Annual Report 2019

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ANNUAL REPORT

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2019 ______

European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus

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Contents

Abbreviations of European Parliament’s Political Groups ...... 5 Foreword ...... 6 Calendar of our main activities for 2019 ...... 8 Institutional election campaign for the European Elections (EE19) ...... 11-22 European Parliament Office in Cyprus in Action...... 11 Inter-institutional collaboration - EE19 ...... 14 Special editions and pre-election spots...... 17 Collaboration with NGOs ...... 20 Election Night ...... 21 Social Media workshop for volunteers of the “together.eu” campaign ...... 22 Flagship Events ...... 23-26 Solidarity between Generations ...... 23 Celebrating Europe Day ...... 24 Education in the service of peace ...... 26 Multi-thematic events ...... 27-30 Televised discussion on the International Women’s Day ...... 27 European Mobility Week ...... 28 Reception and Integration of Refugees ...... 29 Working breakfast with MEP Costas MAVRIDES ...... 30 Events for the EP Prizes ...... 31-32 Sakharov Prize ...... 31 LUX Prize ...... 32 Media Actions ...... 33-38 EE19 Cyprus Eurocamp seminar for journalists ...... 33 Press seminar on the hearing of the Cypriot Commissioner-designate Stella KYRIAKIDES and the new European Parliament ...... 35 Media briefings on EE19, the new European Parliament and the new European Commission ...... 36 In-house seminars for media and journalists in Cyprus ...... 37 Actions for students of journalism ...... 37 Quick Statistics ...... 38 Social media overview from the EPLO in Nicosia 2019 ...... 39-44 ______

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Special focus on youth ...... 45-62 European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) ...... 45 Information briefings on the EU...... 52 Euroscola Programme ...... 54 Charlemagne Youth Prize 2019...... 56 Information visits to Brussels ...... 57 Quick Statistics ...... 58 Schools, universities and youth groups that visited the EU House in Nicosia in 2019 .. 59 Local briefings to schools, universities and organised groups ...... 61 The mission of the EPLO ...... 63-64 The staff of the Office ...... 65

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Abbreviations of European Parliament’s Political Groups

EPP European People's Party S&D Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Renew Renew Europe Greens–EFA Greens–European Free Alliance ID Identity and Democracy ECR European Conservatives and Reformists GUE/ NGL European United Left–Nordic Green Left NI Non-attached members

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Foreword

Dear reader,

For the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Cyprus, 2019 was by all means a special year. An important electoral year in the context of which the first five months we culminated our institutional campaign activities for the European elections of the 26 of May. Furthermore, for the period after the elections our main task was to present the new Parliament and its political priorities to Cypriot citizens but also to EU citizens residing in Cyprus. It goes beyond saying that the election of the new President of the European Commission (EC) by the European Parliament (EP) as well as the parliamentary hearings for the approval by the EP of Commissioners-designate were also at the heart of our communication activities nearly up to the end of 2019. This booklet aims to present merely an overview of our EPLO’s main activities for 2019 in accordance with the principles of accountability and transparency, which govern the EP as a whole.

The most important milestone in 2019 was, of course, the European elections that took place between the 23 and the 26 of May in the 28 EU member states. Our Office adjusted all its actions from the beginning of 2019 with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of the upcoming elections among the Cypriot and other EU citizens residing in Cyprus. Our main task was to convince citizens to exercise their inalienable democratic right and cast their vote. In a nutshell, we urged citizens to express their view on the political course our Union takes for the next five years. The motto of EP’s institutional campaign for the European elections was “This Time I’m Voting” and I am particularly pleased to argue that the EPLO in Cyprus managed to pass successfully the message through its joined actions and synergies with the EC Representation in Cyprus, various governmental departments but also with stakeholders of the broader civil society. I sincerely want to express my deepest gratitude to all our partners for joining forces with us in that challenging journey in spreading across the messages of our institutional campaign for the elections and primarily that “this time it is not enough to just hope for a better future: this time we all need to take responsibility for it. Because when everybody votes, everybody wins”.

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Besides, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my colleagues in the EPLO for their invaluable contribution in successfully implementing our programmed priorities and activities for 2019. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to our partners and stakeholders, especially to the journalists and social media influencers who contributed decisively to the fulfilment of our goals. It is very important for the EPLO to be in close cooperation with Cypriot journalists, the media in general, as well as being active on social media since they are the main channels through which Cypriot European citizens receive comprehensive information about the debates and decisions taking place at the EP in both Brussels and Strasbourg.

In particular, I would like to thank very much the President of the House of Representatives and the Officials of the House for their remarkable support in implementing important actions, even in the plenum of the National Parliament. Undoubtedly, the House of Representatives presents the most important institutional interlocutor for the EPLO in Cyprus.

Moreover, it would be an omission not to extend my warmest thanks to the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and his collaborators who facilitated our mission in presenting the importance of the institutional role of the EP to thousands of pupils in primary and secondary schools across Cyprus. Our main aim has been to explain to students that the EU is above everything a peace project that safeguards fundamental human rights for all. Maintaining close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is also vital for us in order to implement the pioneering “European Parliament Ambassador School” Programme, which for a fourth consecutive school year (2019-2020) is being implemented in all EU Member States. For the school year 2018-19, this highly successful programme involved the participation of twenty-eight public and private Cypriot Lyceums and Technical-Vocational Schools.

Undoubtedly, it would not be possible to implement successfully the mission of our Office, without the staunch support from the Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all six Cypriot MEPs of the previous mandate but also to the three newly-elected MEPs for their invaluable confidence towards me and my colleagues at the EPLO in Cyprus. Without their important contribution, we would not be able to achieve our aims. The Cypriot MEPs are the Ambassadors of our Office and are always at the epicentre of our activities.

Andreas Kettis Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus

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Calendar of our main activities for 2019

25 January (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign - Dialogue with the Director-General of the European Commission on Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Themis Christofidou

28 January (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign - Dialogue with Commissioner Jyrki Katainen

2 February (Limassol) Seminar on European Elections in Pissouri

4 February (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign - Dialogue with Commissioner Christos Stylianides

9 February (Limassol) Institutional Election Campaign in Limassol

12 February (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign at a bi-communal event

16, 19, 22, 23 & 28 February Institutional Election Campaign in Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Nicosia

27 February (Brussels) Training seminar for school teachers in Brussels

1 March (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign with EC Chief Spokesperson Margaritis Shoinas

5 March (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign in Nicosia

8 March (Nicosia) Televised discussion on International Women’s Day

14 March (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign in Nicosia

20 March (Lefkara) Women’s power in politics

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21 March (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign - Dialogue with Commissioner Demetris Avramopoulos

