EPIO Annual Report

2016 Annual Report European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus Annual Report 2016

2 Contents

Contents

Foreword by the Head of the Oﬃce ...... 5

Activity Summary for 2016...... 7

Flagship Events ...... 10

Women ’s Rights and Gender Equality Conference...... :...... 10 Politico -academic conference ‘Quo Vadis Europa’ ...... 12 Televised debate of President SCHULZ with Greek Cypriot & Turkish Cypriot Youth...... 14 Celebrations for Europe Day ...... 16 European Mobility Week...... 18 Local Conference ‘Aiming at Sustainable Tourism’ ...... 20 Local Conference ‘Aiming for the Development of the Blue Economy ’...... 21 Conference on ‘The Social Dimension of the EU’ :...... 22

Multi -thematic Events...... 24

Visits from the European Parliament ...... 37

Oﬃcial visit of President Martin SCHULZ ...... 39 Visit of the Special Committee TAXE II...... 50

MEPs Working Breakfast with stakeholders ...... 52

Events for the European Parliament Prizes ...... 58

European Citizen ’s Prize...... 61 Screenings of the LUX Prize ﬁlms...... 70 Sakharov Prize ...... 72

Media Actions ...... 74

Social media ...... 82

Special focus on Youth...... 84

Special publications of the Oﬃce...... 98

Quick statistics...... 100

The role of the Oﬃce...... 102

The staﬀ of the Oﬃce ...... 103

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4 Foreword

Foreword

Dear reader,

2016 was a very active year for the European Parliament Information Oﬃce (EPIO) in Cyprus. This booklet aims to present an overview of our EPIO’s main activities for 2016 in accordance with the principles of accountability and transparency which govern the European Parliament as a whole.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the European Parliament Information Oﬃce for their valuable contribution towards the successful materialisation of our activities in 2016. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks to our stakeholders and especially to the journalists who contributed decisively in implementing and promoting our goals. It is very important for the EPIO to be in close cooperation with Cypriot journalists and the media in general as they inform Cypriot European citizens about the debates and decisions taking place at the European Parliament in both Brussels and Strasbourg.

In particular, I would like to thank the former and the current President of the House of Representatives, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the House and her colleagues 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 EPIO in Cyprus.

I would also like to extend my warmest thanks to the Minister of Education and Culture and his collaborators who facilitated our mission in presenting the importance of the institutional role of the European Parliament to thousands of pupils in primary and secondary schools across Cyprus. Our main aim has been to explain to students that the EU is primarily a peace project that safeguards fundamental human rights for all. Maintaining close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture is also vital for us in order to implement the pioneering “European Parliament Ambassador School Programme”, which for the ﬁrst time this year is being implemented in all EU Member States. For the current school year 2016-2017, this programme involves the participation of ﬁfteen Cypriot Lyceums and Technical-Vocational Schools.

Undoubtedly, it would not be possible to successfully implement the mission of our Office, without the support we receive from the Cypriot MEPs. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all six Cypriot MEPs for their significant support towards me and my colleagues at the EPIO 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 Information Oﬃce in Cyprus

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6 Activity Summary for 2016

2016 Activity Summary

15 January 2016 (Nicosia) Reception with Cypriot MEPs and journalists

16 January 2016 (Nicosia) Bicommunal Educational Conference: Develop Peace Culture

29 January 2016 (Nicosia) Presentation of the project of the Committee on Missing Persons with MEP Reimer BöGE (EPP, Germany)

08 February 2016 (Nicosia) Roundtable discussion on "Federation and the Cyprus Issue" with MEPs Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR, Cyprus), Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) and Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus)

12 February 2016 (Nicosia) Working Breakfast of MEP Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) with stakeholders on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

04 March 2016 (Nicosia) Conference on Gender Equality in Cyprus with MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus)

19 - 20 March 2016 (Paphos) Press Seminar in Droushia on “The EU: The role of the European Parliament" with MEPs Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) and Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, Cyprus)

22 and 31 March 2016 (Nicosia) A two-day conference: ‘Quo Vadis Europa’ with MEPs Gianni PITTELLA (S&D, Italy), Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR, Cyprus), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) and Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus)

29 and 30 March 2016 (Nicosia) Oﬃcial visit of the President of the European Parliament, Martin SCHULZ (S&D, Germany) to Cyprus

29 March 2016 (Nicosia) Televised Debate of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youth with the President of the European Parliament, Martin SCHULZ (S&D, Germany)

09 April 2016 (Nicosia) Diplomat and Youth gala dinner under the title "Youth participation in the process of peace building and conﬂict resolution in Cyprus"

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15 April 2016 (Nicosia) Visit of the EP Special Committee TAXE II, headed by the Chair of the Committee Alain LAMASSOURE (EPP, France) and accompanied by other Members of the Committee

20 April 2016 (Nicosia) Thematic discussion on ‘Gender Equality in Cyprus: Challenges and Expectations’ with MEP joão PIMENTA LOPES ( GUE/NGL, Portugal)

20-22 April 2016 (Nicosia) 2016 Congress of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, with video address by President of the European Parliament Martin SCHULZ (S&D, Germany)

07 May 2016 (Limassol) Celebrations for Europe Day with MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus)

20 May 2016 (Nicosia) Working Breakfast of MEP Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, Cyprus) with stakeholders on the Energy Union

29 May 2016 (Nicosia ) Supporting the Cyprus 3rd Pride Parade under the slogan “TransForm your Mind”

03 June 2016 (Nicosia) Working Breakfast of MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) with stakeholders on Banks Unfair Terms and Practices

8 July 2016 (Nicosia) Working Breakfast of MEP Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus) with stakeholders on Migration and the Refugee Crisis

17 September 2016 (Nicosia) Mobility Week with MEPs Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus), Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus) and Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus)

22 September 2016 (Ayia Napa / Protaras) Conference on "Sustainable Tourism" with MEPs Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, Cyprus) and Nikos ANDROULAkIS (S&D, Greece)

23 September 2016 (Limassol) National Award Ceremony for the European Citizen’s Prize to kolossi Lyceum with MEPs Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus), Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL, Cyprus), and Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, Cyprus)

26 - 29 September 2016 (Brussels) joint Press Seminar for Financial Editors in Brussels on the “Single Market: Tax justice and Tax Fair Competition” with all the Cypriot MEPs, in cooperation with the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus

8 Activity Summary for 2016

30 September 2016 (Nicosia) National Award Ceremony for the European Citizen’s Prize to Şener ELCİL with MEPs Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL, Cyprus), Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus), Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus) and Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR, Cyprus)

14 October 2016 (Limassol) Conference on ‘Blue Growth’ with MEPs Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR, Cyprus) and Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus)

17 - 20 October 2016 (Brussels) Press Seminar on the Future of Europe in Brussels with the President of the EP, Martin SCHULZ (S&D, Germany), Cypriot and other MEPs

01 November 2016 (Nicosia) Economist Conference with the President of the ALDE political group MEP Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, Belgium)

15, 17 and 22 November 2016 (Nicosia) Screenings of the ﬁnalist ﬁlms of the LUX Priz

18 November 2016 (Nicosia) Working Breakfast of MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) with stakeholders on EU-Turkish relations after the coup in Turkey

18 November 2016 (Nicosia) Educational Seminar for Turkish Cypriot teachers (kTöS) on "Train the trainers on EU matters" at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (kTTO) in Nicosia with MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus)

05 December 2016 (Nicosia) - Conference on ‘The Social Dimension of the EU’ with MEPs Manolis kEFALOGIANNIS (EPP, Greece), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) and Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL, Cyprus)

- Oﬃcial dinner in honour of the President of the E.E.S.C. Giorgos DASSIS, with keynote speech by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos ANASTASIADES

19 December 2016 (Nicosia) Teachers’ seminar marking launch of the “European Parliament Ambassador School Programme” with MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus)

19 December 2016 (Nicosia) End of the Year Reception with Cypriot MEPs, journalists and stakeholders: review of activities in 2016 and presentation of the Oﬃce priorities for 2017

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Flagship [ events ]

The President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis OMIROU noted Women’s Rights & Gender that while women make up 50% of Equality: Conference the population of the European Union (EU), they are still under-represented in politics, economy, public life and decision-making. 04 March 2016

A high level conference entitled “Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: Experiences and Lessons from the Northern-European Model” was co-organised on 4 March 2016 by the EPIO and the House of Representatives in Cyprus. The conference was held to mark International Women’s Day and was supported by the Embassies of the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland in Cyprus.

MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) spoke via video message about the European Parliament’s (EP) decision to dedicate the 2016 International Women's Day to women refugees. This was followed by experts and oﬃcials from Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden sharing good practices and explaining how they have achieved high levels of gender equality in their respective countries.

Foreign Minister of Sweden Margot WALLSTRöM sent a special video message s u

encouraging the Cypriot Parliament and civil r p y

society to strive for greater gender equality C n on the island. i O I P E

Representatives and leaders of Cypriot / n a i political parties explained what they have l a

done till now concerning this issue and M h a

discussed ways to empower women in r a S Cyprus politics. © 10 Flagship events s u r p y C n i O I P E

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‘Quo Vadis Europa’ Conference

22 and 31 March 2016

The European Parliament Information Oﬃce The second part of the conference took place (EPIO) in Cyprus and the University of Cyprus on 31 March and tackled the pressing (jean Monnet Chair 2001) co-organised a problems the EU is currently facing such as: two-day (22 and 31 March) politico-academic a) the policy of the EU towards its Southern conference in Nicosia entitled ‘Quo Vadis Neighbourhood and Europa’. The Conference took place on the b) developments in the Banking Union. campus of the University of Cyprus and was attended by students and academics as well Three Cypriot MEPs were on the panel - as civil society, political stakeholders, Costas MAVRIDES (S&D), Demetris PAPADAkIS diplomats and non-governmental (S&D), and Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR). organisations. Government Spokesperson Nikos The conference was held under the aegis CHRISTODOULIDES, former Minister of of the President of the House of Finance Michalis SARRIS and three academics Representatives Yiannakis OMIROU who from the University of Cyprus also addressed addressed the inaugural session on 22 March. the conference.

