Speech delivered by the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Ioannou, at the 15th Annual Direct Dialogue between EU Capital City Mayors and the European Commission

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Lefkosia. A city that reflects both Europe’s rich history and its ongoing pursuit of unity, resilience and progress. At the same time, Lefkosia remains under occupation and is the last divided capital of the European Union (EU), standing as a living reminder that peace and reunification are ongoing commitments, and that dialogue, cooperation and solidarity remain essential to the European project.

Hosting this important Dialogue during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is particularly meaningful for us. It underlines our firm belief that Europe’s future is shaped not only in Brussels, but very concretely in our cities, where European policies meet citizens’ everyday life.

Allow me to also acknowledge the participation of our colleagues from the European institutions, including Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Costas Kadis. Your presence today underlines the importance of direct and structured dialogue between the European institutions and local authorities.

Today’s meeting reaffirms that Europe is built from the ground up. Capital cities are not just administrative centres. They are engines of growth, hubs of innovation and spaces of social cohesion. They are where climate policies become neighbourhood projects, where migration strategies turn into integration initiatives and where digital transformation becomes better public services.

Under the guiding vision of the Cyprus Presidency, “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, we are working towards a Europe that is stronger internally, more resilient externally and firmly committed to openness and cooperation.

For our cities, this vision translates into very practical priorities.

Firstly, strategic autonomy must have a local dimension. It means resilient urban infrastructure, reliable energy systems, effective civil protection and digitally capable municipalities. Our cities must be equipped to respond to crises, while continuing to deliver for their citizens.

Secondly, competitiveness and innovation start in urban areas. Capital cities are hubs for entrepreneurship, research, culture and creative industries. Urban innovation ecosystems must be fully integrated into Europe’s competitiveness agenda. Cities need real access to European instruments, so they can lead mission-oriented innovation that tackles real-world challenges, such as climate adaptation, sustainable mobility and digital public services.

Thirdly, social cohesion and inclusion remain at the core of the European project. Housing affordability, access to education, integration and support for vulnerable groups are everyday responsibilities for local authorities.

In this regard, affordable housing, in particular, is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most pressing urban challenges. Cities are on the frontline, yet they cannot address this crisis alone. The Cyprus Presidency supports a stronger European framework for city-led housing solutions, combining cohesion funding, sustainability objectives and urban regeneration, so that access to decent, sustainable and affordable housing remains a cornerstone of Social Europe.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we look ahead to the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, Europe must move beyond seeing cities simply as recipients of funding. Cities must be recognised as strategic partners to EU priorities, with a clear urban dimension, predictable long-term investment and structured multilevel governance embedded in national reforms and investment plans.

Empowering local authorities, trusting cities with delivery and ensuring that European resources translate into visible improvements in people’s lives are political choices. 

The Cyprus Presidency is committed to acting as an honest broker and bridge between European ambition and local reality. We believe in a Europe that listens more closely to its cities, respects their diversity and builds on their collective strength.

As the Minister responsible for local government and spatial development, I firmly believe that empowering municipalities is a strategic investment in democratic resilience, economic competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Over the course of today’s discussions, I encourage you to exchange views openly and constructively. Let us use this platform to strengthen cooperation between capital cities and European institutions, and to shape policies that are practical, inclusive and forward-looking.

Together, we can build a Europe that is stronger internally, credible externally and responsive locally; a Union that delivers for its citizens through strong, innovative and inclusive cities.

I wish you every success in your deliberations and a pleasant stay in Lefkosia.

Thank you.

Photos

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.