22 March (Nicosia) Elections’ seminar with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists

3 April (Nicosia) Elections’ seminar with NGOs

4 April (Brussels) Elections’ seminar in Brussels

7 April (Larnaca) Celebrating Europe Day in Larnaca

12 April (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign at “Europe saves lives” event

22 April (Nicosia) “Equal representation of women in the EP” Campaign

24 April (Nicosia) Presentation of Eurobarometer and the “Choose your future” video

29 April European Youth Week

4 May (Nicosia) Celebrating Europe Day in Nicosia

9 May (Nicosia) Pancyprian Footballers Association video presentation

9 May (Nicosia) Institutional Election Campaign in Nicosia

11 May (Limassol) Celebrating Europe Day in Limassol

11 May (Nicosia) Celebrating Europe Day in Nicosia

13 May 2019 (Nicosia) Solidarity between Generations

26 May (Nicosia) Election Day ______

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21 July (Nicosia) European Parliament Ambassador School Programme closing ceremony

25&26 July (Nicosia) Education in the service of peace

16-22 September Mobility Week

26 September (Limassol) “Together.EU” - Limassol

28 September 2019 (Nicosia) “Together.EU” - Youth Festival

3 October (Nicosia) European Commemoration Day and Hospitality

9 October 2019 (Nicosia) European Parliament Ambassador School Programme seminar for teachers

8 November (Nicosia) Working breakfast with MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus)

19-21 November (Nicosia) LUX Prize Film Screenings

3 December (Nicosia) Training in social media for volunteers of the together.eu campaign

13 December 2019 (Nicosia) Televised discussion on Sakharov Prize

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Institutional election campaign for the EE19

European Parliament would not be an exaggeration to say Office in Cyprus in that Cyprus won the first place. Action Altogether, more than 300.000 ______citizens have joined the electronic platform on a pan-European level, The European Parliament and its with many registered members taking European Parliament Offices across the initiative to organise their own the Member States tried to unfold and events and information briefings implement an institutional campaign regarding the European elections. It is for the European elections of the 26 of worth noting that out of the total May 2019 using several multi-level number of Cypriot citizens registered methods and innovative approaches. on the platform, 200 have registered The core element of the campaign as volunteers, thus, pursuing a more was revolving around the electronic active role in the EP's institutional platform “thistimeimvoting.eu”, campaign. through which both the pre-electoral information and awareness-raising Particular reference should be made efforts to increase participation in the to volunteers’ initiatives in Cyprus who elections were transferred on to the designed and organised their own interested citizens. door-to-door information campaigns in public squares, shopping malls and As a result of this online platform, a private businesses. body of volunteers and supporters was created across Europe. Every From the beginning of the electoral supporter worked for a common goal, campaign, the European Parliament increasing turnout by registering other Office in Cyprus was coordinating the citizens on the platform, who would, in activities of the volunteers by return, try to do the same. providing them with the relevant resources and information material. The European Parliament Office in Supporters and volunteers deserve a Cyprus, with the support of its own huge “thank you” for their critical network of supporters and volunteers, contribution in spreading the managed to register around 10.700 messages of our institutional citizens on this platform, ranked 10th campaign and, thus, raising the across Europe. In proportion to the turnout of Cypriot citizens in the population of each Member State, it European elections.

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The European Parliament Office, together with Students also promoted the campaign at an EPAS school, provided information to the several places at Ermou Square in Larnaca. public regarding the European elections at Andreas Vyras, Mayor of the city, was Ermou Square at Larnaca city centre. Leaflets among the citizens briefed. (02/02/19) and information material were distributed to hundreds of citizens. (02/02/2019)

Two volunteers of the campaign a long briefing EPAS students enthusiastically put their in the courtyard of TEPAK University organised own touch on the campaign, by calling out in Limassol, with the support of the European on citizens to vote and determine their Parliament Office and EDIC Limassol. future. (19/02/19) (19/02/19)

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An EPAS school from Paphos organised an Students, with the support of the European information campaign on the European Parliament Office, distributed material and elections at the city's shopping centre. signalled the necessity for massive turnout at (23/02/2019) the European elections. (23/02/2019)

FORUM private school, which participated in EPAS, along with an information campaign, also raised a giant 'live' choreo in the colours of the EU. (05/03/2019)

The European Parliament Office organised a briefing for students of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia. Of course, many students signed up on the platform thistimeimvoting.eu. (28/02/2019).

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Inter-institutional collaboration - EE19 ______

Inter-institutional cooperation proved cases the European Commission vital in raising public awareness and Representation hosted, in its own increase voter turnout. In all Member events, information points regarding States, the local European the European elections and offered Commission Representation the possibility to register on the online supported the European Parliament platform ‘thistimeimvoting.eu’. The Office throughout the pre-electoral contribution of the three Europe Direct period. The same thing occurred in Centres in Cyprus was vital. Their Cyprus. In this context, many joint extensive network and accessibility to European Parliament Office and large citizens’ groups facilitated and European Commission enhanced the dissemination of the Representation events and projects main messages of our institutional were organised, while in several campaign.

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus organised an institutional election campaign, shortly before a debate with citizens’ campaign taking place in Nicosia, organised by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus. The main concept of the debate was "Which Europe do we want?" and the main speaker was the Director-General of the European Commission on Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Themis Christofidou. (25/01/2019)

The EPLO in Cyprus organised an election corner at the European Commission Representation in Cyprus event with Commissioner Jyrki Katainen. (28/01/2019)

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EDIC Larnaca organised an event and distributed brochures for the European elections and registration information concerning the platform thistimeimvoting.eu. (16/02/2019)

The interactive exhibition “Europe Saves Lives” was set up for a week at the EU House in Nicosia and attracted the attention of hundreds of citizens and the media. The exhibition was accompanied by an information desk concerning the European elections. (12/04/2019)

A fully equipped ‘kiosk’ for the European elections awaited those who attended Citizens’ Dialogue, organised by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, to listen to Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. (21/03/2019)

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Margaritis Shinas, the Chief Spokesman of the European Commission, shared information regarding EU actions. The European Parliament Office enrolled tens of people on the online platform thistimeimvoting.eu. (01/03/2019)

The European Parliament Elections campaign unfolded in the new Library of the University of Cyprus. (09/05/2019)

The Heads of the European Parliament Office and the European Commission Representation in Cyprus briefed representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot non-governmental organisations. Members of these organisations were ultimately the multipliers in disseminating the main messages of the institutional campaign. (03/04/2019)

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Special editions and pre-election spots ______

The European Parliament’s communication strategy was hollistic, innovative, well- designed and targeted precisely citizens’ concerns. This included, among other things, newsletters, promotional materials supporting the idea of participation and voting rights, high quality televised video spots, as well as rich material on specially designed websites devoted to the 2019 European elections. It also included a strong presence in the social media.

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus established two targeted collaborations, expanding this way, the recipients of the institutional campaign’s messages. Firstly, in cooperation with the European Commission Representation in Cyprus and the Press and Information Office of the Cypriot government, it prepared and printed a special brochure, which "reached" literally all Cypriot households following a special agreement with the Cyprus Post Office.

