Archive for category: News

16/11/2023

“A new political era has come for the European Union after the Russian invasion in Ukraine and the war in Gaza: the pursuit of a strong geopolitical Union with strategic autonomy, a regulator of stability in the unpredictable and complex modern world.”

The above position was expressed by the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, in an open online dialogue on “Quo Vadis Europe? The unpredictable world and our role”, with the participation of Cypriot citizens. The event took place on the 14th of November, marking the commencement of the European Citizens’ Partnership Programme in light of the European Elections 2024.

The Vice-President stated that there will be an increase in the internal reforms of the EU, confirming Jean Monnet’s quote saying that the EU project “will evolve through crises”. Additionally, he pointed out that over the last five years, the European institutions faced multiple challenges (pandemic, Ukraine, migration, energy). Nevertheless, the EU has proved to be tough and resilient, breaking a number of taboos, such as debt reciprocity, EU decision-making, etc.

Regarding the events that happened on the 7th of October in the Middle East, Mr Schinas admitted that the EU “has not succeeded in its role as a geopolitical player”: “Member States do not always agree, the rule of unanimity applies, sometimes we confuse pluralism with cacophony and we have not found where the world wants us to be…”. He foresaw, however, the intensification of discussions within the EU, in order to become more efficient for the world, using its benefits: diplomacy, trade, technology, quality standards, culture, etc.

M. Schinas assessed that as the European Elections – June 2024 are approaching, much will be decided at the polls by the showdown between the school of “easy solutions” and the school of real, “good solutions”. He then urged citizens to use their vote wisely, taking into account the achievements of the EU that “closed the demons of history in the closet”.

Forthermore, Margaritis Schinas engaged in a dialogue with the audience by answering questions of topical concern. Among other things, he took a stand on the issue of the veto override (the unanimity rule) which was of major concern for the 27 leaders in Berlin:  “I belong with the people that think that veto is an obstacle and does not guarantee or protect the Member States of the European Union. On the contrary, once a member state wants a veto, it is as if it admits defeat. The abolition of the unanimity rule will create conditions for synthesis and collective decisions with which everyone will want to agree, without the desire to crush the position of the weaker party…”, he said.

The Vice-President of the Commission congratulated OPEK on the implementation of the project, and mentioned that he aims to develop participatory democracy,  critical thinking and the production of positions on issues of main concern to European citizens and societies.

20/11/2023

With an interactive dialogue on the phenomena of corruption in Cyprus, the recent revelations of “Cyprus Confidential” and other ways in which it manifests itself to the detriment of society and the future of the young generation, an exchange workshop on the need to strengthen the quality of democracy and pluralism was held at UCLAN University in Pyla, Larnaca, on Friday 17 November 2023.

The workshop was part of UCLAN’s CroLEV Civic Festival and the co-funded EU Citizens’ Partnership Programme ”We-Together” in light of the European Elections 2024.

The discussion focused on encouraging citizens’ participation in European public life, so that citizens can develop their positions and define their future through the electoral processes.

Dr. Alexandra Uibariu, CRoLEV postdoctoral researcher, discussed the challenges societies of the 21st century are now facing, and ways in which political society attempts to preserve the rule of law and human rights.

Eric Sukiouroglou, Vice President of OPEK, discussed the serious problems of litigation that affect the rule of law and the quality of democracy in Cyprus and elaborated on civil society’s positions for greater accountability and control of political figures, as well as the need to strengthen the independence of institutions.

Kyriakos Pierides, AEJ – Association of European Journalists, spoke about the complex environment in which journalists today are called upon to carry out their mission, facing interference and threats, underlining the importance of the recent EU initiative for the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Maria Tatsiou, Lecturer in Financial and Corporate Law, Faculty of Law, UCLan Cyprus.

During the event, a presentation of the online participation platform MAZI.EU was given, which offers citizens, especially young people, the possibility to register, monitor and develop their own activities to promote participation in European democratic life.

