The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is of "enormous importance" for the energy security and adequacy of the European Union, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides told leaders at the 13th MED9 Summit in Split, Croatia. In his interventions, he also addressed connectivity, the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), climate change and developments in the Middle East.
Energy security and connectivity
According to a written statement by the Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, Viktoras Papadopoulos, the President raised Europe's energy security and the Republic of Cyprus's contribution in this area during the session on preparations for the upcoming European Council. He also addressed Cyprus's connectivity with the rest of Europe.
Referring to the GSI, Mr Christodoulides pointed to the project's benefits for the EU's energy security and adequacy, as well as its significance in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Mediterranean priorities in the new MFF
On the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the President underlined the role of the EU's Mediterranean member states in strengthening the Mediterranean dimension of the Union's policies. He said adequate funding should be ensured for issues affecting these states, such as migration, cohesion policy, the common agricultural policy, connectivity and infrastructure.
Regional cooperation and the firefighting hub
The President also referred to the Republic of Cyprus's good-neighbourly relations with countries in the region and to Cyprus's contribution to efforts for stability and peace. As an example, he cited the establishment in Cyprus of the Regional Firefighting Hub (CRAFS), with the support of the European Commission.
Climate change initiative
During the second session, titled "A Sustainable Mediterranean", Mr Christodoulides presented the Republic of Cyprus's regional EMME-CCI initiative to address the effects of climate change, again citing CRAFS as a tangible example of regional cooperation.
He said a key element of Cyprus's national approach is to strengthen synergies and cooperation with countries in the region to address shared climate and environmental challenges.
Middle East discussed with Jordan's Crown Prince
The situation in the Middle East was discussed at a working lunch attended by the Crown Prince of Jordan. Mr Christodoulides referred to the need to support Jordan and Egypt, which he described as critically important to the region's stability. He also called for the EU to take action to prevent a security vacuum from emerging in Lebanon.
He highlighted the Republic of Cyprus's role in humanitarian matters in the region, including through the "Amalthea" maritime corridor and its assistance in operations to evacuate populations from conflict zones.
Meeting with Ursula von der Leyen
On the sidelines of the summit, the President held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Among other issues, they discussed developments in the Cyprus issue and the remaining steps for Cyprus's full accession to the Schengen Area.