Secondly, the European Parliament Office and the European Commission Representation, following a special agreement with the Cyprus Association of Football Players, prepared a television spot, which was published through the media and social media, in which popular male and female football players called on citizens to support the "European team" with their vote. The TV spot was presented during a press conference held at the EU House at the presence of participating male and female football players.

A brochure with comprehensive information, concerning how Cypriot citizens have benefited from the EU on a daily basis, has been distributed to all households in the Republic of Cyprus. The cooperation between the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, the Press and Information Office and the Cyprus Post Office resulted in designing, printing and distributing the brochure.

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The active support and assistance from the Cyprus Association of Football Players helped to spread the message of participation in the European elections to all football fans, among others, in Cyprus. In a special television spot, football players urged citizens to exercise their right to vote. Photo from the presentation of the spot at the EU House. (09/05/2019)

The European Parliament created a special interactive website demonstrating what the EU has offered to all Member States. The “What Europe does for you” website explains in detail these benefits.

A special brochure entitled "What Europe does for you", published in all 24 official EU languages, explained to European citizens the benefits from their country's EU membership. This information was also accessible through a mobile application, but also via other audiovisual material that was featured mainly on social media.

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The European elections playing ... football! In cooperation with the Cyprus Football Association, a special European Election banner was set up in the centre of the field in an important game of the Cypriot Football League. A live broadcast on television spread the message to thousands of football fans.

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus used this leaflet to call on citizens to register on the platform "thistimeimvoting.eu" and raise awareness for participation in the elections.

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Collaboration with NGOs ______

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus collaborated with a large number of NGOs and other citizens’ groups to broaden the pool of recipients of its institutional campaign.

The Office had its own space at NGOs events, with banners, brochures, and other campaign material informing citizens about the European elections but also about the electronic platform ‘thistimeimvoting.eu’.

An information booth for the European elections was set up outside the hall, where a bi- communal event regarding the resolution of the Cyprus problem was held, with the participation of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political party leaders. (12/02/2019)

The presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus at an event organised by NGO OXYGONO, concerning the future of the EU, was a first-class opportunity to promote our institutional campaign. (14/03/2019)

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Election Night ______

The current Cypriot MEPs shortly before the official announcement of their election by the Chief Returning Officer at the Conference Center late at night on May 26, 2019.

In the evening of the election day and Returning Officer of the newly-elected long after the polling stations closed, MEPs, the European Parliament the European Parliament Office Office received in a modest reception organised an event at the “Filoxenia” the six elected Cypriot MEPs, International Conference Centre government and party officials as well where, in direct link with the plenum of as representatives of several the European Parliament in Brussels, organisations and volunteers that the projections of the pan-European helped us in our institutional election results were featured on a campaign, in a symbolic gesture to mega screen. While waiting for the express our gratitude for their official investiture by the Chief invaluable help.

The end of the pre-electoral period brought smiles of satisfaction and ... relief to the staff of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus.

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Social Media workshop for volunteers of the together.eu campaign ______3 December 2019

The European Parliament Office in The participants attended the Cyprus organised a workshop on workshop with great interest, Social Media for volunteers who had acquiring important knowledge of the been actively involved in the proper functioning of social media and European Parliament institutional ways of promoting EU-related events. campaign thistimeiamvoting.eu, in At the same time, they had the view of the European Elections of the opportunity to be briefed on the 26 of May 2019 and who have actions of the European Parliament demonstrated an interest to continue Office in Cyprus, as well as the latest their pro-EU engagement in the developments in the EP after the context of the together.eu campaign. European elections.

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Flagship events

Solidarity between Generations ______

13 May 2019

The European Parliament Office in The Head of the European Parliament Cyprus in collaboration with the Cyprus Office in Cyprus, Andreas KETTIS, Youth Board, the Senior Citizen’s emphasized the importance of the Association, the Pancyprian upcoming European elections and Committee of Pensioners - SEK and presented the European Parliament’s Branch of Pensioners - PASYDY co- institutional campaign spot ‘Choose organised an event for the celebration your Future’. The feedback from the of the European Day of Solidarity audience was very positive, indicating between Generations. the emotional and motivational impact of the spot. The event was hosted on May 13th 2019 at the Presidential Palace under the aegis of the President of the Republic. The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Zeta EMILIANIDOU addressed the audience on behalf of the President of Cyprus, Nicos ANASTASIADES. She stressed the fact that the European Day of Solidarity between generations, which was introduced 11 years ago, illustrates the importance of integrating all generations into the democratic policy formation process, promoting age diversity in all social sectors.

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Celebrating Europe Day ______

7 April & 4, 11, 25 May 2019

Celebrations for Europe Day Furthermore, the European contributed in motivating and providing Commission Representation in the most suitable ground for an open Cyprus, together with the European call to citizens to vote in the European Parliament Office and the Municipality elections. The beginning was on April of Nicosia, organised a concert with 4th in Larnaca where the European the Greek pop singer George Parliament Office in Cyprus, with the Sambanis, in a purely festive invaluable contribution from five atmosphere, in the capital city. The schools participating in the “European famous singer reached out to the Parliament Ambassador School” young audience and asked them to be Programme and the Europe Direct in consistent on the May 26th elections Larnaca, celebrated Europe Day by and cast their vote. encouraging hundreds of citizens to register online on the dedicated platform "thistimeimvoting.eu".

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For the flagship celebration, the from their traditional cuisines and European Parliament Office provided information about their home- cooperated closely with the EC countries. MEP Demetris PAPADAKIS Representation, the Press and (S&D) and the Mayor of Limassol Information Office of the Cypriot Nikos NIKOLAIDES highlighted the government, the Municipality of importance of Europe Day on live radio Limassol, the Cyprus Youth Board and link. the Limassol Europe Direct organising a fancy event for the public, including Last but not least, the day before the distribution of informative material, European elections, the European competitions, live music and dancing, Commission Representation in Cyprus as well as multi-thematic activities for together with the European Parliament children. This event took place on the Office in Cyprus held an informative 11th of May in Limassol’s popular event addressed to the Turkish Cypriot seafront. EU Member States’ community, which took place in the Embassies in Cyprus offered tastes northern part of Nicosia.

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Education in the service of peace ______

25 & 26 July 2019

The 43rd meeting of the International some 328 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish- Institute on Peace Education, held in Cypriot students and 47 teachers had Cyprus in July under the auspices of the opportunity to visit Strasbourg in the EP President David SASSOLI, and the framework of the Euroscola highlighted the ways in which programme in 2018. education can contribute to peace- building and reinforce co-existence efforts. The following day - at a working dinner - MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) The focus of one of the workshops was addressed dozens of educators from on the example of the EU, which is Europe and other continents on the seen as a powerful factor in building peace paradigm of the EU, elaborating peace within and outside Europe's the ways the EU can be a positive borders. The Head of the EPLO in factor in fostering a climate and culture Cyprus, Andreas KETTIS, gave a of peace. speech at the event stressing that

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Multi-thematic events

Televised discussion οn the International Women’s Day ______

8 March 2019

On the occasion of the International women representation in the European Women's Day, the European Parliament. Panellists were the Parliament Office in Cyprus organised Democratic Rally party (DISY) MP, a highly interesting televised debate Stella KYRIAKIDOU, the Progressive concerning women participation in Party of Working People (AKEL) MP, politics. The discussion, which was Eleni MAVROU, the Head of the broadcasted by the Cyprus European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), Andreas KETTIS and the President of focused on the European elections, the European Institute of Equality, highlighting the necessity to increase Kalliopi AGAPIOU - IOSIFIDOU.

