18:00-19:30          

Chair: Dr. Michalis Kontos (Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Politics and Governance at the University of Nicosia)

Speakers:

Professor Andreas Theophanous (President of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs)

Mihai Sebastian Chihaia (Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre)

Stavri Kalopsidiotou (Head of the Human Rights Policy Sector of AKEL)

Euripides Evriviades (Ambassador Ad Honorem and Senior Fellow of the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs)

19:30-20:30          

Reception at the Block Restaurant, University of Nicosia

Today the EU is facing critical security challenges. In addition to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine with its multi-faceted consequences, developments in the broader Middle East, particularly the Israel Gaza conflict represent a major political and socioeconomic challenge for the EU. It is essential that the EU is proactive. Cyprus, which is located at the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, has a deep understanding of issues in the region and can play an essential and constructive role in addressing relevant challenges. Cyprus has a positive record in addressing humanitarian crises in the Middle East and facilitating dialogue between different parties at various levels. Lastly, finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem remains essential for enhancing regional stability. The EU can play a constructive role in supporting efforts toward a resolution, demonstrating its commitment to peace, cooperation and stability in the region, thereby enhancing its global weight.