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
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