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European Mobility Week

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16-22 September 2019

The European Parliament Office in This year the main message, under the Cyprus, in cooperation with the EC label 'Walk with us', was to spread Representation, conducted an online awareness around all Europe on what trilingual competition to promote again needs to be done, mainly at the this year the European Mobility Week. infrastructure level, so that citizens can The competition lasted for a week, move safely riding a bike or on foot. aiming at raising public awareness for The participation in the competition the meaning of the Mobility Week. was satisfactory, whereas two citizens won on lottery a bike and a smart watch with applications particularly made for cycling, running and walking.

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Reception and Integration of Refugees ______

29 October 2019

On Tuesday, 29 October 2019, the refugees into the social, economic, European Parliament Office, the EC cultural and political fabric of Cyprus, Representation and the UNHCR Office whereas the Chairwoman of the House in Cyprus held a very successful of Representatives Standing conference at the EU House in Nicosia Committee on Internal Affairs Eleni entitled “Reception and Integration of MAVROU expressed a critical position Refugees”. on the reception and integration policies of the Cypriot government. Among other speakers, the Minister of Finally, H.E. Timo HEINO Ambassador Interior Constantinos PETRIDES of Finland presented good practices addressed the challenges that Cyprus, regarding the integration of refugees and more broadly the EU, faces with by setting the example of his own migration pressures and presented the country. The floor was also given to actions taken by the Cypriot two refugees residing in Cyprus that government to remedy the constantly shared their touching stories. increasing migratory flows. The conference room of the EU House MEP Demetris PAPADAKIS (S&D) was packed with participants from the elaborated on the decisions taken by diplomatic corps, the House of the European Parliament in the field, Representatives and several line stressing the need for a holistic Ministries, local authorities, NGOs and approach towards this important opinion leaders. political issue. In her intervention, the Representative of the UNHCR in The event received extensive and Cyprus Katja SAHA referred to the positive coverage from the media importance of swift integration of the including all major TV channels, online and written press.

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Working breakfast with MEP

Costas MAVRIDES ______

8 November 2019

A very constructive discussion took concentrated on the Report that the place between MEP Costas MEP prepared as Rapporteur of the MAVRIDES (S&D) and stakeholders in European Parliament on “the the field of economics and banking on European Central Bank Annual Report Friday, 8 November 2019. The for 2018”. The MEP exchanged views breakfast was organised by the with the stakeholders, not only on the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, specific report, but more broadly on the in cooperation with the MEP Costas economic direction and policies of the MAVRIDES. The discussion was EU.

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Events for the EP Prizes

Sakharov Prize ______

18 December 2019

The European Parliament Office in MEP Demetris PAPADAKIS (S&D), Cyprus organised a televised debate Member of the House of at the Cyprus Broadcasting Representatives Anna THEOLOGOU Corporation (CyBC), to promote the and Ombudsman Maria European Parliament Sakharov Prize STYLIANOU-LOTTIDES, debated the and to underline the role of the EU in role of the European Parliament in the the protection of human rights. field of human rights as well as the Sakharov Prize in general, illustrating Respecting Human Rights is one of the emphasis the European the fundamental values of the EU. The Parliament attributes in the protection European Parliament supports human of human rights. rights through various initiatives including the annual awarding of the The televised debate was Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of broadcasted on the 18th of December Thought. 2019, the awarding day of the 2019 Sakharov Prize at the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg.

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LUX Prize ______

19-21 November 2019

In continuation of its annual tradition, The screenings took place on the 19, this year the European Parliament 20 and 21 November, in collaboration Office in Cyprus welcomed the Cypriot with the Friends of Cinema Society. cinema fans to the world of the The film that eventually won the prize European cinema and more was “God Exists, Her Name Is specifically to the screenings of the Petrunya”. LUX Prize finalists. The screenings of “Cold Case Hammarskjöld”, “God Notably, the junior ambassadors Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya” and /students of Idalion Lyceum in Nicosia “The Realm” attracted many cinema which is one of this year’s EPAS fans at the “Pantheon” cinema hall in schools, volunteered and provided Nicosia. substantial assistance to the EPLO’s staff during the three screenings.

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Media Actions

EE19 Cyprus Eurocamp seminar for journalists ______2-3 February 2019

Several Cypriot journalists had the comprehensive coverage of the opportunity to be briefed on the European elections. They discussed in European Parliament's institutional detail the benefits derived by Cyprus’ campaign in light of the 2019 European EU membership, with the Minister of elections. The EE19 Cyprus Eurocamp Foreign Affairs Nikos seminar organised by the EP Office CHRISTODOULIDES. The Minister took place between the 2nd and 3rd of urged them to vote and to reach out to February. In view of the EE19 the citizens to explain the importance of participants were briefed on the role of voting. Former Minister of Foreign the EP, what was at stake in this Affairs and former MEP, Ioannis election process, the EP institutional KASOULIDES (EPP) emphasized the campaign and the tools available to the importance of the EP and the role of media for better and more MEPs.

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The then MEP Takis Web Communication Unit, presented HATZIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) the platform ‘’What Europe Does For presented to the journalists the behind Me’’. She also indicated the availability the scenes political processes, the role of numerous videos produced centrally of the political groups, while former by the EP to be used by media and Ambassador and Jean Monnet social media platforms. professor (2011-2017), Michalis ATTALIDES, referred to the accession Evangelos VASILEIOU, the EPLO of Cyprus to the EU and the cost of Public Relations Officer, presented the non-Europe. platform "This time I am voting". The volunteer of the campaign for the Alexandra ATTALIDES, Press Attaché mobilization of voters in Cyprus, of the EPLO in Cyprus, presented the Yiannis MOUSTAKAS informed communication strategy of the EP in journalists about his efforts with the view of the European elections, aim of encouraging Cypriot citizens to emphasising the role of the EP and its exercise their democratic right and goal to bring informed voters at the vote. The Press Officer of the EC ballot, while Constantinos KALLERGIS Representation in Cyprus, from the EP Spokesperson’s Unit Charalampos METAXAS, presented presented the EP’s strategy on fake the strategy of the Commission, in light news. Nina PAPADOULAKI, from the of the 2019 European Elections.