The keynote speaker of the inaugural conference was S&D leader and MEP Gianni PITTELLA (S&D, Italy). The conference was opened by the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Constantinos CHRISTOFIDES and MEPs Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) and Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D, Cyprus) participated. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Televised debate of President Martin SCHULZ with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youth

29 March 2016

As part of his oﬃcial visit to Cyprus, the President SCHULZ was asked many tough President of the European Parliament Martin questions and he was impressed by the SCHULZ took part in a television debate depth and complexity of the questions posed organised by the EPIO in Cyprus at the to him by the young people on a number of Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC - current issues which aﬀect not only youth in RIk), with the participation of 20 Greek Cyprus but all European citizens. Cypriot and 20 Turkish Cypriot youth. The programme of the debate was aired During the open discussion the youth had simultaneously on CyBC 1 in Greek and on the opportunity to raise a number of CyBC 2 in Turkish. It was also aired on the questions to President SCHULZ . Asked about Turkish Cypriot television channel SIM and youth unemployment, the EP President said it received extensive coverage in the media it is a scandal, noting that Europe is the as a whole. The video of the debate can be richest continent in the world but the wealth viewed online here: http://bit.ly/2koQ0ix is not equally distributed. He added that the EU he envisioned is based on coexistence, cooperation and mutual respect. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Cyprus celebrates Europe Day in Limassol

07 May 2016

The European Parliament Information Office Information stands on EU funding, in Cyprus, the Representation of the employment and education programmes European Commission in Cyprus, the Press were available to offer information to the and Information Office and Limassol general public. Municipality worked together to combine knowledge and entertainment during the Furthermore, Embassies of EU Member celebration of Europe Day on 07 May 2016 States offered information on their countries under the title "know Europe. Live Europe". as well as samples of traditional food and drink. The event included a charity bazaar, In 2016 Europe Day was celebrated at the music, dance and other performances, a Limassol Multifunctional Seaside Park kids’ corner with fun activities, a live radio (Molos) and was considered one of our most program by ‘kanali 6’ and many other successful Europe Day celebrations so far as surprises. The Cyprus News Agency was the an estimated 4,000 people participated. communication sponsor of the event. MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) attended the event and spoke on the live radio link. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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European Mobility Week

September 2016

The EPIO, the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, the Municipalities of Greater Nicosia, the Department of Environment (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment), the Embassy of the kingdom of the Netherlands and the Cyprus Cycling Federation organised a successful interactive fair in Nicosia’s Ledra Street, along with a bike tour that started from the centre of Nicosia.

The event took place under the banner of “Smart and sustainable mobility - an investment for Europe” and took place on the 17 September 2016.

Apart from the information and public relations material that was disseminated during the event, there was also a live link by popular radio channel Love FM and free sweet treats for the public.

Cypriot MEPs Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D), Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) and the Head of the EPIO in Cyprus Andreas kETTIS were interviewed and conveyed the aim and message of European Mobility Week and its importance for sustainable urban development in Cyprus.

As part of European Mobility Week, a trilingual online survey competition ran on our social media channels in English, Turkish s u

and Greek for the two weeks prior to the r p y

event. Its aim was to inform the public about C n smart mobility. Almost 2,000 people took i O I

part in the competition and entered a draw P E

for bicycles and bicycle equipment. The / n a i winners were given their prizes on the day of l a

the main event. M h a r a S

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Local Conference: ‘A iming at Sustainable Tourism’

22 September 2016

The EPIO Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism MEP Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, Cyprus) Organisation (CTO) and the Open University and MEP Nikos ANDROULAkIS (S&D, Greece) of Cyprus co-organised a conference in the were among the key speakers and presented popular tourist destination of Ayia Napa / their own perspective on the importance of Protaras on 22 September with the title sustainable development of the tourism ‘Aiming at Sustainable Tourism’. industry for EU Member States such as Greece and Cyprus, which have a large The Minister of Energy, Trade, Industry and tourism market. They also pointed out the Tourism Yiorgos LAkkOTRYPIS, under whose importance the European Parliament places aegis the conference was held, spoke at the on sustainable tourism in the EU. event and said tourism is a central pillar of economic development, contributing The event was supported by local signiﬁcantly to the country’s GDP and municipalities, the Oﬃce of the Environment attracting investment. Commissioner and Cyprus’ Association of Environmental Scientists and Engineers. He added that the government aims to improve the competitiveness of Cyprus’ tourist product through coordinated action between the public and private sectors. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Local conference: ‘Aiming for the Development of the Blue Economy’

14 October 2016

The EPIO in Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) organised a conference on 14 October 2016 under the title ‘Aiming for the Development of the Blue Economy’.

Addressing the event, the Head of the EPIO Andreas kETTIS emphasised that Cyprus and other EU Member States can only proﬁt from such a strategic investment, which has multiple economic, social, environmental and political beneﬁts.

Cypriot MEPs Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR) and Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D) were key speakers at the event and gave their own political perspective on the importance of developing the Blue Economy at the pan- European level and in Cyprus both through public and private investment.

The event was held under the auspices of Cyprus’ Transport Minister Marios DEMETRIADES who stressed in his speech that the Cyprus government is investing in eﬀorts to expand the Blue Economy in Cyprus, an island member state of the EU.

Andreas CHRISTOU , the Mayor of Limassol, and Andreas ANAYIOTOS, the Rector of the Cyprus University of Technology also s u r addressed the conference, highlighting the p y

C potential of the city of Limassol in pursuing n i Blue Growth actions in the immediate O I

P future. E

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Conference with the E.E.S.C. President on ’The Social Dimension of the EU’.

05 December 2016

The European Parliament Information Oﬃce After the conference, a dinner was held in in Cyprus in cooperation with the honour of the President of the E.E.S.C., Representation of the European Commission Giorgos DASSIS . President of the Republic of in Cyprus and the European Economic and Cyprus Nicos ANASTASIADES attended the Social Committee (E.E.S.C.), organised a event and gave a keynote speech in which he conference on 05 December 2016, entitled outlined the priorities of the government’s ‘The Social Dimension of the EU’. social policy.

The Minister of Labour Zeta EMILIANIDOU, The dinner was attended by various the President of the E.E.S.C., Giorgos DASSIS stakeholders such as Trade Unions, the and MEPs Manolis kEFALOGIANNIS (EPP, Minister of Labour, Members of the House of Greece), Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) and Representatives who participate in the Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) were Committee on Labour and Social Insurance, among the key speakers. the Employers’ Association and NGOs working on social matters. After interventions by the Minister, the MEPs, the President of the E.E.S.C. and President ANASTASIADES also voiced his members of the Cypriot delegation of the support for the initiative of the President of E.E.S.C., a high-level and fruitful discussion the European Commission , jean -Claude took place with the audience, comprised jUNCkER in forming a Social Pillar for the EU. mainly of leading ﬁgures of Cyprus’ social partners. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Multi-thematic []events

Overview of 2015 event: Priorities for 2016

15 January 2016

A very successful event was organised by the EPIO in Cyprus on the overview of the work of the EPIO Nicosia for 2015 and the EPIO's planned activities and priorities for 2016. The event, which took place on 15 january 2016 at EU House, was attended by Government Spokesperson Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES and two Cypriot MEPs, Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR) and Neoklis

SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL). s u r p y During their opening speeches both MEPs C n i

referred to the challenges ahead for the O I P E

European Parliament and their aims for /

2016. Mr. CHRISTODOULIDES also n a i l

congratulated the EPIO for the activities a M

organised in 2015. h a r a S The Head of the Oﬃce Andreas kETTIS © stressed that the EPIO tries to organise multi-dimensional activities with the active participation of MEPs. The EPIO also makes great eﬀorts to inform Cypriot citizens about the happenings in the European Parliament and about European matters more broadly. The event was attended by political party representatives, NGOs, journalists and academics.

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Bicommunal Educational Conference: ‘Develop Peace Culture’

16 January 2016

The EPIO in cooperation with the European ETUCE President Christine BLOWER was Trade Union Committee for Education the keynote speaker while joanna (ETUCE) member organisations in Cyprus - HUGHES , Professor at Belfast University, POED, kTöS, kTOEöS, OLTEk and DAÜ-SEN - presented the Northern Ireland example organised a Bicommunal Educational of ‘shared education’. During the plenary Conference entitled “Develop Peace Culture – sessions participants discussed the The role of Education”. The conference took general situation in Cyprus and expressed place on 16 january 2016, in the Nicosia their strong desire for peace. Buffer Zone. In his address the Head of the EPIO The conference was held under the auspices Andreas kETTIS congratulated the Unions of the European Trade Union Committee for and referred to a message from President Education and was aimed at Council SCHULZ that the European Parliament Members of the Unions. 100 unionist wholeheartedly supports the negotiation teachers attended the conference. process for the reunification of Cyprus It was the first time in the history of the being held under the auspices of the Teachers’ Unions that such an action was United Nations. undertaken.