More information about the platform: www.mazi.eu

Information on the “We – Together” project and voluntary participation in its activities:

[email protected] | Tel: +35796387498

04/12/2023

Citizens talk directly to the EU about the serious shortcomings of the rule of law in Cyprus

The serious shortcomings in the rule of law and the lack of accountability in Cyprus that have fuelled corruption have been raised in an online meeting with the European Commission by civil society organisations and active citizens. The meeting was organised by OPEK to enhance the public consultation that the European Commission is conducting in all Member States, encouraging citizens to give feedback on issues including, among others, tackling serious corruption, strengthening transparency and pluralism and the effective administration of justice. The event took place on the 30th of November 2023, with the physical presence of organisations and citizens at the House of the European Union and an online participation of citizens through an online platform.

On behalf of the European Commission, Christina Karakosta, Officer of the Directorate General for Justice, in the Unit – Rule of Law presented the most important issues that have emerged from the European Commission’s assessments so far in its annual report on Cyprus (here ) and listened with particular interest to the positions developed by Cypriot organisations as to whether there has been progress, stagnation or regression. The views recorded are being taken into account by the European Commission in view of the new report to be released in July 2024.

To this end, the Commission has opened a public consultation until the 15th of January 2024 ( here ) and is looking for more feedback and documentation from the citizens of Cyprus.

For more information on the 2024 Report, you can visit the relevant website.

Participants developed their positions in a free discussion moderated by the Vice President of OPEK, Eric Soukiuroglou, in the framework of the European project “We – Together” to increase citizens participation in the European public life and the upcoming European Elections 2024. Participating organisations included: Cyprus Union of Journalists, Oxygono, “New Wave”, Cyprus Integrity Forum, “FIMONOI”, NGO Support Center, NGO Support Center, “Patient Behavior Initiative”, IKME, ESN – Erasmus Students Network, Accept LGBT Cyprus, ConnectingDOTs, AEJ Association of European Journalists, Cyprus Nostos, “55+ Together”, Association of Pavilion Workers, Cyprus Dream and other active citizens.

The following crucial issues have been recorded:

Independence of Institutions and Reforms

The appointment system with the prerogatives of the President, as de facto in force since 1963, creates conditions of subordination of the institutions.

The consultations developed during the pre-election period to separate the powers of the Attorney General (Legal Adviser and Public Prosecutor) have been paralysed in the post-election period. No political will for such a radical breakthrough has been registered, neither on the part of the executive nor on the part of the legislature.The Prosecutor General retains the unaccountability of his powers, which is not the case anywhere and in any EU country. The relevant recommendations of the European Commission and the GRECO Group remain unimplemented.

Progress in investigating corruption cases

The level of investigation of serious corruption cases remains extremely low.

The new Anti-Corruption Authority was established without the powers to register criminal cases in court and has so far not delivered results.

The issues raised from time to time internationally (“Golden Passports”, Panama Papers, Pandora Papers, Cyprus Confidential, Predator, etc.), while continuing to stigmatise Cyprus for systematic involvement in suspicious money laundering transactions and illegal activities, are not effectively investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.

Efficiency of the justice system

The transition to digital justice is progressing. However, the adjudication of cases remains largely delayed, despite the strengthening of the capacity of the courts.

There remain major questions among society as to whether the laws that are passed are implemented in practice.

Little effort is made by the Executive and the Legislature to explain the law and encourage citizens to realise their rights.

Level of accountability of elected officials

The implementation of the “Due Diligence” is suffering at its root and the current system is sham.

The initiative for a real “Behind the Back”, taken by prominent citizens – the Nobel laureate Christoforos Pissarides and Panagiotidis and Syrimis – was not taken up. Christos Panagiotidis presented at the event the written commitment of all the candidates for the Presidency, including President-elect Nicos Christodoulides, for “immediate implementation of the initiative”.

No action has been taken in this direction since Christodoulides’ election in February 2023. At the level of the Parliament, processes are underway to pass new ‘Everybody’s Behavior’ regulations without public consultation. Citizens’ organizations that requested to be invited to submit their views to the Parliament did not receive a response.

GRECO recommendations have been ignored for years, raising valid questions as to whether there is a real will at the political level for meaningful accountability. Political parties systematically deny transparency around their finances, even about the amounts they receive from the state budget.

Public Consultation

The Cypriot state does not implement procedures for meaningful public consultation.

The form of communication with citizens is one-dimensional and incomplete.

There is no real transparent consultation process, in conditions of participation and interactivity, so that society can express its opinion on major issues affecting the quality of life, the country’s economic prospects, the environment, etc. in good time and have its views taken into account.