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Press seminar on the hearing of the Cypriot Commissioner- designate Stella KYRIAKIDES and the new European Parliament ______1 October 2019 - Brussels

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus organised a seminar around the hearing of designated commissioners and particularly Mrs Stella KYRIAKIDES from Cyprus, commissioner-designate for Health and Food Safety, which took place before the EP ENVI and AGRI Committees on 1st of October 2019. Fifteen Cypriot political editors and the President of the Federation of Patients Associations in Cyprus attended the seminar and participated at a round table discussion with the 6 Cypriot MEPs, including Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP), Loucas underlining their objectives for the FOURLAS (EPP), Costas MAVRIDES current legislative period. Jesus (S&D), Demetris PAPADAKIS (S&D), CARMONA, Director of Media, opened Giorgos GEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) and the seminar and briefed the journalists Niyazi KIZILYÜREK (GUE/NGL). on the new European Parliament and the election of the new Commission. The MEPs briefed them on the political Finally, at the end of the hearing, the procedure of the hearings of the EPLO arranged a meeting with the Commissioners-designate before the Commissioner-designate and the EP Committees, underlining the journalists, where the Commissioner- democratic legitimisation of the designate expressed her satisfaction College through its confirmation by the for the hearing. She also expressed EP. her gratitude for the organisation of the seminar that gave the journalists the The six Cypriot MEPs exchanged opportunity to be present at the views on the agenda and priorities of hearing. their Committees with the journalists,

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Media briefings on EE19, the new European Parliament and the new European Commission organised by the EPLO

In addition, the EPLO in Nicosia was briefing the journalists on a daily basis. The media toolkit was the main tool during the briefings, adjusted and updated with additional elements of the institutional campaign, according to the schedule.

Particular effort was taken to promote the Spring Eurobarometer, the preview of the “Choose Your Future” Video, European Parliament sources of information, the elections results website and all the technical information for the Election Day and Night, as well as for the Presidential debate.

The Press Officer had separate meetings with the Directors of Media, securing the distribution and the free broadcasting of the video by TV stations and post on online media and other websites.

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In -house Seminars for media and journalists in Cyprus Σεμινάρια στο Σπίτι της Ε.Ε., Πανεπιστήμια και ΜΜΕ στην Κύπρο

The EPLO in Nicosia organised a series of in-house seminars for journalists and students of journalism that generally included:

 Presentation of the EP Institutional campaign in view of the EE19 and the EE19 press kit;  An overview of the decisions and legislative priorities of 2019;  The new European Parliament and the new European Commission;  An introduction on the role of the European Parliament in EU decision making process;  The mission of the media services and the facilities available to journalists by the European Parliament in Strasbourg and Brussels;  EP sources of information;

Actions for students of journalism

The EPLO, in close cooperation with Important legislative priorities such as University Departments and migration, human rights, climate Professors of journalism, frequently change and the package of the circular presented to students the role of the economy were discussed, underlining EP. Nevertheless, this year, the focus the role of the EP in managing these was on the EE19 and what was at challenges. stake.

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Quick Statistics

Articles and interventions by the Head and the Press Attaché on the role and decisions of the EP: Number of Cypriot 156 journalists and students of journalism attending media events and briefings organised by the EPLO: 325

Number of Cypriot journalists attending the EP Plenary and seminars organised in Brussels and Media coverage of the Strasbourg: 71 EP Plenary: 1.900

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Social Media overview from the EPLO in Nicosia 2019

Our social media pages are a vital and central aspect of our public communication. We invest heavily in keeping them regularly updated with interesting and informative material, which brings Cypriot citizens closer to EU affairs and increases the visibility and awareness of the role of the European Parliament.

The EPLO in Cyprus continues to have a dynamic and active presence on social media, ensuring there are daily updates across our accounts and that our events, activities and promotion of the EP’s role are accurately reflected on social media. Communicating on platforms where citizens share and read information is a key element of our public outreach campaign and an important way to localise content and ensure it effectively reaches interested stakeholders and the general public, particularly the youth.

In 2019, the main focus of our social media presence was to promote the European Parliament institutional campaign for the European Elections 2019, engaging our target groups and media, and encouraging Cypriot citizens to register and vote in the elections.

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Once the elections had taken place, we focused our communication efforts on introducing the new European Parliament and the newly-elected Cypriot MEPs. We tried to be as transparent as possible with the procedures around the election by the European Parliament of the new President of the European Commission and the hearings that followed in the autumn for the approval of the Commissioners- designate.

Growth of the EPLO Cyprus’ social media pages in 2019

Twitter: Our account has 5.759 followers as of 31 December 2019, an impressive growth of 15% in 2019.

Facebook: We have 10.011 fans on Facebook as of 31 December 2019 - an increase of nearly 14% in 2019.

Instagram: With greater attention placed on Instagram this year, bearing in mind that this is the favourite social media platform for the Cypriot youth, we were able to double our followers in 2019 to a total of 1.345 – a growth of almost 53% this year alone.

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Noteworthy social media initiatives in 2019

Our communication strategy was firmly The participants in the videos included focused on promoting the European senior members of the press (chief Elections, thus we had a number of key editors and producers), young initiatives linked to the institutional journalists that are ‘influencers’ on campaign. During the ‘Eurocamp social media, and also the Minister of Seminar’, our press event launched Foreign Affairs and a Cypriot MEP. We the election campaign officially. We also produced visuals containing produced two videos featuring the photos and quotes from the videos that participants and key speakers, urging were promoted on social media and people to vote, based around the were able to reach the audience of phrase (and campaign slogan), ‘This each individual influencer or public Time I’m Voting for…’. figure. The two videos reached almost 9,500 people organically and the visuals reached 24,620 organically, and had 1,326 reactions on social media

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European electionsOther key moments:

The main products on our social media footballers’ video reached 14.000 around the elections was a campaign people and had a high engagement featuring local footballers from various reach of 8%. teams encouraging people to vote and promoting the central ‘Choose your With the ‘Choose your Future’ video future’ film. produced centrally by the EP, we were able to encourage important We approached the Pancyprian stakeholders and digital influencers to Footballers Association who helped share it on their social media platforms select players that represented (among them the then Cypriot European diversity - ethnic, linguistic Commissioner Christos and gender diversity - and from various STYLIANIDES, Universities, and the nationalities and teams, including FC Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Copenhagen and Standard de Liège. As this was an election year, Europe The motto for the video was 'Choose Day celebrations were held in most the Players who will represent you in major towns in Cyprus, which also the European Parliament', gave us plenty of opportunities to cover emphasizing that as in football, a team them heavily on our social media is stronger when it is united. The pages.