This was a signiﬁcant opportunity for teachers from both communities to meet together, express their views, and concerns about the past and present of Cyprus, but primarily about its future, and to express their joint desire for a peaceful future for the two communities of Cyprus . s u r p y C n i O I P E

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The Committee on Missing Persons: Prospects and the EP’ s Role

29 January 2016

The EPIO in cooperation with the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) organised a discussion entitled ‘Committee on Missing Persons: Prospects and the European Parliament’s role’, which took place at EU House on 29 january 2016.

During a video message, MEP Reimer BöGE (EPP, Germany) stressed the pivotal role of the European Parliament in the budgeting of the CMP, underlining that the function of the CMP is of great importance for reconciliation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and acts as a contributing factor towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The discussion was opened by the Head of the EPIO Andreas kETTIS who referred to a 2015 resolution by the European Parliament providing that the EP will continue to support the work of the CMP, both politically and morally, as well as through funding.

The three Members of the CMP and the two leaders of the scientiﬁc teams of the CMP elaborated on the remaining work of the s

Committee, as well as analysing the u r p

diﬃculties and challenges that lie ahead. y C n i O The event was attended by many I P E

Ambassadors and other members of the / n

diplomatic community serving in Cyprus, as a i l well as citizens from both communities, and a M

family members of missing persons. h a r a S

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‘Federation and the Cyprus Issue’

08 February 2016

The EPIO organised a roundtable discussion at EU House on "Federation and the Cyprus Issue" with the participation of Cypriot MEPs Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR), Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D) and Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) and Professors Niyazi kIZILYÜREk and Achilleas EMILIANIDES.

The event was well-attended and the audience posed a plethora of questions to the MEPs as well as to the academics, demonstrating the widespread interest of civil society in the concept and form a federal solution to the Cyprus problem would take. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Online campaign for International Women’s Day

March 2016

For International Women's Day 2016 the We also commissioned the creation of a EPIO in Cyprus decided to focus on this short film entitled ‘A Home Lost: Women year's theme - women refugees - and run Refugees in Cyprus’ featuring the voices of an online campaign closely aligning the Cypriot internally-displaced women and theme with the Cyprus experience of international refugees, all based in Cyprus. displacement. Issues tackled in the film were ‘what does In this way we aimed to stimulate debate, home mean to you’ and ‘what is different and act as a reminder to Cypriots that they about the experience of a female refugee’. were once in a similar position, fleeing Displaced persons or refugees interviewed conflict, and not to forget the importance included two Greek Cypriot and two of being compassionate and hospitable Turkish Cypriot women, an Iranian woman towards those seeking shelter. and a Syrian woman. The film also included subtitles in English, Greek and We sourced archive photos of Cypriot Turkish in order to be as inclusive as women in camps for internally-displaced possible to a local audience. people in 1974 and 1975, in collaboration with the government’s Press and The film can be seen online here : Information Office who gave us kind https://youtu.be/ ksuSVf 5zjnQ permission to use the images.

These images were used to create a gallery of ‘diptych’ images, mirroring present day refugee photos from Europe taken by photographer Marie DORIGNY alongside the archive photographs from Cyprus. The diptychs were shared on social media.

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First Diplomats and Youth Gala

09 April 2016

The first Diplomat and Youth gala dinner UN officials also attended the event, as well took place on 09 April, in the United Nations as Cypriot diplomats, including ex-Foreign buffer zone of Nicosia, under the title ‘Youth Minister Erato kOZAkOU-MARCOULLIS and participation in the process of peace building the former Foreign Minister Markos and conflict resolution in Cyprus’. kYPRIANOU, as well as former European Commissioner Androulla VASSILIOU , who The dinner was jointly organised by the EPIO was also the keynote speaker. in Cyprus and the UN Youth and Student Association of Cyprus. The Head of the EPIO in Cyprus Andreas kETTIS also addressed the event and This bicommunal event was the first outlined the importance the European gathering of diplomats and youth in Cyprus, Parliament places on parliamentary giving the opportunity to Turkish Cypriot and diplomacy. He also spoke about the Greek Cypriot youth to share their views with increased role the European Parliament Ambassadors and Diplomats from France, plays within the institutional decision- the United kingdom, Germany, China, the making triangle of the EU, particularly since United States of America, Ireland, Spain, Italy, the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. Egypt, Palestine, Australia and India. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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2016 Congress of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions

20-22 April 2016

The EPIO in Cyprus, the Ministry of the Interior, the Bank of Cyprus and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation were sponsors of the s u

Council of European Municipalities and r p Regions Congress for 2016, that was held in y C n Nicosia between 20-22 April. i O I P E

During the three days of the Congress the / n a i

EPIO had its own kiosk distributing l a

informative material and Andreas kETTIS, M h

Head of the EPIO in Cyprus delivered a a r a S speech on EU architecture and local governments. ©

He spoke of the importance the European European Parliament President Martin Parliament places on the role of local SCHULZ addressed the oﬃcial opening part authorities and how they can help national of the conference via video message. administration at the local level.

In a televised message, MEP joão PIMENTA Gender Equality in Cyprus: LOPES (GUE/NGL) stressed that women were aﬀected more by the economic crisis and Obstacles and Prospects austerity measures, arguing that the EU is not working sincerely to tackle inequalities. 20 April 2016 The event was also addressed by members of the political parties AkEL and CTP. The EPIO Cyprus, the Women’s Movement POGO and the Women’s Organisation of the Turkish Cypriot CTP party, organised a debate on 20 April entitled ‘Equality in Cyprus: Obstacles and Prospects’, which was

held at the EU House in Nicosia. s u r p y Addressing the event, EPIO Head Andreas C n i

kETTIS noted that despite EU guidelines on O I P E

gender equality, the situation in many EU /

Member States, including Cyprus, is far from n a i l ideal. a M h a r a S

Supporting the Cyprus Pride

29 May 2016

Cyprus’ third annual LGBT Pride Parade took The event was a resounding success, proving, place on Sunday 29 May 2016 in Nicosia according to the organisers, that “Cypriot under the slogan “TransForm your Mind.” society and the leadership of Cypriot political parties supported the event en masse and Once again, the EPIO in Cyprus and the defended the right of every citizen, and in Representation of the European Commission particular transgender people, to live free of in Cyprus were key supporters of the event. prejudice or exclusion”.

According to the organisers, Accept-LGBT Speaking to the media at the event, Press Cyprus, the 2016 event aimed at Attaché of the EPIO in Cyprus Alexandra encouraging everyone to free their mind of ATTALIDES emphasised that human rights all prejudice while stressing the need to are non-negotiable and unconditional. legally recognise gender identity. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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‘The Economist’ Summit with Guy VERHOFSTADT

01 November 2016

The 12th Cyprus Summit of The Economist VERHOFSTADT also called for a “proper” magazine, entitled ‘Europe in peril, Cyprus in refugee resettlement system, suggesting that play’, was organised in Nicosia in the EU Blue Card needs to be reformed. cooperation with the EPIO Cyprus. A number of officials from the EU and Cyprus He further noted it was “high time to build a addressed the conference, including MEP European Security Strategy”, and called for a and President of the ALDE Group Guy total overhaul of the EU. The MEP also VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, Belgium) whose expressed his support for the efforts of the speech focused on the “multiple crises” President of Cyprus to reunify Cyprus and facing the EU. praised Cyprus’ efforts to overcome the economic crisis. Commenting on recent claims by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip ERDOğAN, over Greek islands, VERHOFSTADT noted that it is outrageous to question the Lausanne Treaty, and argued that the EU-Turkey agreement is only a temporary solution to the migration crisis.

He claimed a true European policy is required for the protection of the external borders of the EU and that the Border and Coast Guard alone is not enough.

34 Multi -thematic Events

MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL, Cyprus) talked about the EU, the role of an KTÖS: Training the MEP, and the importance of the EP. He also Trainers had a fruitful discussion with the teachers about ongoing developments on the Cyprus issue and prospects for reuniﬁcation of the island. He emphasised the crucial role that 18 November 2016 education plays in bringing people together and the role it would play in a future federal The EPIO in cooperation with the Turkish educational system. Cypriot Teachers Union (kTöS), organised an information/training session aimed at All the teachers received copies of the elementary school teachers, which took booklet as well as an electronic storage place at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of device containing the presentation, relevant Commerce. information and online resources.

The EPIO has published a kids’ Activity Booklet on EU matters in Turkish and created a visual presentation to accompany it which aims to present the EU and the EP to elementary schools in an interactive way.

The training started with a short speech by Andreas kETTIS, Head of the EPIO in Cyprus, in which he emphasised the importance of getting in touch with the EU and EP from a young age. He also added that one of the priorities of the EPIO in Cyprus was to deepen cooperation with Turkish Cypriot teachers and students. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Presenting our Priorities for 2017

19 December 2016

The EPIO in Cyprus organised an end-of- the-year event on 19 December in Nicosia in order to honour the state institutions, NGOs, journalists, and other stakeholders, with which the Oﬃce collaborated throughout 2016 for the organisation of events, workshops and conferences. Furthermore, reference was made to the priorities of the EPIO and the events that will take place in 2017.

The Head of the Oﬃce, Andreas kETTIS, thanked everyone who had participated in the implementation of the EPIO’s actions in 2016.

