Citizens' Dialogue with Themis Christophidou, Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission You can watch it here Friday 25 January 2019, 10:30 - 12:00 (EET)Nicosia, Cyprus Media christophidou_nicosia.jpgchristophidou_nicosia.jpgClose Speakers Practical information WhenFriday 25 January 2019, 10:30 - 12:00 (EET)WhereUniversity of Cyprus University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus Report On 25 January 2019, the European Commission Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Ms. Themis Christophidou, took part in a Citizens' Dialogue in Cyprus, Nicosia.The Dialogue focused on the topic of Which Europe do we want?, the upcoming European elections, Youth/education/culture issues, Erasmus, Migration and Brexit.The event was attended by more than 180 people; including not only students from the University of Cyprus, but also academics and members of the public.Director-General Christophidou said that we are just 118 days away from the next decisive decision point in the European Union. "The European elections determine whether, in the face of problems, we choose people who care about solutions or people who choose to shout for these problems without proposing specific outlets. We are a small country (Cyprus), but we learn to create alliances that will promote the interests of Cypriot citizens. European legislation is transposed into national law. Therefore, what MEP we will vote for is important. It is as important as our vote for the President of the Republic ".Ms. Christofidou also referred to democracy, freedom of the press, and to human rights. Nothing is more fundamental to promoting a just society, she said, giving opportunities and a "healthy" sense of identity, from education.Special mention was also made for the Erasmus program, which is considered one of the most successful EU programs. Ms Christophidou said that the purpose of Erasmus is to build bridges, to strengthen the roots of our common European identity.Replying to questions on Brexit, she said that "No Member State can face the global challenges alone". In Cyprus, Brexit is one of the most hotly-debated issues. She underlined that Brexit is a huge issue for the European Union and she added that even more profound wounds for Europe are the phenomena of radicalisation, extremism, increasing inequalities, racism and fake news.Participants were very interested in questions of funding for Erasmus, the economic crisis, the migration, general education and cultural issues, extremism and the forthcoming elections.The event in Nicosia was part of a series of Citizens' Dialogues that involve the whole European Commission and take place in all EU Member States.
On 25 January 2019, the European Commission Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Ms. Themis Christophidou, took part in a Citizens' Dialogue in Cyprus, Nicosia.The Dialogue focused on the topic of Which Europe do we want?, the upcoming European elections, Youth/education/culture issues, Erasmus, Migration and Brexit.The event was attended by more than 180 people; including not only students from the University of Cyprus, but also academics and members of the public.Director-General Christophidou said that we are just 118 days away from the next decisive decision point in the European Union. "The European elections determine whether, in the face of problems, we choose people who care about solutions or people who choose to shout for these problems without proposing specific outlets. We are a small country (Cyprus), but we learn to create alliances that will promote the interests of Cypriot citizens. European legislation is transposed into national law. Therefore, what MEP we will vote for is important. It is as important as our vote for the President of the Republic ".Ms. Christofidou also referred to democracy, freedom of the press, and to human rights. Nothing is more fundamental to promoting a just society, she said, giving opportunities and a "healthy" sense of identity, from education.Special mention was also made for the Erasmus program, which is considered one of the most successful EU programs. Ms Christophidou said that the purpose of Erasmus is to build bridges, to strengthen the roots of our common European identity.Replying to questions on Brexit, she said that "No Member State can face the global challenges alone". In Cyprus, Brexit is one of the most hotly-debated issues. She underlined that Brexit is a huge issue for the European Union and she added that even more profound wounds for Europe are the phenomena of radicalisation, extremism, increasing inequalities, racism and fake news.Participants were very interested in questions of funding for Erasmus, the economic crisis, the migration, general education and cultural issues, extremism and the forthcoming elections.The event in Nicosia was part of a series of Citizens' Dialogues that involve the whole European Commission and take place in all EU Member States.