News – OPEK

OPEK 32 actions for informed European citizens COMPLETION OF A EUROPEAN PROGRAMME OF THE EUROPEAN CITIZENS’ PARTNERSHIP “TOGETHER – WE”

With multi-level activities at the community level, the OPEK Association for Social Reform completed the European co-funded project “We Together”, which focused on the European Elections 2024 to enhance democratic participation of citizens.

OPEK set the objective to develop and deepen public dialogue with policy makers – MEPs and candidates, European Commission officials, national officials, parliamentarians and technocrats – on the main issues of concern to citizens.

Nine intensive months

OPEK activities started from October 2023 and escalated as the June 2024 elections approached. They were multilevel and open to developing a critical citizens approach to highlight civil society expectations and the benefits of EU membership, to question policy makers in an impartial manner and, in the end, to enable citizens to make more informed decisions to vote.

Forms of activities

Activities included open debates – in person and/or online, pod casts, and workshops with the younger generation, as well as targeted information campaigns. In total, 32 activities were organized over 9 months.

Topics

The topics included issues prioritized by civil society and included:

the rule of law and the fight against corruption using European institutional interventions and tools,
the development of a renewed Cyprus – EU perspective especially for the younger generation, assessing the lessons and experience of 20 years of EU membership,
the need for a settlement of the Cyprus problem and the role of the EU in efforts to resume talks and reconciliation with the Turkish Cypriot community,
the issues of stability and security for Europe under the weight of triggering international conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza – Middle East)
the effective management of migration and the implementation of fair and rapid asylum procedures to familiarize themselves with EU policies in areas such as environmental and digital transition.

Partnerships

OPEK has succeeded in partnering with the European institutions, the European Parliament and the European Commission, with schools and universities in Cyprus, with other organizations in Cyprus and Greece, and with the Turkish Cypriot community. The participation of citizens and young people in the activities exceeded expectations and information on the project activities reached thousands of citizens.

All OPEK activities are posted on the program website

“We – Together” in Greek and in English at the link:

www.opekcy.org/wetogether

Contact
OPEK – email [email protected] | +35796387498

The European Elections of June the 9th More or less Europe? DIKTIO and OPEK joint public debate

The dilemma of “more or less Europe” in connection with the rise of the far-right and its apparent “taming”, was in the epicenter of the online public discussion organized by the DIKTIO for Reform in Greece and Europe and the OPEK Association for Social Reform Cyprus.

The event took place on Tuesday 4 June, with speakers Anna Diamantopoulou, President of the DIKTIO, former EU Commissioner, former Minister and Costas Paraskevas, President of the Department of Law of the University of Cyprus, Associate Professor of Public Law & Human Rights. It was followed with great interest by a mixed audience of citizens from Greece and Cyprus through an online platform and live via the social media of both NGOs and the newspaper “Politis”.

Anna Diamantopoulou focused on existing and new European challenges that go beyond the borders, including, the European security and defense, competitiveness and jobs, the diffusion of technologies and artificial intelligence, which are of little importance at the national level and politics. She noted that the rise of the far-right, with the differentiation of the rhetoric of parties as in Italy (Meloni) and France (Le Pen) may bring reversals in the correlations of the European Parliament and seriously affect the election of the President of the European Commission. Anna Diamantopoulou also referred to the importance of Greece’s participation in the EU, underlining the progress it has made, but not to the extent achieved by countries with similar challenges such as Portugal.

Costas Paraskevas focused on Cyprus and the multiple anniversaries of the modern history of the island that coincide with the European election year – 60 years since the intercommunal riots, 50 years since the invasion of ’74, 20 years since accession – arguing that since accession, part of the Cypriot political leadership has rested on accession and distanced itself from the resolution of the Cyprus problem. He noted that while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, Cyprus is not realizing its full potential in the EU and remains trapped in the “law of necessity”, dating back to 1963.

In his opening remarks, OPEK Vice President Eric Sukiouroglou also raised the significant shortcomings in Cyprus with regard to the rule of law, arguing that the EU provides the framework for civil society to push for radical reforms.

After the initial presentations, a discussion was held on the expectations of European societies, the way the political struggle is conducted in various European countries, the confrontation between the forces of rationalism and populism and the impact of communication on public life.