Reference was made to the very strong collaboration with the House of Representatives, the Ministry of Education and Culture, as well as the close cooperation with journalists who act as catalysts for the transfer of information about the European Parliament to Cypriot EU citizens.

The event was attended by Ambassadors of EU Member States, the Government Spokesperson Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES and MEP Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR, Cyprus ).

Also in attendance were members of the House of Representatives, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Education and s

Culture, journalists, civil society and u r p

representatives of institutions both public y C n

and private, with which the EPIO had i O developed joint actions in 2016. I P E

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36 Delegations from the EP

Delegations [ from the EP ]

The European Parliament Information Oﬃce has a role in accompanying oﬃcial delegations from the European Parliament to Cyprus. For example, when parliamentary committees, delegations for relations with third countries, rapporteurs or the President of the Parliament come to visit. Rapporteurs are MEPs with a mandate from the European Parliament to negotiate European legislation with Member States.

In 2016 the President of the European Parliament, Martin SCHULZ had an oﬃcial visit to Cyprus and the TAXE II Committee held a working visit to Cyprus on the issue of ‘tax rulings’.

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Oﬃcial visit of [ Martin Schulz ] *29-30 March 2016 s u r p y C n i O I P E

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38 Official visit of President Schulz

The President of the European Parliament, Martin SCHULZ paid an oﬃcial visit to Cyprus following an invitation by Yiannakis OMIROU, President of the House of Representatives. President SCHULZ ﬁrst met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos ANASTASIADES at the Presidential Palace on the 29 March 2016.

This was followed by a bilateral meeting with the President of the House of Representatives, after which he addressed the plenary of the House. In the afternoon President SCHULZ visited the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) followed by a joint meeting with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political party leaders in the UN buﬀer zone.

The EP President also met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa AkINCI in northern Nicosia and took part in a televised debate on pressing EU issues with the participation of 40 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youth activists. The day ended with an oﬃcial dinner in his honour at the Presidential Palace.

On 30 March, prior to his departure from the island, President SCHULZ had a working breakfast with Espen Barth EIDE, UNSG Special Adviser on Cyprus where he was briefed regarding the latest developments in the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem and perspectives for reuniﬁcation of the island.

39 Annual Report 2016

President Schulz meets President of cyprus Nicos ANASTASIADES at the Presidential Palace

An oﬃcial welcoming ceremony reserved for Heads of State was organised at the Presidential Palace where the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos ANASTASIADES welcomed President Martin SCHULZ.

Following the bilateral meeting, President SCHULZ emphasised that a solution to the Cyprus problem would be an indication of hope and courage and a sign of the stabilising role Cyprus can play in the wider region.

President ANASTASIADES underlined that the visit of President SCHULZ to Cyprus was of utmost importance. He briefed President SCHULZ on the current developments in the Cyprus problem and thanked the President for his support in eﬀorts to resolve it, adding that they both agreed that this is a European problem and that any solution must be in line with European values and principles.

President ANASTASIADES also said that it is time for Turkey to respond to its EU-related obligations vis-à-vis Cyprus and underlined that the contribution of the European Parliament in this regard was particularly important. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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40 Official visit of President Schulz

President Schulz addressed the house of Representatives in a formal sitting

After the meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, President SCHULZ visited the House of Representatives in Nicosia, where he met with Yiannakis OMIROU, President of the House of Representatives before addressing the House of Representatives of Cyprus in a formal sitting.

Speaking before the plenary of the House , President SCHULZ said that without Cyprus, Europe would not be complete - and it will only be properly complete once an undivided Cyprus is a member of the EU. He also stressed that the reuniﬁcation of the island is now a realistic possibility and that this historic opportunity must be seized.

He added that obstacles still remain and that all sides must make compromises if a solution is to be reached. The EP President went on to congratulate Cypriots for exiting the economic adjustment programme. Furthermore, he underlined that we need a stronger Europe, adding that both the EU and its institutions are in a deep crisis.

President SCHULZ also made special mention of the rise of far-right groups in many EU countries and pointed out that the EU is not only battling with a refugee crisis, but also a terrorist threat, high unemployment rates and diﬃcult relations with Russia on Ukraine.

An oﬃcial luncheon in honour of the President of the European Parliament followed, hosted by the President of the House of Representatives and with the participation of party leaders. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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41 Annual Report 2016

Meeting with Mustafa AKINcI, leader of the Turkish cypriot community

The meeting of the President of the EP with Mustafa AkINCI, Leader of the Turkish Cypriot community took place at his oﬃce in the northern part of Nicosia.

EP President, Martin SCHULZ reiterated to the Turkish Cypriot Leader that the European Parliament fully supports the eﬀorts to resolve the Cyprus problem and that the EU institutions and the EP President will continue to support all eﬀorts under the aegis of the United Nations to resolve the Cyprus problem.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa AkINCI thanked President SCHULZ for his continuous support of the reuniﬁcation talks noting that the EP President is someone who knows well the Cyprus problem and wholeheartedly supports its solution. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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42 Official visit of President Schulz

Visit to the anthropological laboratory of the committee on Missing Persons (cMP)

Another highlight of the official visit of the President was his visit to the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in the area of the old Nicosia airport in the UN Buffer Zone. At the meeting, which took place on the 29 March, President SCHULZ met with the scientific team of the CMP, as well as its three Members.

The EP President was moved by the work of the bicommunal team of scientists, praised the work of the CMP and expressed his continuous support. He underlined that the CMP's contribution to restoring peace is remarkable and that it contributes to the building of trust between the two communities and consequently is an act of reconciliation.

Speaking to the press in the grounds of the CMP laboratory, having been briefed about the Committee’s work, President SCHULZ described the work of the CMP as extremely valuable from a scientiﬁc, political and humanitarian point of view and he invited the Members of the CMP to visit Brussels and present their work through a relevant photobook exhibition.

The event subsequently took place under the auspices of President SCHULZ and EC President jean-Claude jUNCkER at the premises of the European Parliament in Brussels on 11 October

2016.

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45 Annual Report 2016

Meeting with the leaders of Greek cypriot and Turkish cypriot political parties in the context of the Initiative of the Slovak Embassy

An Extraordinary meeting of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties took place at Ledra Palace in the UN Buﬀer Zone. These meetings of the political parties take place periodically and fall within the established initiative of the Slovak Embassy.

H.E. Oksana TOMOVA , Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Cyprus thanked the EP President for joining the meeting, while the leaders or representatives of the political parties used the opportunity to discuss with President SCHULZ issues related to the future of Cyprus as well as raising questions on current EU challenges. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Working breakfast with Espen Barth EIDE, the uN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on cyprus

Before departing from Cyprus on 30 March, President SCHULZ had a very interesting working breakfast with Espen Barth EIDE , UNSG Special Adviser on Cyprus, who thoroughly briefed the President about the state of play in the negotiations to reunify the island.

Mr EIDE underlined that a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus question is both feasible and doable and that the sought after settlement will be in line with the EU acquis and EU values and principles.

Following his meeting with Espen Barth EIDE President SCHULZ maintained that "there is now the possibility for a historical step forward noting that the EP is ready to support the process of reuniﬁcation with all means at its disposal, including budgetary means whenever necessary.” s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Media coverage of President Schulz’ oﬃcial visit

The Oﬃcial visit of the EP President to Cyprus generated an unprecedented amount of coverage by media outlets in Cyprus.

A week before the visit, the media reported on the upcoming visit, and the Cyprus News Agency aired an interview with the President. The visit itself was also covered extensively on main news broadcasts. Most of the media mentions focused on President SCHULZ’ call to all sides to “grasp the opportunity for a solution of the Cyprus problem”, expressing his full-ﬂedged support to the negotiation process.

There were more than 240 media reports of the visit:

TV: 25 references - 18 on the main news bulletin Radio: 20 Print: 38 Online media: 160.

Social media coverage of the EP President’s visit

The potential reach of our tweets featuring the hashtag #SchulzCY was 2.7 million people.

Facebook Total number of posts: 12 Facebook Impressions: 21,322 Likes, Comments, Shares: 364 Facebook Clicks on Posts: 1,450 Total engagements: 1,814 Facebook Engagement Rate: 8.5%

Twitter Number of Tweets: 101 Potential Reach: 2,733,895 Twitter Impressions: 79,884 Twitter Engagements: 1,066 Twitter Engagement Rate: 1.3%

48 Official visit of President Schulz

The ‘ﬁrsts ’ of President SCHULZ ’ visit

The oﬃcial visit of President SCHULZ to Cyprus can be considered very successful by all means. The President had a very substantial and highly political programme. He met with all political actors on the island and left with a clear understanding of the state of play of the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

It has to be underlined that the oﬃcial visit of the President to Cyprus had three unique aspects’. No other President of an EU Institution has ever had the opportunity during a visit to Cyprus to:

1. Have a televised debate with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youth on the prospects of Cyprus' reuniﬁcation and on pressing issues facing the EU;

2. Visit the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP);

3. Have a joint meeting and interactive discussion on the Cyprus question with the leaders/representatives of all Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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TAXE II Delegation Visit

15 April 2016

The visit to Cyprus of the delegation of the Coverage was also given of his reference EP Special Committee TAXE II regarding ‘tax to the plan for a common tax base until rulings’ and other related matters received the end of 2016 that will ensure healthy extensive and factual coverage by all types of competition among EU Member States. media. The meetings generated great interest and were covered by all public and Cypriot MEPs Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU private TV stations. (EPP) and Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) were also part of the TAXE II delegation visit At the end of the visit the coverage focused to Cyprus. on the press conference statements by the Chair of the Committee MEP Alain LAMASSOURE (EPP, France).

