*An article by DISY MEP and Head of the Cypriot Delegation to the European People’s Party, Loukas Fourlas, on the occasion of the memorandum he submitted to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives during the debate on the topic “The Republic of Cyprus as a Frontline Member State of the European Union in the Eastern Mediterranean: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategic Priorities.”
For years, we have grown accustomed to speaking of Cyprus as a small country on the periphery of the European Union. I believe the time has come for this perception to change.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Cyprus is not on the periphery of Europe. It is an EU member state located on the front lines of the Eastern Mediterranean. It lies next to the Middle East, close to crisis zones and key hubs for energy, trade, and security.
This creates risks. But it also creates opportunities.
I presented this very position, in a written submission, to the House of Representatives’ Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs during the debate on the topic “The Republic of Cyprus as a Frontline Member State of the European Union in the Eastern Mediterranean: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategic Priorities.”
For I believe that the time has come—and the circumstances are favorable—for our country’s geographical location to be transformed into a genuine strategic advantage.
First and foremost, it must be made clear that Cyprus’s security is European security. The protection of our ports and airports, our energy facilities, and our undersea and digital infrastructure does not concern only us. It concerns the EU itself.
The European stance on the Cyprus issue must remain just as clear. The EU recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus and supports a comprehensive settlement within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with the relevant resolutions, the principles of the Union, and the European acquis. Europe has a role to play and can make a substantial contribution to the implementation of a future agreement.
At the same time, there is the major issue of energy. Cyprus’s energy isolation must end. We need reliable and sustainable interconnections and more options. This requires planning, transparency, and a thorough assessment of every project.
On migration, too, solidarity cannot remain merely a slogan. I have emphasized this many times and will continue to do so in my capacity as Shadow Rapporteur for the European People’s Party on the new Migration Pact 2028-34. Cyprus, as a frontline state facing migratory pressure, is entitled to tangible European support. We need effective protection of external borders, action against smuggling networks, and joint European action.
Our country has already proven that it can serve as a bridge between Europe and the East—in humanitarian operations, evacuations, civil protection, regional cooperation, and dialogue.
The next step is for Cyprus’s role as a bridge to become a permanent feature of European planning.
We must not wait for the next crisis for Europe to remember the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean.
We must work to ensure that Cyprus is placed where it truly belongs—at the heart of the European strategy for the region. Not as a bystander to developments, but as a member state with a role, a voice, and a presence.
