Project Launch: Securing a European and Democratic Future
Project Launch: Securing a European and Democratic Future
Nicosia, Cyprus – 3 April 2026
The Association for Social Reform OPEK announces the launch of its new project, “Securing a European and Democratic Future,” an initiative designed to strengthen democratic participation, informed public debate, and societal resilience in Cyprus, with a special focus on European Union Security and Defence and their impact on the ongoing efforts to solve the Cyprus Issue.
Implemented under the EU Presidency Project 2024–2026 (EUPP5), the project responds to increasing challenges related to disinformation, hybrid threats, and limited public understanding of EU defence and security policies.
Project Objectives
The project aims to achieve four key objectives:
- Enhance public awareness and informed dialogue on the European Defence Union and its relevance for Cyprus
- Strengthen the capacity of civil society, journalists, educators, and youth to identify and counter disinformation
- Promote inclusive bicommunal dialogue between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on shared European security challenges
- Amplify outreach and engagement through media, storytelling, and networking initiatives
By combining awareness-raising, capacity-building, and dialogue, the project empowers citizens to actively engage in EU-related policy discussions.
Planned Activities
To achieve these objectives, OPEK will implement a series of targeted activities during the period of April to June 2026, including:
- A public panel discussion titled “Why Europe Needs a Defence Union”
- A training workshop on countering disinformation related to EU defence and security
- A bicommunal public forum and roundtable bringing together stakeholders from both communities
- The production of media outputs, including a feature article and an infographic
- The production of two vodcast episodes presenting key insights in an accessible format
- A networking event fostering collaboration among civil society, policymakers, academics, and media professionals
These activities will engage a wide range of stakeholders and promote active participation and knowledge exchange.
Impact
The project is expected to increase public understanding of EU security and defence, particularly in relation to the need to overcome differences in order to address the Cyprus issue, enhance media literacy and critical thinking skills, and strengthen democratic resilience. It will foster trust and cooperation between the two communities in Cyprus, support evidence-based dialogue, and create new partnerships among civil society and institutional actors.
Through its combined approach, the project contributes to a more informed, engaged, and resilient society in Cyprus, aligned with European priorities on democracy, security, and civic participation.
Contact:
OPEK 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.opekcy.org | 📞 +357 96512109 & 96387498