In his statement LAMASSOURE underlined that Cyprus has made some progress in transparency and tax matters but that more still remains to be done. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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51 Annual Report 2016

MEPs Working Breakfast [with stakeholders ]

Transatlantic Trade and Neoklis SYLIKIOTIS Investment Partnership (GUE/NGL) (TTIP) 12 February 2016

On 12 February 2016 the EPIO in Cyprus organised a Working Breakfast of MEP Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL) with stakeholders from the public and private sector on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

MEP SYLIkIOTIS said that the TTIP is not a typical trade agreement but a Trojan horse, built to ensure that no restrictions are left for multinational corporations and giving them free rein on both sides of the Atlantic. s u r p

The MEP added that the agreement was y C n

pushed through via non-transparent and i O anti-democratic procedures, with meetings I P E

held behind closed doors. MEP SYLIkIOTIS / u o

argued that the TTIP will lead to massive job i e l i

losses and allow companies to run s a V unchecked by the governments. s o l e g n a v E

52 Breakfast with MEPs

Energy Union Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU and Cyprus (EPP) 20 May 2016

12 February 2016 On 20 May 2016 the EPIO Cyprus organised a Working Breakfast of MEP Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP) with stakeholders from the public and private sector focusing on the importance of the EU’s Energy Union.

MEP CHRISTOFOROU underlined the importance and the role that the triangle of Israel - Cyprus - Greece can play in the development of an Energy Union in the EU, and in freeing the EU from energy dependence from certain energy sources. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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53 Annual Report 2016

Unfair banking terms Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) and practices 03 June 2016

On 03 june 2016 the EPIO organised a Working Breakfast of MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D) with stakeholders, under the title ‘Implementation of Council Directive on Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts’. The stakeholders present included organised bodies involved in the ﬁnancial sector and consumer protection.

MEP MAVRIDES explained that he had been interested in the topic of unfair banking terms since living in the USA. He noted that

even though the European Directive of 1993 s u r

was incorporated into Cyprus National Law in p y

1996, it has not been completely C n implemented. i O I P E

The MEP added that this Directive ensures n a i l

that banks are not able to exercise power a

over consumers. After research he himself M h a had conducted in Brussels, he found out that r a S this Directive has been systematically and © chronically violated in Cyprus.

54 Breakfast with MEPs

EU Policy on refugees Demetris PAPADAKIS and migration (S&D) 08 July 2016

On 08 july 2016 a Working Breakfast was The MEP also mentioned the phenomenon held of MEP Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D) with of racism and xenophobia in EU Member stakeholders to discuss EU policy on States which has become more evident migration and the refugee issue. recently. The stakeholders and the MEP had a fruitful exchange of views and in -depth MEP PAPADAkIS addressed the weaknesses discussion around 1th2e Fisesubers uraaisreyd . 2016 he perceives in the EU in relation to eﬀective management of the migration issue and actions he proposes should be taken in the future.

The MEP explained that most EU Member States did not initially grasp the size of the problem which resulted in the system’s failures emerging starkly once the migration crisis peaked. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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55 Annual Report 2016

EU- Turkey relationship Takis HADJIGEORGIOU after the coup in July (GUE/NGL ) 18 November 2016

The EPIO organised a Working Breakfast on 18 November 2016 at EU House of MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/ NGL) with stakeholders, during which EU-Turkey relations were discussed. In addition, the recent developments in Turkey since the failed coup attempt were analysed, along with changes in the dynamic between the EU and Turkey.

MEP HADjIGEORGIOU had the opportunity to relay the discussions happening within the EP Delegation to the EU-Turkey joint Parliamentary Committee, of which he is s

Vice-Chair and his experiences on a recent u r p

trip to Turkey. This was followed by a lengthy y C

discussion and dialogue with experts and n i O

academics on the issue. I P E

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57 Annual Report 2016

The Prizes [ of the EP ]

The European Citizen’s Prize

For the promotion of European values

Since 2008 the Parliament awards the European Citizen’s Prize every year to projects and initiatives that facilitate cross- border cooperation or promote mutual understanding within the EU. The prize, which has symbolic value, is also intended to acknowledge the work of those who through their day-to-day activities promote European values.

Every MEP has the right to nominate one person or organisation for the prize. MEPs from each country then shortlist their national candidates and the jury in Brussels makes the ﬁnal selection.

58 Prizes of the European Parliament

The LUX Prize

Celebrating European cinema

Every year the European Parliament rolls out the red carpet to reward authentic European cinema. The LUX Prize not only honours some of the best European films, but also In order for as many Europeans as helps to promote them. possible to discover the three Lux Prize finalists, the films are subtitled into the It is a tool to support European cinema, to 24 official EU languages and shown at spark debate on current political and social cinemas all over Europe from October to issues and also a way to reflect on European December. These screenings are known identity and values. as the LUX Film Days.

The European Parliament also supports human rights through the annual The Sakharov Prize Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, established in 1988.

For Freedom of The prize is awarded to individuals who Thought have made an exceptional contribution to the ﬁght for human rights across the globe, drawing attention to human rights The respect for human rights is one of the violations as well as supporting the European Union's fundamental values. Any laureates and their cause. violation of these rights aﬀects the democratic principles upon which our society is founded, whether they take place within or outside the EU.

The European Parliament ﬁghts such violations through legislative action, including election observation, monthly human rights debates in Strasbourg and by enshrining human rights in its external trade agreements.

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60 European Citizen ’s Prize

European [citizen’s Prize ]

Two European Citizen’ s Prize for Cyprus in 2016

In 2016 there were two proposals from the The Chancellery carefully examined the Cypriot MEPs for the Citizen's Prize. MEPs arguments and agreed that both Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL) and Takis nominations should receive the Citizen's HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) proposed the Prize. Hence, the European Parliament District Lyceum of Apostolos Loukas in Information Oﬃce in Cyprus organised kolossi for their art installation entitled two ceremonies for the 2016 Citizen’s ‘Migrants’, which depicts the struggle of Prize, one which took place in Limassol on migrants and underlines the need for 23 September at the premises of the building up a new Europe focused on school and one at EU House in Nicosia on solidarity. 30 September.

On the other hand MEP Demetris PAPADAkIS Both of the events were undoubtably (S&D) proposed Şener ELCIL, a Turkish successful and very well attended, both at Cypriot teacher and President of the Turkish the political level as well as at the Cypriot Teachers’ Union (kTöS) for his stakeholders’ level. continuous eﬀorts for development of mutual understanding and peace, and for The two national award ceremonies his strong advocacy for free, quality received extensive and thorough coverage education. by the media in Cyprus, featuring in the prime news bulletins of the national TV All Cypriot MEPs unanimously agreed that stations. both nominations deserved the Citizen's Prize, which they then proposed to the Citizen’s Prize Chancellery.

61 Annual Report 2016

Citizen’s [Prize I ]

Lyceum of Apostolos Louka in Kolossi

23 September 2016

The ﬁrst ceremony took place at the The Minister of Education and Culture, premises of the Lyceum of Apostolos Louka Costas kADIS congratulated all the in kolossi, Limassol District on 23 September. teachers and the students and referred to The entire school (650 students and around the issue of migration in schools and in 80 teachers) attended the ceremony and society and the solidarity that we all need many of the students and teachers were also to demonstrate. involved in the music/dance programme and the setup of the ceremony. Apart from the medal that was presented to the school principal, a certiﬁcate was MEPs Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP ), Neoklis given by the MEPs and the Minister of SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL) and Takis Education and Culture to all the 40 HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) congratulated students who created the work of art, and the school, the teacher and the students and to their art teacher Popi NICOLAOU, who highlighted the importance of the prize for helped in the creation of the art Cyprus and for them. They also referred to installation. the problems faced by migrants as well as the EP’s approach towards migrants and refugees.

The Head of the EPIO, Andreas kETTIS, talked about the Citizen’s Prize from an historical point of view, its importance and the values it represents.

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Citizen’s [Prize II ]

Şener Elcil

30 September 2016

The ceremony in honour of Şener ELCİL took An estimated 70 attendees from both place on 30 September at EU House. An communities attended the event. Among the exhibition with pictures and informative text VIPs present at the event were two former about the Citizen’s Prize in general as well as Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus, the former Cypriot winners was on display at Demetris CHRISTOFIAS and George the event. VASSILIOU , former European Commissioner Androulla VASSILIOU, two former MEPs, EU Four out of the six Cypriot MEPs - Costas and other Ambassadors, and representatives MAVRIDES (S&D), Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D), of parliamentary political parties. Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL), Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR) and Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS Last but not least, former Cypriot European (GUE/NGL) - participated in the ceremony, Citizen's Prize winners as well as several congratulated Mr ELCİL and addressed the stakeholders and activists in the field of audience. culture and bicommunal rapprochement attended the event. Şener ELCİL thanked the European Parliament and the Cypriot Members for the nomination and the honour bestowed upon him and elaborated on his vision about the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot citizens in a reunified Cyprus. The Head of the EPIO, Andreas kETTIS talked about the Citizen’s Prize, briefly outlined all the former Cypriot winners and elaborated on the work and actions of Mr ELCİL .

