What Michalis spoke about.

3

Apr

2025

EL Speech

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European Action Plan on Rare Diseases (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it is currently estimated that there are between 6 000 and 8 000 rare diseases affecting some 30 million European citizens. Behind each case lies a human story. Adults and children are desperately seeking diagnosis and waiting for treatment. For smaller EU countries, such as Cyprus, the problem is even bigger. Immediate action is needed at European level. Commis…

1

Apr

2025

EL Speech

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Crackdown on democracy in Türkiye and the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu (debate)

Madam President, honourable Members, the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu is yet another example of Turkey's ever-increasing violation of human rights and democracy. These are practices incompatible with European values and the rule of law. These phenomena are familiar to Cypriot Hellenism, which continues to experience the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by the Turkish inv…

31

Mar

2025

EL Speech

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European Cultural Compass as a driving force for economic competitiveness and resilience (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, culture is a cornerstone of European states and peoples. It not only accompanies but shapes the development and evolution of our societies. Cyprus, as a cradle of culture in the heart of the Mediterranean, has been instrumental in shaping modern European identity. This historic legacy places on us the responsibility to protect and enhance our cultural heritag…

11

Mar

2025

EL Speech

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Presentation of the proposal on Critical Medicines Act (CMA) (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I am really pleased with the speeches I have heard from almost all my colleagues. The legislative proposal on critical medicines is a major step towards strengthening the European Union’s strategic autonomy in the health sector. I underline the need for joint procurement of medicines, medical supplies and devices. Through it we ensure timely and af…

12

Feb

2025

EL Speech

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Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Turkey is violating the basic principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. As Parliament's chief negotiator, I said that the dictatorial persecution of members of the Kurdish minority proves that the country is moving away from every European authority and value. The silencing and repression of political opponents constitute inhuman a…

10

Feb

2025

EL Speech

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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: the need for the European Union to contribute to resolving the humanitarian crisis of persons missing in wars and conflicts (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to remind you that, due to the Turkish invasion and occupation of my country, Cyprus, the families of the missing are still waiting for news about their loved ones. The occupation army of Erdoğan has for fifty years refused to cooperate and give evidence of the fate of these souls. We are asking for the help and support of the European Union to heal…

23

Jan

2025

EL Speech

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Cryptocurrencies - need for global standards (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, cryptocurrencies are transforming the financial landscape and their future in Europe may be promising. The European Union has adopted a regulation that will bring greater transparency, investor protection, stability and integration of the digital medium into the economic system of the European Union. The absence of clear rules at global level ha…

26

Nov

2024

EL Speech

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2025 budgetary procedure: Joint text (debate)

25

Nov

2024

EL Speech

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Condemning the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of the secessionist entity in Cyprus and all efforts to legitimise it and reaffirming the need for European solidarity - 41 years after (debate)

Mr President, I stand before you today as a Greek Cypriot Member of the European Parliament and a survivor of war. Fifty years ago, in the Turkish invasion, I was a forty-day-old displaced infant. Today, while I can move freely across the 27 Member States of the European Union, I cannot live in my home in Famagusta. The issue of our missing persons is still an open wound. The international communi…

22

Oct

2024

EL Speech

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General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union's budget for 2025 is an expression of solidarity with our citizens and an investment in our future. I am pleased that, as the European Parliament, we are calling for an increase of EUR 70 million for the Erasmus+ programme, which offers our young people new perspectives and opportunities that enhance their skills and equip the…

9

Oct

2024

EL Speech

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Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the need for targeted regulation of medical devices is more pressing than ever. As a former Minister of Health during the pandemic, I am well aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by our patients, who deserve safe and quality care and care. At the same time, European industry needs a framework that allows it to be competitive and pionee…