Here is the video of the event

CONTACT

THE NETWORK FOR REFORM| [email protected]

OPEK – “We – Together” Programme | [email protected]

The stakes of the June 9th European Elections for Europe, Greece, and Cyprus DIKTIO and OPEK ONLINE DISCUSSION

TUESDAY 4 JUNE 2024 | TIME 19.00 – 20.30

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86275827844?pwd=m20tnvJXJDfUaDoECVfSYU3hn3NN7c.1
Meeting ID: 862 7582 7844
Passcode: 619894

Live Streaming via FACEBOOK @OPEKCyprus @PolitisNewspaper @todiktio

The stakes of the upcoming European Elections for Greece, Cyprus and Europe itself are the focus of an online discussion organized by “To Diktio” for Reform in Greece and Europe and OPEK Association for Social Reform – Cyprus.

With only few days left until the ballot box, European citizens are invited to determine with their vote how the European Union integration project will proceed in the next five years, as new challenges emerge, internationally and within Europe, as well as demands from European societies.

The speakers will be:

Anna Diamantopoulou
President of the Network for Reform in Greece and Europe, former Commissioner, and former Minister

Costas Paraskevas
President of the Department of Law of the University of Cyprus, Associate Professor of Public Law and Human Rights

After the initial presentations, there will be a discussion moderated by Kyriakos Pieridis, Journalist, OPEK Board Member and Network Council Member.

The event will be introduced by Eric Sukiouroglou, OPEK Vice President

Contact

DIKTIO https://todiktio.eu/en/home/| [email protected]
OPEK – ‘ We Together’ Program https://opekcy.org/wetogether/ | [email protected]

The EU as a shield for all of Cyprus Christos Stylianides speech at OPEK’s event marking 20 years of accession

Cyprus can draw significantly from the experience of the “Helsinki” period (1995-2003) to build on Cyprus’ membership of the EU and move forward in resolving the Cyprus problem, Christos Stylianides, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy of Greece, argued at an OPEK event in Nicosia.

MR. Stylianides, former Commissioner of Cyprus to the EU, was the keynote speaker at the event held on Monday

20 May 2024, at the Journalists’ House in Nicosia on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the accession. In his speech, he focused on the benefits of accession for the economy, society and the younger generation, as well as the lessons and the perspective that Cyprus has in the Union.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Christos Stylianides noted the following:

“The Cyprus problem has always been a conflict of geography-history. The majority of the population was Greek, but geographically we belong to the Eastern Mediterranean with the well-known geopolitical influence of Turkey. The European shield neutralizes this conflict of geography and history and democratically guarantees the human rights of the two Communities. So every day that passes without a solution to the Cyprus problem leads not only to partition, but to the possibility that in the long term, the Hellenism of Cyprus will have challenging adventures. It is dangerous naivety to believe that the current legal status quo ensures peace, stability and security for Cypriots. I continue to believe that the shield that will protect Greek Cypriots in Cyprus is a solution where, regardless of the structure of the state, Cyprus will be united within a united Europe.”

The event is part of the “We – Together” European Programme implemented by OPEK to strengthen citizens’ participation in public life and the upcoming European Elections 2024.

Find the full speech here

Watch the video of the event here

OPEK [email protected] | 96387498

Visit the page “WE-TOGETHER”

https://opekcy.org/wetogether/

More about the Yannos Kranidiotis award and previous awards

https://opekcy.org/vraveio-protoporiakis-dimiourgias-giannos-kranidiotis/

20 YEARS SINCE ACCESSION How we have changed, how has the European Union changed?

20 YEARS SINCE ACCESSION
How we have changed,
how has the European Union changed?

Universitas Foundation and OPEK Association for Social Reform are organising a conference focusing on the evaluation of Cyprus’ participation in the EU, 20 years after accession. The conference is open to citizens interested in reflecting on Cyprus’ further course in the EU as a truly active and multi-thematic member state that draws on its experiences and maximises its potential, overcoming problems and opening new perspectives for its people.

The conference will take place on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, at 18.45 – 20.30 at the Strovolos Cultural Centre, 34 Archbishop Kyprianou Kyprianou Street, Strovolos 2063.