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Other key moments

Another key moment for us was the annual closing ceremony of the hugely successful “European Parliament Ambassador School” Programme. We created a video showing the highlights of our actions, including of the ceremony, featuring interviews with participants, junior and senior ambassadors, the Minister of Education and MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D). The video reached over 4,400 people on Facebook:

For the Sakharov Prize, we filmed videos with Cypriot MP Anna THEOLOGOU, Cypriot Ombudsman Maria STYLIANOU-LOTTIDES, and MEP Demetris PAPADAKIS (S&D). They spoke about the role of the European Parliament in promoting human rights and the importance of respecting and upholding universal human rights. We released the videos on our social media in the run-up to the awards ceremony in December 2019. We also created visuals for stories on our Instagram page about the 2019 laureate Ilham Tohti.

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For the LUX Prize, we enlisted the support of Greek MEP Alexis GEORGOULIS, who is also a popular film star in Cyprus. He made a special video for the EPLO in Cyprus, encouraging people to attend the screenings and emphasizing the importance of the LUX Prize for cultural understanding and awareness among different people. We posted this video on our Facebook page and Instagram, reaching over 4,600 people. We also created visuals to promote the screenings.

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Special focus on Youth

European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS)

The “European Parliament Ambassador School” Programme, which was implemented for a third consecutive year in the 28 EU member states, aims to promote the values and principles upon the EU is founded. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity to students to achieve adequate knowledge on the functioning of the European parliamentary democracy and learn what the EU provides them in their daily lives. More concretely, it helps students learn about the important role of the European Parliament in the decision-making system of the EU.

The European Parliament Office in Cyprus implemented the EPAS 2018/2019 in Cyprus in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Overall, 28 schools participated in the EPAS for the school year 2018-2019:  Nicosia: Gymnasium-Lyceum OLYMPION, Lyceum Archbishop Makariou C’ Dasoupolis, Forum Private School, Lyceum Ethnomartira Kyprianou Strovolos, Lyceum Kykkou B’, Lyceum Latsion, A’ Technical School Nicosia, Lyceum Agiou Georgiou Lakatamias  Limassol: Apeitio Gymnasium Agrou, Regional Lyceum Apostolou Louca Kolossiou, Lyceum Apostolοn Petrou kai Pavlou, The Heritage Private School, C’ TESEK Limassol, Lanitio Lyceum, Lyceum Linopetras  Larnaca: Regional Lyceum Livadion, Lyceum Agiou Georgiou Larnacas, Lyceum Makariou C’ Larnacas, Gymnasium-Lyceum Lefkaron, Technical School Larnacas  Paphos: The International School of Paphos, Lyceum Giannaki Talioti Geroskipou, Luceym A’ Ethnarchi Makariou C’, Lyceum-Technical School Polis Chrysochous Gymnasium-Lyceum Kato Pyrgou, Lyceum Agiou Charalampous Embas  Famagusta: TESEK Paralimniou, Xenion High School

In the programme, 290 students (Junior Ambassadors) and 50 teachers (Senior Ambassadors) took an active participation role. At the same time, a total of 560 students participated in events, organised by the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, related to the programme. The six Cypriot MEPs had a very active role in the course of the implementation of the programme. They participated and

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interacted with students in 36 events. It is noteworthy that the programme was widely covered by the media, with the printed media reporting on the programme 18 times, television reporting 10 times and radio reporting 11 times.

The second seminar for Senior Ambassadors (teachers) from the 28 participating schools took place on the 22 of January 2019 at the Forum Private School in Nicosia. The Head of the EPLO presented the role of the EP in the institutional setup of the EU. An in-depth debate followed on current European issues, such as Brexit and the institutional campaign in view of the European Elections of the 26 of May. Moreover, the practical details of the programme were explained whilst the teachers engaged in a productive and constructive exchange on best practice and innovative ideas regarding the next steps in the implementation of EPAS.

In addition, within the framework of the EPAS programme, the EPLO in Cyprus organised school visits at the House of Representatives in Nicosia. Students from all EPAS schools participated in these visits and had the opportunity to be informed about the way the House of Representatives and the European Parliament function. The President of the House of Representatives, Mr. Demetris SYLLOURIS, who remains a staunch supporter of EPAS, extended a very warm welcome to students and teachers highlighting the importance of such visits for the House. Besides, House officials briefed the visiting students on the role of the House of Representatives and how European legislation voted at the European Parliament is transferred by the House of Representatives into national law. Former MEPs Ioannis KASOULIDES (EPP), Panayiotis DEMETRIOU (EPP) and Kyriacos TRIANTAFYLLIDIS (GUE/NGL) attended most of the visits and participated in discussions with the students. The students had the opportunity to express their personal concerns about the challenges the EU faces today.

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The schools that participated in the programme, actively supported the institutional campaign conducted by the EPLO in view of the European Elections. Overall, they registered 7,407 people in the electronic platform thistimeimvoting.eu.

The five schools in Larnaca that participated in the programme organised an event at Europe square in the seafront of Larnaca, on the 7th of April 2019, commemorating Europe Day. This event was conducted in collaboration with the Municipality of Larnaca, the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus and Europe Direct Larnaca. The goal was to raise public awareness and invite the citizens to vote in the May 2019 European elections.

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The seven Limassol schools that participated in the programme organised an event for Europe Day on May 11, 2019, in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, the Press and Information Office (PIO), the Municipality of Limassol, the Youth Board of Cyprus (YBC) and the Europe Direct Information Center (EDIC) Limassol, with the support of the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK). They made sure to combine knowledge and entertainment in the most enjoyable way possible, in order to bring Europe closer to its citizens. Visitors had the opportunity to explore how the EU affects their daily lives by providing information on various European education, employment and funding programmes. Meanwhile, Embassies of EU Member States in Cyprus provided interesting insights into their countries and offered a taste of their traditional cuisines.

In the context of the Limassol Europe Day celebration, the seven Limassol Schools participating in the programme organised an original joint action to raise public awareness about the European Union's slogan, “United in Diversity”. Students, teachers, parents and the crowd expressed the importance of respecting diversity in the European Union through paintings and speeches, decorating a 720 -meter-wide 64.800 m2 banner. They set a pan-European record.

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The work entitled "All Equals, All People" by Oriana LOUKAIDOU, from the Lyceum Apostolon Petrou kai Pavlou Limassol, and the work by Xanthi SATSIA, Perdikoula KEPOLA and Irene KEPOLA entitled “This time I’m voting for...” were chosen by the European Parliament and are exhibited in its museum “House of European History” in Brussels.

The European Union close to the youth (European Parliament Ambassador School Programme) ______21 March 2019

The students of Livadia Regional Lyceum organised an extraordinary event entitled "Active and Critical Thinking Citizens in a Democratic Europe in light of the forthcoming European elections. This time I am voting". They aimed at targeting the largest possible turnout in the election of new MEPs on the 26 of May 2019.

In the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES and the Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Andreas KETTIS, the students referred to the actions, information and impressions they extracted through their participation in EPAS. They discussed about the problems Europe faces, the solidarity between the European peoples and states, the ideals of antiracism and aid to third countries. Emphasis was placed on the role of the EU on the Cyprus issue, the financial crisis that Cyprus faced in 2013 but also on the rights

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Cypriots enjoy since Cyprus joined the EU, as well as the future of Cyprus in the EU.

