Η δράση μου στο Συμβούλιο

Dear Colleagues,

Regrettably, we find ourselves enticed, once more, to debate the functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey, a founding member of the Council of Europe.

Cyprus opposes the potential extension of the Emissions Trading Scheme to aviation and maritime sectors, as well as the introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax and a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base.

What we are debating here today is in fact a crucial issue, one that affects the access to, level of participation in and, ultimately, the quality of our democracies, for citizens and politicians alike.

Madam President, dear colleagues, I would like to congratulate Lord George FOULKES for his comprehensive work, highlighting threats to journalists and media freedom in general. We all agree that at the heart of true democracy lies an independent and pluralistic media. Freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental values of humankind.

Dear Colleagues,
We could very well be standing on the verge of a very detrimental development to the security of Europe and the stability of the Mediterranean.
The most worrying however development which does not seem to adequately alarm Europe is the fact that jihadi fighters have been transported to Libya for combat.

I would like, first, to thank the rapporteur, Mr Frank SCHWABE, for this well-written report that lays down a step-by-step process aiming at bringing in line, through the adoption of a common mechanism, a member state that has breached its statutory obligations.

Dear colleagues, I would like to thank the two rapporteurs whose reports were debating here today. In exposing these issues, that are global in nature, we can seek ways to improve the conditions in our own countries, where we are more familiar with the structures in place and remaining difficulties.