PROGRAMME

Welcome: Katerina Hadjistylli, Director of Universitas Foundation

Moderator: Giannis Ioannou, Professor Emeritus of French and Comparative Literature, University of Cyprus

Speakers:

Kyriakos Revelas, Former Official of the European Commission:

“The European Union after the big enlargement”.

Andreas Theophanous, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Nicosia, President of the Cyprus Centre for European and International Affairs:

“20 years after the big enlargement of the EU and the case of Cyprus – An assessment”.

Nikos Peristianis, President of Universitas Foundation:

“Lessons (we didn’t learn) from the EU on the Cyprus problem“.

Kyriakos Pierides, Journalist, OPEK Board Member

“The untapped capital of the accession”.

The event takes place in the framework of OPEK’s “We – Together” and UNIVERSITAS’ ” Change-Makers” Citizens’ Partnership co-funded by the EU to increase participation in the European Elections on 9 June 2024

Contact:

Universitas Foundation – “Change Makers” Programme
https://www.universitas.org.cy/
[email protected] | 22 795002

OPEC – “We – Together” Programme
https://opekcy.org/wetogether / [email protected] |96 387498

20 YEARS OF ACCESION What is at stake in the European Elections for Cyprus?

The stakes of the European Elections on 9 June, combined with the fact that Cyprus is celebrating 20 years of Accession, will be on the agenda of the OPEK – Association for Social Reform public online debate on Thursday 25 April 2024.

The debate will take place at 19.00 – 20.30 via the ZOOM Platform
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85036478215?pwd=G3NsbJ8HVqy7p653iJqeYUNzRbmvfW.1
Meeting ID: 850 3647 8215 | Passcode: 734205

Also Live Streaming via FACEBOOK
@OPEKCyprus @PolitisNewspaper

The veteran politician, Ioannis Kasoulides, former Foreign Minister, and former MEP will be on the same panel with two young politicians, Vivian Kanari, EDEK candidate for the European Parliament, European Socialists and Democrats and Marinos Kleanthous, DIPA candidate for the European Parliament, Renew Europe.

The event will be introduced by Pavlos M. Pavlou, PhD in History, Member of the OPEK Board. After the initial statements, a dialogue with audience participation will take place, moderated by Michalis Beys, OPEK Board Member.

The event is part of the “We – Together” European Programme implemented by OPEK to strengthen citizens’ participation in public life and the upcoming European Elections 2024.

OPEK discussion framework:

The European Elections on 9 June 2024 will mark the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU. A generation of young people were born and are now growing up as European citizens. Our country is standing its ground in an unpredictable and unstable world because it is a member of the European family. But it has failed to make the most of its accession and to solve the most vital problem from its past, the Cyprus problem.

Why didn’t the EU catalyst work?

Still, Cyprus remains at average standards of functioning as a state in most areas that do not match the progress achieved by other EU Member States. The rule of law is challenged by serious cases of institutional corruption in high rank places.

So, what is at stake in the European Elections for Cyprus?

Communication: OPEK [email protected] | +357 96387498

The European Union through the eyes of the students of Cyprus and Rhodes First time voters!Online Event with the PARALIMNI HIGHSCHOOL and the GENERAL HIGHSCHOOL OF KREMASTIS RHODES.

The importance of young people participation in the European Elections, using their vote to determine the common European future of Cyprus and Greece, was discussed in an online meeting with OPEK “We Together” programme by students from Paralimni Lyceum and the General Lyceum of Kremasti Rhodes.

The online event took place on Wednesday 17 April with the active contribution of MEP Elena Kountoura, the head of Europe Direct South Aegean, Filia Papasavva and the teachers of the two

schools, Emilia Patsalou of Paralimni and Anastasia Divani of Kremasti Rhodes in view of the Europe Day celebrations. The Vice-President of the EP Dimitris Papadimoulis also gave a visual greeting. The two schools cooperate with each other and participate in the European Parliament “Ambassador Schools”

Use Your Vote!

MEP Elena Kountoura outlined the activities of the EP with an intervention on issues related to equality, the fight against discrimination, the efforts against violence against women, the upgrading of digital networks and the regulation of artificial intelligence which is rapidly penetrating the lives of European youth.

MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis called on young people to vote and promote their positions through their active participation.

In Greece young people vote from the age of 17 and in Cyprus at 18.

In their statements, the students developed their views on European values with an emphasis on democracy and human rights and raised questions on the need for further individual protection, effective management of migration and strengthening solidarity between Member States.