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69 Annual Report 2016

LUX Prize [ screenings ]

15, 17, 22 November 2016

“Each year the European Parliament brings us three European ﬁlms dealing with social and political problems that intend to spark a debate on Europe and its future.

The LUX film prize program began in 2007 with the incentive to find a new way to promote the differences across European countries, taking into account the different languages spoken across the borders. Being a modern and most easily accessible medium, film was chosen as the creative and universal vehicle/mechanism to promote European values. Apart from being a fantastic experience for the audience, the programme helps to put a spotlight onto the selected European films, helping their promotion and distribution by screening them in 24 different languages across the 28 EU Member States.

The European Parliament Information Office in Cyprus screened the three films at the Pantheon Cinema in Nicosia on the 15, 17 and 22 of November. The variety of genre and styles of the films in 2016 was a clear representation of the diversity of Europeans and an opportunity to celebrate our European identities and our united diversity through film.

Leyla BOUZID 's ﬁrst feature ﬁlm, ‘As I Open my Eyes’ opened the Cyprus LUX screenings with a pre-revolutionary Tunisian tale of youth and passion. The movie's hauntingly beautiful music takes you on a ride with Farah, a young political rock singer, through the country that is now far more dangerous than she believed.

The second ﬁlm screened was 'Toni Erdmann' by Maren ADE . A tragically comic tale of Winifred (or his alter ego Toni), a father desperately trying to revive his relationship with his workaholic daughter.

Finally, the screenings ended with the feature film, ‘My Life as a Courgette’ by Claude BARRAS . This is the first animation to take part in the LUX prize, and it definitely deserves its place. This is a universal story of little blue-headed Courgette's struggle of being put into a foster home. Although quite dark, the story offers nothing but hope as Courgette rediscovers friendship, love and happiness.”

- Polina ZELMANOVA - LUX Ambassador for Cyprus 2016

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Sakharov [ Prize ]

For Freedom of Thought

14 December 2016

A special TV programme was broadcast on MEPs Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D) and Eleni CyBC (public TV station) on 14 December THEOCHAROUS (ECR) debated the role of the 2016, dedicated to the 2016 Sakharov Prize. EP in the ﬁeld of human rights as well as the The programme was called ‘Human Rights: Sakharov Prize in general. The European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize’. Aristoteles CONSTANTINIDES, Associate Respecting Human Rights is one of the Professor of International Law and Human fundamental values of the EU. The European Rights Law at the Department of Law of the Parliament supports human rights through University of Cyprus and three students from various initiatives including the annual the same department also took part in the awarding of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom debate. of Thought.

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Media [ actions ]

The Media: Valuable partners of the EPIO in Cyprus 2 016

The European Union continued to face big challenges during 2016 while the European Parliament was again the forum for discussion of the most important EU challenges, bringing together Heads of Governments, Commissioners, Members and the Presidents of the Institutions. Issues such as migration and terrorism, the State of the Union and the situation in Turkey were continuously on the agenda, generating European wide coverage and establishing the EP at the forefront of European aﬀairs.

Media organisations and journalists are valuable partners for the European Parliament. They play an integral part in its communication strategy and contribute greatly in reaching citizens and stakeholders.

At the EPIO in Cyprus, we cherish the role of journalists in bringing the Parliament even closer to citizens. We work in harmony with them to implement the Media Directorate’s main objective, which is to increase the EP’s visibility (its legislative work, its political message and its values). We promote the EP as a legislator and defender of values and we encourage discussions on European aﬀairs on various media platforms.

For these actions, we depend heavily on our media partners, traditional and new. Additionally, we organise many actions addressed to journalists and students of journalism.

74 Media Actions

In 2016 we organised eight visits to Strasbourg with a total of 70 journalists, in order to cover the Plenary of the European Parliament. In addition to the invitations to cover the Plenary, we also sent invitations to hundreds of journalists to participate in the seminars organised either in Brussels or in Cyprus.

We are satisﬁed because we now have in Cyprus an ongoing dialogue, albeit tough criticism, on EP legislative priorities, with an increased number of journalists engaged and attuned to the EP agenda and EU aﬀairs. Many journalists now use the facilities and profusion of media products made available by the EP’s central audiovisual and media services.

Our efforts are reflected in the significant numbers of media outreach and the wish of the Cypriot people, as expressed in the last Eurobarometer, for an even greater role for the EP in EU affairs. s u P r E

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‘Eu: The role of the European Parliament’ Press Seminar for students of Journalism: ‘ Paphos, 19-20 March 2016

The EPIO in Nicosia and the Mass Media & Communication Institute (IMME) organised a seminar for students of journalism from the University of Nicosia and the Cyprus University of Technology. The Press Attaché of the EPIO presented the role of the EP as legislator and defender of values and the facilities available to the media.

The students participated in a roundtable discussion on ‘EU challenges and the role of the EP’ with the Cypriot MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) and MEP Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU . Professor Michalis ATTALIDES, Coordinator of the jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and Associate Professor George PAVLIDES discussed the current State of the Union and Cyprus with the students.

Lastly but very importantly they heard from a young journalist, Nicolas ZANETTOS, the Political Editor of ALPHA TV, about why the European Parliament’s decisions are important and how to make use of the sources of information and products available to the media. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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‘Students of Journalism at the EP’ Seminar for Students of Journalism at the EP in Strasbourg - June 2016

10 journalism students from the University of Nicosia and the Cyprus University of Technology were invited by the EPIO in Cyprus to attend and follow the work of the june Plenary session of the European Parliament. During their visit the students had the opportunity to meet with Cypriot MEPs and European Commissioner Christos STYLIANIDES in order to discuss the current EU challenges and the future of the Union.

Ioannis DARMIS , Head of the Media Services Unit and Tasos GEORGIOU , Head of the Events and Exhibitions Unit presented aspects of the Communication policy of DG COMM. The EP TV products and EP Audiovisual services were also introduced to the students. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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‘The Single Market: Tax Justice and Tax Fair competition’ Joint seminar for ﬁnancial editors by the EPIO and the Representation of the EC in Cyprus: Brussels, 26-29 September 2016

As legislation on Taxation will have an impact on the economy of Cyprus, the EPIO in cooperation with the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus organised a joint seminar on taxation developments in Brussels for 16 journalists.

They held meetings on the issue with Pierre MOSCOVICI , Commissioner for Economic and Financial Aﬀairs, Taxation and Customs, Margaritis SCHINAS , European Commission Chief Spokesperson, Aura SAULA , Communications Adviser of the Cabinet of jyrki kATAINEN , Vice President for jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness and kornelios kORNELIOU , Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the EU.

jaume DUCH , Director for the Media and European Parliament Spokesperson briefed the editors on the role of the EP on taxation and Ioannis DARMIS , Head of the EP Media Services Unit presented the services available to the media.

Ron kORVER , EP Press Oﬃcer - Coordinator of ECON, PANA EP Committees held a technical brieﬁng on taxation policy and Alexandros kARIDES, Acting Head of Unit – Transatlantic Relations discussed with them the future of the transatlantic relationship including developments on the TTIP.

The journalists had a roundtable on the impact of EU taxation legislation on Cyprus with the six Cypriot MEPs: MEP Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP), MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D), MEP Demetris PAPADAkIS (S&D), MEP Eleni THEOCHAROUS (ECR), MEP Neoklis SYLIkIOTIS (GUE/NGL), MEP Takis HADjIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL). s u r p y C n i O I P E

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‘The Future of Europe’ Press Seminar: Brussels, 17-18 October 2016

The EPIO in Cyprus invited 11 chief editors and directors of news to attend the press seminar on the Future of Europe organised by the European Parliament between 17-19 October 2016 in Brussels. Around the central part of the seminar the EPIOs of Cyprus and Greece organised a common seminar wherein Greek and Cypriot journalists had the chance to exchange views on the issue with Greek and Cypriot MEPs, the Cypriot Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management and the Greek Commissioner for Migration, Home Aﬀairs and Citizenship.

The also had meetings on the same issue with the Chairman of the EPP Political Group Manfred WEBER , jaume DUCH , Director for the Media and European Parliament Spokesperson, Ioannis DARMIS , Head of EP Media Services Unit and Margaritis SCHINAS , European Commission Chief Spokesperson. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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In-house Seminars for media and journalists in cyprus

The EPIO in Nicosia organised a series of in-house seminars for journalists attended by 75 journalists and 82 students of journalism which generally included:

* an introduction to the role of the European Parliament in EU decision-making processes, * the mission of the Media Services, * the facilities available to journalists by the European Parliament, * EP sources of information, * an overview of the decisions and legislative priorities of 2016.

Media actions around visits to cyprus by EP Oﬃcials or Delegations

Oﬃcial Visit of the EP President Martin SChULz - Cyprus, 29-30 March 2016

The Oﬃcial visit of the EP President to Cyprus generated an unprecedented amount of coverage by all kind of media sources in Cyprus (240 media reports). For one week, the media referred initially to SCHULZ ' planned visit, then to his interview given to Cyprus News Agency prior his arrival and ﬁnally during his visit all meetings and statements were covered extensively by all media while the public broadcaster covered all his meetings live.

All reports focused on SCHULZ ’ call to all sides to grasp this opportunity for the solution of the Cyprus problem, expressing his full-ﬂedged support to the negotiation process.

Field visit of the EP Special Committee TAXE II - Nicosia, 15 April 2016

The ﬁeld visit of the EP Special Committee TAXE II received extensive and factual coverage by all types of media including features on the prime news bulletins of public and private television stations.

