The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in cooperation with the European Commission, is hosting a high-level EU conference in Paphos today and tomorrow under the title “Strengthening EU islands and coastal communities”.
The event brings together the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Commissioners, Cypriot ministers, and officials from EU institutions.
Presentation of new EU strategies
The conference, taking place at the Elysium Hotel, will feature the presentation of two new integrated European Commission strategies for islands and coastal regions.
The initiatives will be presented by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, responsible for Cohesion and Reforms, and Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.
The EU conference will focus on boosting economic competitiveness and diversification, supporting a sustainable blue economy, addressing climate change, and strengthening resilience, connectivity, and inclusive community development.
The aim is also to promote the right of citizens to remain in island and coastal areas through long-term development policies.
Site visit and official programme in Paphos
Later today, participants will visit co-financed projects in Paphos, from Grigoris Afxentiou Street to the Ibrahim’s Khan area. The visit is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.
An official dinner for EU officials will follow at 8:30pm at the Elysium Hotel, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides.
Main proceedings on Friday
The main sessions of the EU conference will take place on Friday morning, starting at 9:30am with addresses by President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Robert Abela.
A family photo will be taken at 10:30am, with proceedings expected to conclude at 1:00pm.
The conference will be streamed live via the Cyprus Presidency’s YouTube channel, allowing broader public access to the discussions.
Also read: Christodoulides honoured as “Prince of Cilicia”
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