What Loucas spoke about.

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EL Written Statement

Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus

The attack on the church of Saint Elias in Damascus, where at least 25 believers were killed and more than 60 were injured, is another tragic reminder of the vulnerability of religious minorities in Syria.The European Parliament stresses the need for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation and accountability of those responsible. The protection of religious and cultural sites is fu…

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EN Written Statement

International day for the elimination of violence against women (debate)

One out of three women has encountered physical or sexual violence. Domestic violence claims the lives of approximately 50 women every week. Within professional environments, 75 % of women have faced sexual harassment, and it is estimated that 1 in 2 young women has experienced gender-based cyber violence. Ιt is unacceptable for women to feel unsafe in any aspect of their life: in public, online, …

8

Jul

2026

EL Speech

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EU’s response and preparedness to protect people against recurring heatwaves and upcoming wildfires (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, I come from a country where summer heat is almost a daily occurrence. In the European Union last year we had record fires with over 10 million acres of burnt land. For Cyprus, my home country, the data of the European Forest Fire Information System record an extreme peak of burnt areas. I therefore welcome the landmark decision, as there will be a record number for t…

16

Jun

2026

EL Answer

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2025 Commission report on Türkiye (debate)

The citizens certainly cannot solve it, but the European Union must send out clear signals. When you say on the one hand that you are not progressing, but regressing on too many issues, and at the same time in the report you say that we should see how we help – customs union, upgrading, security – you are giving the wrong signal. That while you don't take steps, I reward you for being a strong cou…

16

Jun

2026

EL Speech

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2025 Commission report on Türkiye (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, I welcome the rapporteurs' attempt to square the circle, to put the words 'Turkey' and 'progress' in the same sentence. Very difficult task, because these two words cannot coexist. What progress? Turkey still illegally occupies European territory in Cyprus. He continues to threaten Greece with war. It continues to cause daily instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Th…

29

Apr

2026

EL Speech

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Situation in Lebanon: implementation of the ceasefire, support peace efforts and humanitarian access (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, I express my full and undivided solidarity with the Lebanese people. The ceasefire should be seen as a real opportunity for substantial de-escalation. Strengthen diplomatic efforts to draw up a credible map for lasting stability in the region. For Cyprus, my country, and this crisis is next to it. In the evening we can see the flashes of rockets flying in our area. As a…

10

Feb

2026

EL Speech

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Situation in Northeast Syria, the violence against civilians and the need to maintain a sustainable ceasefire (debate)

21

Jan

2026

EL Speech

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European Council meeting (joint debate)

Madam President, High Representative, Mr Costa, you have said that you will not accept the violation of international law in Venezuela, Gaza, Iran, Greenland and even Africa. Why did you forget about Cyprus? But today I want to say something else. A stronger and more sovereign Europe is not only built on defence and geopolitical strategy. It is built with knowledge, with young people, with equal o…

20

Jan

2026

EL Speech

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Brutal repression against protesters in Iran (debate)

Mr President, High Representative, as the European Parliament's standing rapporteur on Iran, I would like to point out the following. The price of Iran's freedom has already been paid in blood, with the lives of people who took to the streets to demand the obvious: freedom, dignity and rights. The regime responded with brutal force, firing on protesters, arbitrary arrests and executions. Thousands…

20

Jan

2026

EL Speech

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Presentation of the programme of activities of the Cyprus Presidency (continuation of debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, Mr President, welcome to Parliament. For me, for all of us, Cyprus is above all. And we will do everything we can to make it work. The Republic of Cyprus took over the presidency of the Council at a crucial moment for Europe. But I want to say clearly to everyone that Cyprus can: can respond, can unite, can stand up to the circumstances. The challenges are huge. We k…

17

Dec

2025

EL Speech

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Preparation of the European Council meeting of 18-19 December 2025, in particular the need to support Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the EU’s strategic autonomy (debate)

Mr President, today we are preparing another European Council, talking about Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the European Union's strategic autonomy. But let me say that the Union is showing a dangerous selective sensitivity. The truth is awkward: Our European family does not face the same situations in the same way. Because at the same time we are defending the territorial integrity of Ukrai…

12

Nov

2025

EL Speech

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Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of the secessionist entity created by Türkiye in Cyprus and the continued Turkish military occupation (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, we are not just talking about an illegal proclamation, we are talking about 42 years of a pseudo-state of shame set up on the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, a Member State of the European Union. We are talking about 51 years of Turkish occupation, with Turkey continuing to provoke, threaten, talk about two states, talk about partition. Where did you fin…