Active Civil Society

Civil society is under pressure from the structures of power, instead of receiving the necessary support. The new legislation has created an unnecessary administrative burden and has led to the curtailment of NGO activity, rather than serving the purpose of transparency.

Participants were informed by the European Commission that, based on international indicators, the level of functioning of civil society has been downgraded from the category “Open” to the category “Restrictive”. The European Commission expects to have more information on this issue.

Media pluralism, editorial freedom and investigative journalism

Media pluralism operates within new restrictive frameworks put forward by media owners, citing sustainability reasons and the self-censorship of journalists under livelihood pressure. Investigative journalism lags behind in practice under the pressure of such and other factors affecting editorial freedom.

The European Commission raises issues related to government control of public service broadcasting.

CONCLUSIONS

The European Commission has taken note of the views expressed and will remain in direct contact with civil society organisations in Cyprus. It looks forward to continuing contacts and recording information with the necessary documentation in the context of the public consultation which continues until mid-January 2024.

Civil society organisations called for more pressure on the executive and the legislature for substantial reforms of the rule of law, either through close linkage of the most serious issues to EU funding (Recovery Fund) or through a continuous flow of information and public activities.

Civil society organisations recognise the need to mobilise their forces to make their voice stronger, demanding transparency and participation in the public debate

19/12/2023

Critical thinking and voting by 3rd grade students

The European Union through the eyes of the younger generation

Open Debate by OPEK at Latsia Lyceum

OPEK – Association for Social Reform, organised an open debate under the title “The European Union through the eyes of the younger generation”, with an active participation of 3rd year students on the 15th of December 2023, at Latsia Lyceum in Nicosia.

The students were encouraged to share their views on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union and the upcoming European Elections happening on the 9th of June 2024.

Latsia Lyceum is an Ambassador School of the European Parliament and participates in many European programmes.

Spontaneous and critical

The debate proved to be extremely interesting because students participated in a spontaneous way by asking questions and taking on roles with critical positions.

What does “European citizen” mean?

Students gave a wide range of answers to the question “what does European citizenship mean to them”. As wide as the benefits young people gain from Cyprus’ membership in the EU: studies, job opportunities, common values, contact with other countries, rights, solidarity from other states, good practices from other states.

What do I expect to change for my future?

In this part of the event, students took on roles in the EU, such as leaders of a Member State and Member of the European Council, Member of the European Parliament, Commissioner, Minister, Member of the Council, technocrat – ambassador to the Permanent Representation, and even Judge, Member of the EU Court of Justice.

During the role-play exercise, one of the students playing the role of a president of a Member State, addressed the issues the national educational system currently faces and how european politics can improve this current state. Other students also contirbuted to the discussion by sharing their views, based on their role – responsibility in the EU institutions, stating among others the following positions:

Share of knowledge and good practices from other educational systems

Strengthening of exchange programmes such as Erasmus

Solidarity between countries to support less developed countries

Exploiting the common interests of developed and less developed countries for investment, development and financial support.

Teaching European history.

Voting and skills

The students of Latsia Lyceum developed conversation, collaboration and problem-solving skills. They touched upon the issue of participation in the European elections, expressing their will to participate in the upcoming elections – those who will have the right to vote by June and the rest in the future.

Regarding participation or abstention, students shared their own views on what criteria there are to vote. They argued that possible reasons for abstention are lack of information, indifference, frustration that politicians are not responsive to problems and the impression that their vote does not count in the final outcome. Nevertheless, students recognised the need to judge on the basis of who or which MEP candidate relates with them the most, and thus is closer to their views. Who really fulfills their commitments and who takes the responsibility to represent Cyprus and deliver a measurable result. Students also agreed to the fact that if they do not vote and abstain, someone else will decide for them.

A group of students from Latsia Lyceum are participating in a pan-European competition in video production, with the objective of addressing a contemporary issue. They chose to focus on the relationship between parents and their children, as well as positive parenting.

Support their work by sharing it with the hashtag #imagineEU

The students agreed to stay in touch with the OPEK “WeTogether” team and to organise Vod-Casts

The event was hosted by Kyriakos Pierides, a Journalist and Trainer.

The event is part of the European project “We – Together” that aims to increase citizen participation in the European public life and the upcoming European Elections

Contact Information:

Latsia Lyceum [email protected] | 22467668

OPEC [email protected] | +35796387498