More than 50 references referred to the announcement of the visit and to the Panama Papers. At the end of the visit reports focused on the press conference statements by the Chair of the Committee MEP Alain LAMASSOURE underlying that Cyprus has made some progress in transparency and tax matters but that more remains to be done.

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Key statistics on media and the EPIO cyprus in 2016

Media Coverage of events organised by EPIO Nicosia: 575 Number of journalists who attended our events: 200 Media Coverage of EP Plenary: 1,447 Media Coverage of the central EP seminars: 26 Number of attendances by Cypriot journalists at the EP Plenary and seminars organised in Brussels and Strasbourg: 80 Number of National Angles: 20 Editorials and Inserts of Human Rights/Values Campaigns: 4 Articles and interventions by the Press Attaché on the role and decisions of the EP: 25 s u r p y C n i O I P E

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81 Annual Report 2016

Social media [ overview ]

The Oﬃce has an active role in Social Media and on a daily basis we share information and content with a European dimension and a local ﬂavour on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Our main aim is to enhance the image of the EPIO and the EP, engage citizens with the legislative work of the EP, raise awareness of the key activities of the EPIO in Cyprus and encourage participation and attendance of citizens at the events organised by the EPIO in Cyprus.

During 2016 the EPIO in Nicosia selected the most shareable events that had the greatest appeal to the general public, stakeholders and media and focused its eﬀorts on promoting and boosting their visibility online and through social media (the LUX Prize, Sakharov Prize, Citizen’s Prize, International Women’s Day, Europe Day, European Mobility Week, press seminars, stakeholder seminars etc).

We are particularly pleased by the marked increase in the number of visitors who visit the EPIO in Cyprus’ social media pages. These increases are outlined below:

Growth of the EPIO cyprus’ social media pages:

Twitter: Our account has 3,775 followers as of 01 january 2017, a growth of 24.7% in 2016.

Facebook: We have 6,536 fans on Facebook as of 01 january 2017 - an increase of 30.4% in 2016 and an average of 4.2 new fans a day.

Our Instagram proﬁle became much more active in 2016 resulting in a 140% growth in followers.

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Noteworthy social media initiatives in 2016

During 2016 our social media pages had an unprecedented growth, at a time when the general atmosphere towards the European Union was facing a backlash online. Despite this, we were able to have a steady and successful expansion in our fans.

We also implemented a strategy of using much more native video on our social media pages and creating our own videos rather than only relying on material from the European Parliament’s central audiovisual service. These ‘native’ videos were very popular, particularly on Facebook, and increased the ‘human face’ and accessibility of our page. It also demonstrated our reactive nature, and our ability to move with the times and quickly produce short videos, with subtitles, that were accessible to the online public.

We created short videos with interviews from key events such as the Citizen’s Prize events, and for European Mobility Week we ﬁlmed short messages from MEPs on the importance of mobility and their experience of their ﬁrst bicycle. We also ran a survey competition on Mobility Week which had almost 2,000 entries, and was available in three languages - Greek, Turkish and English.

We also produced two original infographics - one on Sustainable Tourism, to promote our event in Ayia Napa/Protaras on the same subject in September 2016 and one on Blue Growth to complement our event in Limassol in October 2016.

83 Annual Report 2016

Special focus [ on youth ]

The future generation of Cyprus is our priority

One of the foremost priorities set by the European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus for 2016 was greater and more eﬀective outreach to the young generation of Cyprus including school and university graduates. Our primary goal has been to inform and involve Youth in the best possible way with the initiatives, actions and activities of the European Parliament (EP) as well as to increase their awareness on the contribution of the EP as a co- legislator of the European Union (EU).

Our primary aim has been a methodical approach to informing young people in Cyprus of the working methods of the European Parliament and of the EU in general, as well as to involve them in competitions and special youth programmes run by the EPIO in Cyprus.

This has been achieved by workshops and events that were organised throughout the country and directly involved students, such as the National School competition, Euroscola, the European Youth event (EYE) etc, interactive presentations that were given to students at schools or at EU House, or the indirect involvement of students such as in the music and dance programme of the Europe Day celebrations.

At the close of 2016, we were pleased to see our goals had been widely achieved, due to the mass participation of youth in workshops and events we organised across Cyprus and by the record-number of students participating in the School Quiz, Euroscola, the European Youth Event (EYE) in Strasbourg and other interative presentations the students were exposed to either at their school or through visits to EU House in Nicosia.

Our institutional cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture was further enhanced and deepened in 2016 and the Ministry was a strong support and backbone for all our youth projects and youth initiatives carried out throughout the year. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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1. Implementation of the European Parliament’s Ambassador School Programme

The European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) programme for the school year 2016–2017 has been launched and the ﬁrst training of the teachers participating in this programme took place on 19 December 2016, at EU House in Nicosia. The Ministry of Education and Culture is a strong supporter of this project.

Andreas kETTIS , the Head of the EPIO in Cyprus presented the role of the Oﬃce. Additionally, Zoe ODYSSEOS POLYDOROU addressed the conference on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Culture. MEP Costas MAVRIDES (S&D, Cyprus) spoke about the realities and strengths of European parliamentary democracy and had a lively debate with the teachers on the importance of students having knowledge of EU matters.

The Programme is organised in all 28 Member States of the EU and it aims to promote the idea of the EU and knowledge related to the EU, the EP, and the way the EU aﬀects people’s everyday lives. The teachers will in turn act as opinion multipliers for their students. In addition, the students and teachers who participate in the programme will learn the role the EP plays in decision-making procedures. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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The entire school unit is invited to participate in order to be awarded the ‘EP Ambassador School’ title and the awarded school will be able to hold the title for the duration of the school year.

A special plaque will be displayed on the school building indicating its participation as a Ambassador School and certiﬁcates will be given to the students and teachers who actively participate in related activities organised by the school.

Fifteen schools in Cyprus are participating in the EPAS programme for the school year 2016- 2017. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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2. Information Brieﬁngs

The information brieﬁngs are in the form of a visual presentation. New pedagogical ways have been used in order to further attract the interest of students and to pass on the messages using interactive methods. At the end of the presentation there is a quiz with questions in order to summarize the context of the presentation and to help the students retain the information. The brieﬁngs mainly target youngsters between the ages of 11-30 years old and focus on four main education levels:

1. Students between the ages of 13-18 years old that will be ﬁrst-time voters at the forthcoming European elections in 2019,

2. Cypriot University students and European or international youngsters that live temporarily in Cyprus and interact with Cypriots e.g. via the Erasmus+ programme,

3. High school teachers (diﬀerent age groups) as they are opinion-multipliers and are in direct contact with students. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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87 Annual Report 2016

4. Pupils between 11 and 12 years old of the ﬁfth and sixth grades of elementary school. It is noteworthy that these pupils welcome us with a lot of enthusiasm and their level of knowledge on EU matters is astonishing. The basics about the EU are covered in geography lessons but their teachers thoroughly prepare them when there is an upcoming visit by an EPIO oﬃcial at their school. From our experience we would say that the pupils of this age are more open to listening and accommodating ideas, they are generally positive about the EU and they are very keen to learn more.

Generally speaking, the students from the ﬁrst and second categories already have an opinion about the EU, and are able to debate the issues but they are sometimes also ﬁxed on the stereotypes or ideas of their parents and teachers, either positively or negatively. The speakers representing the EPIO present an objective idea of the EU and the importance of the role the EP has as a co-legislator. s u r p y C n i O I P E

In addition, several everyday life examples are given (e.g. roaming, free movement of people between EU countries, e-Call, access for people with disabilities, recycling, renewable energy etc) in order to raise awareness and help the students understand that the EU and the decisions of the EP have a direct impact on them, their families, regions, cities and country and that the Cypriot MEPs play a role in this.

Furthermore, reference is made to EP values, human rights, migration policy, the accession process of Turkey to the EU, gender equality, and emphasis is given to the concept behind the slogan of the EU "United in diversity".

Last but not least, special emphasis is given to the fact that the EU was born out of European cooperation after the Second World War. We try and raise awareness among the youth of Cyprus that the European Union is, above all, a peace project and that the institutions of the EU have managed to secure more than 60 years of peace for EU Member States.

88 Special focus on youth

Overall, all the students show a lot of enthusiasm at the end of the presentation as it is an eye opener that helps them make links between EP policies and the inﬂuence they have on their present and future. They raise many questions during and after the presentations and show an interest which is very rewarding.

During 2016 the EPIO Cyprus gave 72 presentations to schools, which were attended by 3,587 students and 483 teachers. (32 school groups were welcomed at EU House and 40 presentations were given locally at schools around Cyprus with particular emphasis given to reaching regional and isolated areas).

Most schools in Cyprus publish a magazine at the end of each school year. We are pleased to note that reference is always made to the EP/EPIO and the related youth activities where their students or school were involved. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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3. Euroscola Programme

In 2016, a total of 216 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students and 30 teachers participated in Euroscola sessions at the Hemicycle of the EP in Strasbourg in the form of a European Youth Parliament.

The students are mainly selected by Competitions that are organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture, and ensure that representatives from almost all the schools of the Government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus participate every year. In addition, the EPIO is in close cooperation with two Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Unions in order to ensure the participation of Turkish Cypriot students and teachers in Euroscola.

The EPIO in Cyprus also organises special information sessions at EU House for the bicommunal Euroscola groups.