We – Together!

On behalf of the We – Together programme, the journalist Kyriakos Pierides, member of the OPEΚ Board, referred to the 20th anniversary of Cyprus accession to the EU, the importance of further

developing – within the strengthened EU framework – the relations between Greece, its island regions and Cyprus and the rapprochement of relations with Turkey in order to end the anachronistic

occupation in Cyprus and develop cooperative relations between all the peoples of the region.

The students of the two Lyceum schools presented the videos they have made to promote the idea of youth participation in the European Elections of 9 June 2024 and encoded with spontaneous answers the importance of making the most of their vote as follows:

Four reasons why it is worth voting?
“Influence the decisions of those who will be elected
Criticize the wrongdoers
Demand that those I voted for do what they promised.
Not have others decide for me…”

MEP Elena Kountoura added metaphorically:

!No to give someone else the key of the house of democracy”!

Communication: ΟΠΕΚ [email protected] | +35796387498

Επικοινωνία: ΟΠΕΚ [email protected] | +35796387498

The European Union through the eyes of the young generation Online interactive DISCUSSION WITH ERASMUS STUDENTS at the Universities in Cyprus

OPEK Association for Social Reform, in cooperation with the University of Cyprus – Department of Social and Political Science – European Chair Jean Monnet (2001), the University of Cyprus – Mobility Office, International Relations Service and the Erasmus Student Network Cyprus, organize an interactive debate with students from Cyprus and abroad who participate in Erasmus student exchange programmes.

The aim of the discussion is to share ideas and thoughts of the young generation on their expectations from the European Union, improve citizen engagement and increase participation in the upcoming European Elections on 9 June.

The event will take place online on Tuesday 23 April 2024 | TIME: 15.00 – 16.00

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82710924234?pwd=L8FUMOcmMwVrOxM9m715vnelUEaxSF.1
Meeting ID: 827 1092 4234
Passcode: 252162

Those interested can register register here
SEMINAR LANGUAGE ENGLISH

PROGRAMME

Introduction: Kalliopi Agapi Agapiou-Iosifidou, Associate Professor, University of Cyprus

Moderator: Kyriakos Pierides, Journalist, OPEK Board Member

Participants will engage in a discussion focusing on two questions:

How the EU benefits my country
How the EU benefits my life

Give us your opinion here

https://forms.gle/HQcZCNpJv5x4VN4E8

Rationale:

The European Union is already more than 70 years old.

What benefits has your country gained from its participation in the European Union?

Has it improved as much as it should have, stagnated or gone backwards?

The students will present positions on the benefits they gain as young people and develop their critique of what bothers them and what they want the EU to do differently and better.

The event is part of the European programme “We Together”, which aims to increase citizens’ participation in European life and the upcoming European elections.

Contact- email [email protected] | +35722894281 | +35796387498

The European Union through the eyes of the young generation INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION OPEC WITH ERASMUS STUDENTS at the University of Cyprus

An interactive debate with students from abroad and Cyprus participating in Erasmus student exchange programmes is organised by OPEK to promote citizen engagement with the EU and increase participation in the upcoming European Elections on 9 June.

The event will take place on Wednesday 10 April 2024, at 14.30 – 16.30 at the University Campus – Rectorate Building “Anastasios G. Leventis”, Auditorium B 108.
The event is open to all students who want to share their ideas and thoughts about a better Europe.

Those interested can register here
SEMINAR LANGUAGE ENGLISH

The OPEK event is organised in cooperation with the University of Cyprus – Department of Social and Political Sciences – Jean Monet Chair (2001) and the Department of International Relations

PROGRAMME

Introduction: Kalliopi Agapi Agapiou-Iosifidou, Associate Professor, University of Cyprus
Moderator: Kyriakos Pierides, Journalist, OPEK Board Member
Participants will engage in a discussion focusing on two questions:
– How the EU benefits my country
– How the EU benefits my life
They will present positions on the benefits they gain as young people and develop their critique of what bothers them and what they want the EU to do differently and better.