Responding to students' queries, Minister CHRISTODOULIDES invited them to visit the Directorate of the European Union at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be briefed in person regarding its crucial role in the Cyprus-EU relations.

Finally, through a spectacular audiovisual presentation, participants had the opportunity to travel the EU through the experiences of two students who, along with other students, visited Strasbourg and experienced live the actions undertaken in the EU and the European Parliament.

Ceremony for the conclusion of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme ______

21 June 2019

Cooperation, dialogue, respect for diversity, solidarity and democracy were some of the key points highlighted at the closing ceremony of the EPAS programme held on Friday, June 21st, at Filoxenia Conference Center.

The ceremony featured representative actions by the 28 public and private schools that participated in the EPAS and received the Ambassador-School title.

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Furthermore, the winners of the 3rd Essay Competition on European Matters for secondary school students received their awards. The competition was organised jointly by the EPLO and the Ministry of Education. Hundreds of students and parents attended the ceremony, which was under the auspices of the President of the House of Representatives H.E. Mr. Demetris SYLLOURIS. The President of the House, together with MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) and the Minister of Education Costas HAMPIAOURIS, awarded the prizes. Last but not least, the Head of the European and International Affairs Office of the Ministry of Education Dr. Niki PAPADOPOULOU-PAPA was honoured upon her retirement for her overall contribution in enhancing the cooperation of the Ministry with the EPLO and for spreading the European values across the educational system of Cyprus.

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Information briefings on the EU

The information briefings are organised for primary school and secondary school students and teachers, as well as for university students. The briefings are revolving around the way the European Parliament and the European Union work and how the policies of the EU impact the daily life of European citizens. New pedagogical ways and interactive methods are used to attract students’ interest and to disseminate the messages more effectively. At the end of each presentation, a quiz is conducted to summarize the context of the briefings and to help students assimilate the information provided.

The briefings mainly target youngsters between the ages of 11 to 30 years old and focus on five main education levels: 1. Students between the ages 13-18 years old; 2. Students participating at the Euroscola programme who must follow a presentation on the European Union at EU House firstly, in order to be informed about the policies and values of the European Parliament before travelling to Strasbourg, where the Euroscola programme takes place; 3. Cypriot University students and European youth who live temporarily in Cyprus and interact with Cypriots, e.g. through the Erasmus+ programme; 4. Pupils between 11 and 12 years old of the fifth and sixth grade of the elementary school. Remarkably, students welcomed our personnel with a lot of enthusiasm and impressed us with their eagerness to learn about the EU. Basic knowledge about the EU is taught in the geography class but their teachers prepare them thoroughly when there is an upcoming visit by an EPLO official at their school; 5. Apart from students, we put a lot of effort and emphasis on high school teachers (of different age groups), as they are the ones in direct contact with the students and main shapers of their ideas;

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The EPLO’s staff make a holistic presentation of the functioning of the EU and the importance of the European Parliament as a co-legislator within the institutional setup of the EU. In addition, several concrete examples from everyday life are presented (e.g. roaming, free movement of people within EU member states, e- Call, access for people with disabilities, recycling, renewable energy etc.), in order to raise awareness and help students understand that the EU and the decisions of the European Parliament have a direct impact on them, their families, regions, cities and country. The presentation also demonstrates how Cypriot MEPs play an important role in this policymaking procedure.

Furthermore, focus is placed on the values and principles upon the EU was founded, human rights, migration policy and equal rights for men and women, while there is particular emphasis on the rationale behind the slogan of the EU "United in diversity".

Finally, the fact that the EU was created as a result of European cooperation after the catastrophe the Second World War brought is highlighted. Awareness is raised among the youth in Cyprus that the European Union is, above all, a political project for peace in the Old Continent and that the institutions of the EU have succeeded to secure uninterrupted peace for EU Member States for more than 60 years.

In 2019, we welcomed 32 youth groups at the EU House in Nicosia and 18 presentations were given locally at schools around Cyprus (areas under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus). Particular emphasis was given in reaching out rural and isolated areas. Overall, 2.050 students and young people and 155 teachers participated in our briefings.

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In 2019, the EPLO in Cyprus gave 50 presentations at the EU House in Nicosia and locally. The map is an indicative presentation of the covered areas. The numbers show the amount of presentations in each district and the small blue hexagons show the areas of the regional schools that have been involved.

Euroscola Programme

In 2019, a total of 289 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students, as well as 41 teachers, participated in Euroscola at the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, simulating the work of the European Parliament.

Euroscola offers a unique experience in the Plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, allowing high-school students to learn about European integration first- hand. Students from the 28 EU Member States are selected to play the role of MEPs for a single day.

They take the floor in the plenary and committees to debate and vote on resolutions on current EU matters. Meanwhile, they practice their language skills and exchange experiences with fellow students from other EU member states.

The students selected from Cyprus are mostly Junior Ambassadors participating in the EPAS programme or through competitions organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. We strive to ensure that participants come from almost all geographical districts of the Government- controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus. Moreover, the EPLO is in close cooperation with two Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Unions in order to ensure the effective participation of Turkish Cypriot students and teachers in Euroscola sessions. ______

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Last but not least, the EPLO organises special information sessions at the EU House in Nicosia for bi-communal Euroscola groups. The purpose of these presentations is two-fold. Firstly, to prepare the students for the Euroscola experience and enrich their knowledge about the European Parliament, and secondly, to bring Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot teachers and students together, creating osmosis and coherence in order to present a unified Cypriot team at Euroscola.

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Charlemagne Youth Prize 2019

The European Charlemagne Youth Prize, jointly organised by the European Parliament and the Aachen International Charlemagne Prize Foundation, is awarded to programmes or projects that promote understanding among the peoples of the European states. They are carried out by people between 16 and 30 years old.

In 2019, a total of eleven entries were submitted. The final winner of Cyprus was the Regional High School of Lefkara, with a project entitled "Make our presence felt for our Europe!". The programme covered a series of experiential activities, which took place during the 2017-18 school year, aiming at informing students and the local community about the EU's multifaceted and beneficial role in building a better world. These voluntary actions mobilized citizens of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds to engage in a journey of discovery, deep understanding and adoption of European values.

The winners represented Cyprus at the awards ceremony of the International Charlemagne Prize at the University of Aachen in Germany on 28 May 2019.

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Information visits to Brussels

In 2019, four information visits were organised by the EPLO in Cyprus, in cooperation with the European Commission Representation in Cyprus. Students from all universities of the Republic of Cyprus and high school teachers attended the information visits in January and May. The remaining two visits took place in February and April whereas Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot elementary school teachers attended.

During the visits, the students and teachers had the opportunity to visit the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the Parlamentarium and the House of European History. They met and exchanged opinions in a fruitful dialogue with the Cypriot MEPs Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D), Demetris PAPADAKIS (S&D), Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR), Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS (GUE) and Takis HADJIGEORGIOU (GUE).