These presentations have a dual role. On the one hand they prepare students for the Euroscola experience and enrich their knowledge about the EP and on the other hand they bring Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot teachers and students together, organise ice-breaking games and give them the opportunity to interact with each other. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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4. National School competition 2015-2016

The EPIO, in cooperation with the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus and the Ministry of Education and Culture co-organised the second "National School Competition." More than 30 schools participated with the ﬁnal round of the competition taking place on 23 March 2016 taking the form of an EU Quiz show.

The Quiz tested the knowledge of the students around the institutions and policies of the European Union as well as its history. The Prize of the competition for the ﬁrst two school groups was an educational trip to Brussels which took place in june 2016.

The students and teachers visited the EP and the Parlamentarium and had the opportunity to meet with two Cypriot MEPs, Takis HADIGEORGIOU (GUE/NGL) and Costas MAVRIDES (S&D), who met with the group and informed them about their work as MEPs. They also exchanged views with the students about current challenges facing the European Union. s u r p y C n i O I P E

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5. European Youth Event 2016

Despite the very diﬃcult air connection and the high ticket prices for Strasbourg (from Cyprus), seven enthusiastic groups participated in the European Youth Event. In addition, two schools from Cyprus participated in the special Euroscola programme which was held on the occasion of the European Youth Event.

Around 145 Cypriots had the opportunity to come forward with their ideas, organise or participate in workshops and interact with other Europeans. Rooftop Theatre Group, a bicommunal theatre group, presented a workshop entitled "A journey to tolerance: Words don’t come easy".

Agros Environmental Group presented an interactive workshop about the environment, Youth Dynamics organised a workshop on leadership called ‘The Marshmallow Challenge’ and they also contributed an artistic performance entitled ‘Express Yourself: Music, dance, theatre and more, pop and pantomime for peace.’

Furthermore a group of students/dancers from St. Peter and Paul’s Lyceum presented a dance performance at the EP premises around the theme of political refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea and their struggle for survival, having ﬂed conﬂict and persecution in their countries of origin. P E

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The young generation of Cyprus celebrates Europe Day together with the European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus Limassol, 07 May 2016 s u r p y C n i O I P E

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Schools and youth groups that visited EU House in Nicosia in 2016

11 January 2016 24 March 2016 American College Palaichori Primary School

12 January 2016 05 April 2016 Euroscola students Several Presentations to Erasmus+ and Euroscola students Presentation to Erasmus+ group 13 April 2016 14 January 2016 Archangelos Lyceum Apostolos Euroscola students Markos

Presentation to Erasmus+ group 23 May 2016 Agios Vasileios Gymnasium Strovolos 15 January 2016 Archbishop Makarios C’ Gymnasium - 12 July 2016 Platy, Aglantzia Youth Dynamics

19 January 2016 26 July 2016 Regional Gymnasium of Xylofagou Agros Environmental Group

26 January 2016 11 August 2016 Euroscola students Agros Youth Club

Presentation to Erasmus+ group 11 and 12 October 2016 Egkomi Gymnasium 04 February 2016 kition Primary School 26 October 2016 Nikolaideio Gymnasium Paphos 15 February 2016 Faneromenis Gymnasium Larnaca 22 November 2016 Tseri B Primary School 16 February 2016 Presentation to Erasmus+ group 23 November 2016 Agros Environmental Group 18 February 2016 Presentation to Euroscola students 24 November 2016 Alambra Primary School 19 February 2016 Agios Stylianos Gymnasium of 09 December 2016 Lakatameia State Institutes of Further Education

15 March 2016 14 December 2016 Youth Dynamics Pera Chorio Nisou Regional Gymnasium 16 March 2016 Aglantzia Gymnasium

96 Lectures to youth and organised groups

Local lectures to schools, universities and organised groups

11 January 2016 16 March 2016 Cyprus Third Age (C3A) Aphrodite - Open University of Cyprus Branch Central - European University of Cyprus

13 January 2016 17 March 2016 kykkos B Lyceum - Tala Primary School - Agios Charalambos Lyceum, 25 January 2016 Empa, Paphos Agia Fylaxi Lyceum Limassol 18 March 2016 26 January 2016 Nikolaideio Gymnasium Paphos Agios Ioannis Gymnasium, kato Polemidia 21 March 2016 Agios Antonios Primary School, Nicosia 10 February 2016 Pyla Primary School 24 March 2016 - kokkinochoria Gymnasium 19 February 2016 - kokkinochoria Lyceum ‘Foti Pitta’ Giannakis Taliotis Lyceum, Geroskipou 06 April 2016 24 February 2016 Makarios C Lyceum, Larnaca Troulloi Primary School 18 April 2016 26 February 2016 Apostolos Pavlos Gymnasium, Paphos Farmakas - kampia Primary School 19 April 2016 07 March 2016 - Dromolaxia B Primary School Ypsonas B’ Primary School - Meneou Primary School

10 March 2016 12 May 2016 - Agios Demetrios Primary School kato Paphos Primary School Paphos - Paphos Primary Afternoon School 13 May 2016 Drousia Poli Chrysochous Primary School

11 March 2016 30 November 2016 Argaka Primary School - Pancyprian Lyceum Larnaca - Aradippou Primary School kato Pyrgos Gymnasium 16 December 2016 15 March 2016 State Institutes of Further Education University of Cyprus

‘Train the Trainers’ presentations to teachers

21 January 2016 22 January 2016 - Apostolos Petros kai Pavlos Lyceum - Athienou Gymnasium Limassol - Livadia Regional Lyceum - Giannakis Taliotis Lyceum Geroskipou 97 Annual Report 2016

Publications [ of the EPIO ]

‘The Environment aﬀects us personally’

The European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus has published a booklet about the environment in order to increase awareness of environmental problems aﬀecting our planet.

The school notebook has information on various themes and is aimed at Lyceum students. It also calls on the new generation to play an active role in protecting the natural environment, to become ambassadors, raising awareness about the harsh eﬀects of climate change.

The booklet, consists of several chapters on environmental topics such as climate change, energy saving, recycling, composting, reduction of waste, eco-friendly gardening, ecological driving, organic products, renewable energy, and chemicals in the home.

98 Special publications of the EPIO

Booklet presenting the EU in the Turkish language

The EPIO in Cyprus commissioned the publication of a special booklet which will introduce primary school students to the European Union. The booklet is in Turkish and 10,000 copies were printed and distributed through the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Union (kTöS ) to Turkish Cypriot students. The title of the publication is ‘Let’s travel through the EU through play’.

A Greek-language version of the booklet has already been distributed to primary schools in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus for the past few years, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture.

This is the ﬁrst time that a booklet on the EU is addressed to the needs of Turkish Cypriot elementary school children.

Drawing book entitled ‘Cyprus-Europe. Build cultural bridges with the company of Telis’

The European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the telecommunications provider of Cyprus CYTA created an innovative drawing book, entitled ‘Cyprus-Europe. Build cultural bridges with the company of Telis’. The activity book is addressed to primary school students and aims at familiarising young students with the world of culture and history of the European family during art classes. Quizzes, art competitions, pictures, maps and interesting short texts adjusted to the level of the students are included in the booklet.

The aim of the publication is to create a common cultural identity, having in mind the backdrop of the Cypriot city of Pafos, as a European Capital of Culture for 2017.

99 Annual Report 2016

Number of journalists that attended our We organised events in 2016: 13 Euroscola 200 sessions in 2016 with the participation of 312 students and 52 teachers Media Coverage of events organised by the EPIO in Cyprus: 575

Media Coverage of EP Plenary: 1,447

Media Coverage of the central EP seminars: 26

100 Quick Statistics

Quick [ statistics ]

Number of Cypriot journalists that attended the EP Plenary and We organised seminars organised in Brussels and 72 school visits Strasbourg: 80 in 2016: 40 local visits and 32 at EU House

In 2016 our message about the EU as a project of peace and human Articles and rights reached: interventions by Press Attaché >5,900 students on the role 700 teachers and decisions of the EP: 25

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The role [ of the EPIO ]

The European Parliament has Information European Parliament Information Offices Offices in all Member States of the European can also do the following: Union. Their role is to raise awareness of the European Parliament and its Members by * answer questions about the European providing information, answering questions Parliament; and building links with citizens, stakeholders and the media. * provide information on European Union policies and European Parliament activities; The Information Offices work closely with students and teachers, inviting them to take * hold debates with Members of the part in debates and seminars on European European Parliament and experts on issues and providing teaching material on the European issues; European Union. They also help organise Euroscola, which gives students the * organise events on European Union values, opportunity to travel to Strasbourg and such as International Women’s Day, Europe experience the work of a Member of the Day celebrations, debates on the Sakharov European Parliament. Prize, and LUX Film Days.

102 The staff of the Office

The staﬀ [ of the Oﬃce]

Andreas KETTIS Head of the Oﬃce

Alexandra ATTALIDES Press Attaché

Vangelis VASILEIOU Public Relations Oﬃcer

Gina TSIORVA Administrative and Financial Sector

Nektarios NICOLAIDES Public Relations and Educational Sector

Matilta LOUKAIDOU Communication and Media Sector

103 Contact :

European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus House of the European Union 30 Byron Avenue , 1096 Nicosia , Cyprus

Tel : +357 22870500 Fax : +357 22767733 [email protected] www.europarl.cy

Published by : European Parliament Information Oﬃce in Cyprus Layout and design : Darkside Media Cover photo : Sarah Malian