Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the opening of the Press and Information Office’s exhibition “Myths and Tales of Cyprus”, in Strasbourg

Jean Monnet is often quoted as saying, “If I had to do it all over again, I would begin with culture”. Because culture shapes who we are and who we can become. It connects people across borders, strengthens our communities, and inspires creativity and innovation.

This reflection lies at the heart of the exhibition “Myths and Tales of Cyprus”, which I am honoured to inaugurate today, here in the European Parliament, where European citizens’ voices find expression, to mark the start of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As of 1 January, Cyprus has taken the helm of the Council, a historic milestone in a journey that began some twenty-two years ago. Since joining the EU, Cyprus has grown into a reliable and constructive member state, fully committed to the European project. Taking our place in the European family remains our greatest diplomatic achievement since independence, and our Presidency builds on this commitment, maturity and experience by contributing to European policies and decisions.

The Myths and Tales of Cyprus exhibition was created out of a profound need to preserve, highlight and pass on our cultural heritage. The myths and traditions of a place are not merely narratives of the past, but living stories that connect generations, reflect shared values and form an integral part of cultural identity.

In these myths, visitors will discover familiar themes and symbols. They will recognise echoes of stories from their own countries. This is because mythology transcends borders and reminds us that Europe’s cultural wealth is built on shared human experiences, told and retold through many voices.

As an island at the southeasternmost edge of the EU, at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus has stood for centuries as a meeting point of peoples, cultures and ideas.

A bridge between Europe and the wider Middle East and the Gulf region, Cyprus has long served as the EU’s beacon in the Eastern Mediterranean. This collective experience also shapes our approach to the Presidency, grounded in dialogue and cooperation, mutual respect, and a constant effort to build bridges.

It is no coincidence that we choose to showcase Cyprus through culture today.

Culture is our common language. It draws citizens closer together, strengthens the unity of our common European home, and reminds us that Europe’s strength lies not only in unity, but also in its remarkable diversity, where each country adds its own unique thread to our shared European tapestry.

As Cyprus embarks on this Presidency journey, we do so with commitment, openness and resilience. Above all, we do so with the determination to do what we do best: act as a bridge between Member States, between institutions, between ambition and delivery, and between Europe and its wider region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear Roberta,

Cyprus has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a moment of profound transformation, rising challenges and heightened expectations from our citizens. In this context, our cooperation with the European Parliament is essential, both as co-legislator and as the institutional voice of European citizens.

For Cyprus, the Presidency is a moment of national pride. Above all, it is a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Union’s strategic priorities and to the shared European project we all serve.

Initiatives such as this exhibition offer new generations in our European home shared cultural reference points that enrich our collective identity.

Forever Europeans at heart.

Thank you.