Citizens' Dialogue with Vice-President Jyrki Katainen You can watch it here Monday 28 January 2019, 14:00 - 16:00 (EET)Nicosia, Cyprus Media 2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_04.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_04.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_03.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_03.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_02.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_02.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_01.jpg2019-01-28_katainen_nicosia_cy_01.jpgClose Speakers Practical information WhenMonday 28 January 2019, 14:00 - 16:00 (EET)WhereHotel Hilton Cyprus Hotel Hilton Cyprus, 98 Arch. Makarios III Avenue, Nicosia, Cyprus Report The Vice-President covered three main topics in his introductory presentation: the strength of the economy, with high employment rates; his belief that the EU would integrate more in the coming years, with EU citizens already asking for more Europe; and the EU’s foundation, which is composed of sustainable and democratic values. The main messages to emerge from the discussion were on the importance of engaging in dialogue and the importance the European Commission plays in helping Member States to manage the challenges of the 21st century. Jyrki Katainen emphasised the importance of sustainable development (circular economy, fight against climate change); security and defence (counter-terrorism, common defence spending); education; artificial intelligence (the need for codes of ethic); free trade (e.g. the recent agreement with Japan; the on-going negotiations with Mercosur); the priorities for the multiannual financial framework; increasing support towards the African continent’s economic development; and of Member States exercising more ownership over their decisions as the EU. Vice-President Katainen gave examples of the EU’s added value in many of these fields and of the actions it takes as a consequence of citizens’ wishes. He stressed that EU means freedom. He also acknowledged the challenges the European Union is facing: internally (the rise of nationalism and populism) and externally (the relationship with the United States in terms of trade and multilateralism; the relation with China in terms of investment; and the relationship with Russia in terms of political interference in democratic elections). The questions from the audience were varied and insightful. They addressed the topics of: whether or not there would be a multispeed Europe; the rise of nationalism and populism; the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence; the upcoming European elections; Brexit; the limitations of the European institutions’ communication; bureaucratic red tape; and the EU’s advice for Cyprus on attracting more foreign investment, increasing competitiveness, educational reform, and addressing the issue of ‘golden visas and passports’. Closing the debate, Jyrki Katainen stressed how important participation in the European Parliament elections in May is.
The Vice-President covered three main topics in his introductory presentation: the strength of the economy, with high employment rates; his belief that the EU would integrate more in the coming years, with EU citizens already asking for more Europe; and the EU’s foundation, which is composed of sustainable and democratic values. The main messages to emerge from the discussion were on the importance of engaging in dialogue and the importance the European Commission plays in helping Member States to manage the challenges of the 21st century. Jyrki Katainen emphasised the importance of sustainable development (circular economy, fight against climate change); security and defence (counter-terrorism, common defence spending); education; artificial intelligence (the need for codes of ethic); free trade (e.g. the recent agreement with Japan; the on-going negotiations with Mercosur); the priorities for the multiannual financial framework; increasing support towards the African continent’s economic development; and of Member States exercising more ownership over their decisions as the EU. Vice-President Katainen gave examples of the EU’s added value in many of these fields and of the actions it takes as a consequence of citizens’ wishes. He stressed that EU means freedom. He also acknowledged the challenges the European Union is facing: internally (the rise of nationalism and populism) and externally (the relationship with the United States in terms of trade and multilateralism; the relation with China in terms of investment; and the relationship with Russia in terms of political interference in democratic elections). The questions from the audience were varied and insightful. They addressed the topics of: whether or not there would be a multispeed Europe; the rise of nationalism and populism; the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence; the upcoming European elections; Brexit; the limitations of the European institutions’ communication; bureaucratic red tape; and the EU’s advice for Cyprus on attracting more foreign investment, increasing competitiveness, educational reform, and addressing the issue of ‘golden visas and passports’. Closing the debate, Jyrki Katainen stressed how important participation in the European Parliament elections in May is.