Furthermore, EU officials welcomed them and gave them presentations about, among others, the functioning of the European Union, the role of the Institutions and the Institutional Campaign for the European Elections 2019.

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Quick Statistics

In 2019, we organised 50 school/university briefings: 18 local visits and 32 at the EU House. 2.050 students and 155 teachers were briefed about the European Parliament and the European Elections.

“European Parliament Ambassador School” Programme: 28 schools and more than 1.100 289 students and 41 teachers students participated participated at the Euroscola directly or indirectly in the programme in Strasbourg in programme. 2019.

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Schools, universities and youth groups that visited the EU House in Nicosia in 2019

16 January 2019 OLYMPION Gymnasium/Lyceum Nicosia

17 January 2019 A’ Ethnarchi Makariou III Lyceum Paphos

18 January 2019 Archaggelou Gymnasium Lakatamia

21 January 2019 Agios Georgios Lyceum Lakatamia

23 January 2019 Lanitio Lyceum Limassol

8 February 2019 KYKKOS B’ Lyceum Nicosia

12 February 2019 KYKKOS A’ Lyceum Nicosia

14 February 2019 Katholikis Gymnasium Limassol

15 February 2019 Petraki Kyprianou Gymnasium Larnaca

18 February 2019 Platy Aglantzias Gymnasium

19 February 2019 Agios Dometios Primary School

25 February 2019 Apostolos Markos Lyceum Nicosia

8 March 2019 Agios Vasileios Gymnasium Strovolos

12 March 2019 Idalion Lyceum

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13 March 2019 Agia Paraskevi Gymnasium Geroskipou

20 March 2019 Kokkinochoria Lyceum

3 April 2019 Youth Dynamics Students Erasmus+

8 April 2019 A’ Technical School of Nicosia

8 April 2019 Aglantzia Gymnasium

8 May 2019 Cyprus Forest Association - Agros

9 May 2019 Ledra College Nicosia

16 May 2019 Ohio State University (U.S.A)

13 June 2019 Cyprus Forest Association - Agros

19 September 2019 Erasmus Students Youth Dynamics

6 November 2019 Erasmus Students Youth Dynamics

13 November 2019 University of Cyprus, Department of French and European Studies

20 November 2019 A’ Primary School Pallouriotissas

2 December 2019 Zenon Primary School Primary School Pefkios Georgiades Nicosia

3 December 2019 Agios Kasianos/Antigonou Primary School Nicosia

4 December 2019 3rd Makedonitissas Primary School Nicosia ______

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6 December 2019 Gymnasium Agiou Vasiliou

18 December 2019 B’ Nicosia-Malounta Regional Gymnasium

19 December 2019 Gymnasium Drosias Larnaca

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Local briefings to schools, universities and organised groups

16 January 2019 Limassol Night School Gymnasium/Lyceum

23 January 2019 Lanitio Lyceum, Limassol

25 January 2019 Polemidia Lyceum, Limassol

1 February 2019 III Technical School of Limassol

1 February 2019 A’ Technical School of Limassol

8 February 2019 Kato Polemidia IE’ Primary School, Limassol

11 February 2019 Tsireio Gymnasium Lyceum, Limassol

11 February 2019 Episkopis Gymnasium, Limassol

13 February 2019 Agios Georgios Lyceum Larnaca

15 February 2019 Agia Paraskevi Gymnasium Geroskipou, Paphos

22 February 2019 Linopetra Lyceum, Limassol ______

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26 February 2019 Paralimni Gymnasium, Famagusta

28 February 2019 University of Cyprus - Department of Political Sciences, Nicosia

8 April 2019 University of Cyprus - Presentation on European Integration, Nicosia

13 May 2019 EOS Trimiklinis Primary School, Limassol

14 May 2019 Mosfiloti Primary School, Nicosia

15 May 2019 A’ Primary School Agios Athanasios - Sofias Limassol

31 May 2019 9th Primary School Kapsalou, Limassol

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The mission of the EPLO

The European Parliament has Liaison Offices (EPLOs) in the EU capitals, as well as antennae in a regionally relevant city in the most populous Member States, and further afield. In Washington it has a Liaison Office with the U.S. Congress.

EPLOs are responsible for the local implementation of institutional communication activities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that people understand the importance of the European Parliament well enough to engage in the European democratic process.

The Offices engage with citizens and stakeholders, manage contacts with national, regional and local media, and provide support to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the exercise of their official mandates in the Member States.

Engaging with citizens EPLOs engage with the local population and increase awareness about what the European Parliament is, what it does and what it stands for.

They do this by:  Building, growing and animating a network of interested citizens;  Running communication campaigns, including events and exhibitions;  Raising awareness and promoting debate about European parliamentary democracy;  Communicating about the role of the European Parliament and replying to requests for information.

Engaging with media EPLOs proactively bring EU news, debates and decisions to national, regional, local and specialised media.

They do so by:  Assisting journalists in their work and making them aware of the impact of European issues;  Organising seminars for journalists, and inviting them to cover plenary activities;  Creating media opportunities for MEPs in national, regional, local and specialised media;  Monitoring inaccuracies and misleading news about the European Parliament, and rebutting them.

Engaging with stakeholders and multipliers Stakeholders include national, regional and local authorities, civil society groups, networks, associations, teachers, schools, universities, think tanks, and sectoral organisations, EU bodies, etc. EPLOs develop and nurture relationships with

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strategic stakeholders. The goals are to engage in dialogue with them and ensure they are aware of the European Parliament’s decisions that affect them.

They do so by:  Promoting debates on European legislation and on the legislative work of Members;  Ensuring stakeholders receive targeted information about areas of specific concern to them;  Working with teachers and academic organisations and providing educational resources;  Engaging with national, regional and local authorities in the Member States.

Other tasks  Providing support to visits by MEPs having an institutional role and to official parliamentary delegations and missions;  Cooperating with the Commission Representations and the Europe Direct Information Centres.

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The staff of the Office

Andreas KETTIS Head of the Office Gina TSIORVA (until 31/5/2019) Administrative and Financial Sector Alexandra ATTALIDES Press Attaché Nektarios NICOLAIDES Public Relations and Educational Vaggelis VASILEIOU Sector Public Relations Officer Matilta LOUKAIDOU Kalliopi THOMA (from 4/11/2019) Communication and Media Sector Public Relations Officer

Our trainees of 2019: Andreas SERGIOU Gavriel EFSTRATIOU Mike DALMIRAS Antreas PANAGIOTOU Philippos IOANNOU

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Contact:

European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus House of the European Union 30 Vyronos Avenue, CY-1096 Nicosia, Cyprus

Tel: +357 22870500 E-mail: [email protected] www.europarl.europa.eu/cyprus

Published by: European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus Layout and design: Gavriel Efstratiou, Antreas Panagiotou