The event is part of the European programme “We Together”, which aims to increase citizens’ participation in European life and the upcoming European elections.
Contact- email [email protected]
+35722894281
+35796387498

20 YEARS OF ACCESSION European Elections! What’s at stake for Cyprus?

The stakes of the European Elections of 9 June are the focus of a new round of discussions by the Association for Social Reform OPEK, with two keynote speakers: the MEP Candidate of DISY – EPP Constantinos Petrides, former Minister, and Takis Hadjigeorgiou, former MEP of AKEL – GUE. The two are invited to assess Cyprus’ participation in the EU, 20 years after accession and to identify the stakes of the upcoming European Elections.

The event will take place online on Wednesday 10 April 2024, 19.00 – 20.30

Participation via ZOOM Platform at the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85038668014?pwd=Nk7q69inaBOMefqRyQI4nslEfAzBSr.1
Meeting ID: 850 3866 8014 | Passcode: 136331

The discussion will be Live Streamed via FACEBOOK through OPEΚ @OPEKCyprus and Politis @PolitisNewspaper accounts.

Theano Kalavana, President of OPEK will make a short introduction followed by the initial interventions of the two keynote speakers. Then, a dialogue moderated by Eric SHukiouroglou, OPEK Vice President, with audience participation will follow.

The event is part of OPEK’s “We – Together” European Programme to strengthen citizens’ participation in public life and the upcoming European Elections 2024.

OPEK sets out the following framework for discussion:

The European Elections on 9 June 2024 will mark the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the EU. A generation of young people are growing up as European citizens. Our country stands firm in an unpredictable and unstable world because it is a member of the European family. But it has failed to make the most of its membership and to solve the most vital problem from its past, the Cyprus problem.

Why didn’t the catalyst work?

However, Cyprus still maintains a mediocre standard of state functioning in many areas, failing to match the progress achieved by other EU member states. Serious cases of corruption in high ranks challenge the rule of law.

So what is at stake in the European Elections for Cyprus?

Contact: OPEK [email protected] | 96387498

“WE – TOGETHER” PROJECT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS 2024 OPEK gives citizens a voice!

The OPEK association announces the implementation of a new co-funded EU programme that will build partnership and collaboration between EU and its citizens, with the aim of an active citizen involvement in the European Elections 2024.

The purpose of the project is to encourage public dialogue between citizens and policy makers (either from the European Union or the national government) on issues of main concern to the Cypriot community. With the implementation of the current project, citizens of Cyprus will have the opportunity to make their voice heard in matters of policy design and decision making and thus will be better able to critically vote in the upcoming EU elections.

All activities organised by OPEK, will focus on issues of major concern to Cypriot citizens. Examples of such issues are the following:

The rule of law and the fight against corruption,

The economy, sustainable development and the need for reforms

Affordable energy while facing inflation

The prospects for the younger generation

The Cyprus problem in relation to the role of the EU in the efforts towards resolution and reconciliation with the TCc community,

The issues of stability and security for Europe under the weight of triggering international conflicts (Ukraine, Middle East, Caucasus)

With the year 2024 marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s membership to the European Union, OPEK will try to connect the expectations of the Cypriot community with the benefits offered by the EU. At the same time, it will consider any political views cypriot citizerns might have, as well as policies developed by cypriot political currents and their candidates ον the 6 Cypriot member positions of the European Parliament.

OPEK will demonstrate its activities through the online European community MAZI.EU (www. together.eu), organising among others:

Open debates with panellists

Webcasts in the form of Vod-Casts.

Workshops to generate ideas and proposals

A total of 32 activities will be organised over a period of 9 months until the European Election Day.

For more information, visit the OPEK website www.opekcy.org

For partnerships with civil society organisations, contact us at [email protected]

Quo Vadis Europe? The unpredictable world and our role

An online debate with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas

Tuesday, 14th of November 2023, Athens/Nicosia time, 19.00 – 20.00

Zoom

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81308973791?pwd=LWpoDDfs4Ey3Hs8DAua34nfRlCEPw5.1

Meeting ID: 813 0897 3791 Passcode: 704068

Live-streaming Facebook @OPEKCyprus

The European Union in the throes of conflict. The 21st century is proving to be increasingly complex and unpredictable. What is our role in this? OPEK invites you to take part in an online debate, marking the commencement of the European Citizens’ Partnership Programme ahead of the European Elections 2024.

#UseYourVote

Organiser:

OPEK – Association for Social Reform

Invitation – Programme here!