to be approved on Wednesday by the EPP congress in Valencia, Spain, says the EPP will request from the EU to take on a more active role towards resuming negotiations for a Cyprus settlement and to point out to Turkey that resuming talks would have a decisive impact on the EU-Turkey agenda.

According to the Cyprus News Agency, the EPP will deplore the violation of international law and every action violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any independent country, which in the case of Cyprus is of fundamental importance to the EU as a whole.

It will also reaffirm its positions in previous resolutions on the Cyprus issue, taking into account the conclusions of the European Council on Turkey.

The draft resolution says the EU should send a clear message of solidarity with Cyprus.

It also says Turkey’s rhetoric for ‘two states’ blatantly contravened the agreed negotiating framework and would never be accepted by Europe or the international community but would indeed complicate EU-Turkey relations.

The EPP congress wraps up its works on Wednesday with the election of the general secretary, vice presidents and treasurer, as well as interventions by EU member states.

Christodoulides is also holding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the meeting.

He will be returning to Cyprus on Wednesday evening.

Source: Cyprus Mail