21

Oct

2025

EL Speech

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Polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, as Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, I want to speak with absolute sincerity today. Next Monday I am going to Belgrade as part of my duties and I want to be clear to everyone. Let's talk honestly. Do we want Serbia in the European Union or not? Today, Serbia is facing two roads: The European one, with refo…

7

Oct

2025

EL Speech

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The EU’s role in supporting the recent peace efforts for Gaza and a two-state solution (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, my country, Cyprus, is only 200 nautical miles from Gaza and from our homes we see the missiles at night. We are the closest European territory to the battlefield and our responsibility, especially in the humanitarian field, is enormous. We have done and continue to do everything we can to alleviate the human suffering that has been going on outside our doorstep for …

10

Sep

2025

EL Speech

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Detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you with outrage and indignation because five Greek Cypriots, five European citizens have been illegally arrested and detained by the Turkish occupation army for two months. It is an act of piracy, a kidnapping in retaliation against the legitimate Republic of Cyprus that has arrested usurpers, those who sell our property in the oc…

9

Sep

2025

EL Speech

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Wave of violence and continuous use of force against protesters in Serbia (debate)

Madam President, Serbia is a country that is on the European road, a road that requires dialogue, respect and democratic maturity. Violence has no place and is absolutely reprehensible wherever it comes from, whether by the police or by the citizens. Violence only brings violence, it does not solve problems, it sharpens them. Governments have a duty to listen, to listen to society, to give space t…

9

Jul

2025

EL Speech

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51 years after the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus: condemning the continued Turkish occupation and supporting the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive solution in line with international law, the UNSC resolutions, EU principles and acquis (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the Cyprus issue is not just a matter of trust. It's a matter of invasion and occupation, and you should know that very well. A Turkish invasion 51 years unpunished. Colonization? 51 years unpunished. Rape by the Turkish army of hundreds of girls and women? With impunity. Executions of children and men in front of their families? With impunity. They took our land, they …

18

Jun

2025

EL Speech

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Upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025 (debate)

Mr President, in a few days NATO will meet again and Europe must go there with a plan and a compass. We cannot talk about common defence and expect the other side of the Atlantic to watch our backs. It is time for a Euro-army – not to replace NATO but to serve the planning, autonomy and credibility of the European Union. We cannot fail to have a clear timetable. We can't go watching and doing. Thr…

17

Jun

2025

EL Speech

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The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, seven out of ten Europeans believe that corruption is a reality in their country. So let's say some truths. The rule of law in the European Union is seriously deficient and we are all aware of it. It's not a theoretical problem, it's existential. We violate it every day, not just with our tolerance but with our own decisions. Some see Europe only as a big bank: As lo…

7

May

2025

EL Speech

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The illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, the title of the debate refers to an illegal visit. Let's talk honestly. It is not just that, it is a show of contempt for international law, UN resolutions and the European Union itself. And – I am sorry, but I will say it – as long as we remain silent, Erdoğan will continue to do his thing and we will only denounce every time he does something similar and illegal, …

6

May

2025

EL Speech

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2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia (debate)

Mr President, I find it very strange that, although Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, I did not even have the right to a minute's speech and I have to catch-the-eye to say a few words. This will be judged by my political group. I have said it many times and I repeat it: Serbia's position is in the European Union for many different reaso…

6

May

2025

EL Speech

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2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, we thank friend Amor for his hard work. Having the words "Turkey" and "progress" in the same sentence is contradictory and provocative. Turkey is not moving towards Europe, but is taking steps hostile to European values, the rule of law, human rights. He walks à la carte, enjoying privileges without any obligation whatsoever. The Erdoğan dictatorship imprisons journalis…

6

May

2025

EL Speech

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A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, the budget and European funds must focus on the well-being of European citizens. They are not just numbers, they are political choices that determine lives. As rapporteur in two important committees on the budget of the European Union, I welcome the adoption of important amendments that cover key issues and reflect the real needs of European societies. Strengthening Eur…

2

Apr

2025

EL Speech

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Progress in the UN-led efforts for the resumption of negotiations towards a solution to the Cyprus problem

Madam President, I would like to thank you for accepting our request to make this statement on the Cyprus problem, at another turning point for my country. Half a century has passed since the Turkish invasion and occupation of half my country. Today, as you said, a new effort to resume talks under the UN Secretary-General is underway. An effort that should lead to a solution that includes the with…

1

Apr

2025

EL Speech

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Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024 (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, congratulations to my colleague Isabel Lima on her excellent work. The European Union must be consistent with the principles and values it defends. We cannot have different reactions to the same events, depending on who is responsible or what our interests are. This selective sensitivity disappoints pro-European forces and undermines our credibility. Why is there dea…