OPEΚ was created in 1997 in Nicosia on the initiative of the former Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Cypriot origin Yiannos Kranidiotis. We aim to promote critical thinking and rational analysis as the predominant way of solving the problems facing our society. We do so through inter alia open dialogue, public debates, interventions and the publication of policy papers. There is nothing static. Societal transformation occurs through a combination of debates, reasoning, individual convictions, and the influence of majorities.
Cyprus deserves a better future, and for this, we are present!
Our priorities
We are aware of the difficulties, but we embrace the challenges.
We believe that Cyprus’s accession to the European Union is a strategic choice of our people. For the first time in our history, we belong to the most advanced zone of democracy, stability, prosperity, and cooperation in the world.
It is a strategic achievement for our people because it can shape its destiny and address security and regional cooperation issues with terms of stability and respect for international law.
Accession into the EU provides a common institutional framework, the ‘common home’ for all Cypriots. European values, the rule of law, and human rights are defined by the European liberal tradition.
Reforming and modernizing public administration and the judicial system are key pillars of a modernizing policy. Reducing inequalities pertains to a society that seeks more opportunities and more justice
The profile of OPEK
The Association for Social Reform OPEK aims to facilitate dialogue on issues such as foreign policy, the Cyprus participation in the EU, Turkey’s European path, various aspects of European integration, public administration modernization, economic liberalization, education in the new environment, new technologies, and ecology. Primarily, it operates at the grassroots level, establishing an open, transparent, and diverse dialogue.
- Its ultimate goal is to strengthen civil society, a goal actively promoted by the European Union, calling on all member states and entities to support and encourage it. In today’s society of knowledge and technology, globalization, and multiculturalism, citizens need the necessary information to make informed decisions and actively participate in various political and social processes that concern their future.
- A key tool for its activities is public discussions and events on current political and societal issues. Through this, it promotes citizen participation in shaping political and social developments.
- OPEK contributes to overcoming past obstacles, aiming to be a group of pioneers, seekers, and consistent efforts for the modernization of our society. Concepts such as rationalism, solidarity, social mobilization, documentation, and feasible actions are some of the ideas we put forth in public discourse.
- OPEK maintains open communication bridges with similar organizations and scientific and academic research centers abroad.
- It systematically promotes collaboration with other Greek-Cypriot Non-Governmental Organizations and Turkish-Cypriot civil society movements, trade unions, local government bodies, other organized entities, and political parties.
- Through interventions in the media, OPEK works to develop ideas and proposals more widely on issues that concern society, aiming to more effectively present the identity of the group.
- OPEK has established the annual Yiannos Kranidiotis for Pioneer Creation Award’ to honor Υiannos Kranidiotis, a personality who laid the foundations for Cyprus’s European path. This award acknowledges his historical move that led the Republic of Cyprus to integrate its destiny into the European Union.
