“Europe Day 2023 Celebrated in Zahra Sokak”
“Europe Day 2023” Celebrated in Nicosia with EU Support
The “Europe Day 2023” event was held with the support of the European Commission in Nicosia Zahra Street. The event, which took place from 18:00 to 22:00, began with opening speeches.
Judit Rozsa, the Director of the European Commission’s Structural Reform Support General Directorate Resources, Coordination and Assistance Programme, spoke from Brussels via video link and reminded attendees that Cyprus is a country that has recently experienced conflict. She stated that the European Union is working towards bringing lasting peace and prosperity to the island. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the unification of Cyprus and expressed the belief that the EU will implement policies based on equality and justice.
Representing Prime Ministry Undersecretary Hüseyin Cahitoğlu, who was unable to attend, Damla Onurhan expressed full trust in the European Union’s policies towards Cyprus. She also noted that the goal is to improve the standard of living for Turkish Cypriot people.
Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality, remarked on the presence of South Nicosia Mayor Konstantin Yorgasis at the event as a positive step in overcoming differences and moving forward in problematic areas. Harmancı acknowledged the EU’s contributions to northern Cyprus since 2004 and suggested that both the EU and Turkish Cypriot side should come together and reassess the situation.
The event featured various activities such as information booths on the EU Assistance Program for the Turkish Cypriot community, a concert, dance show, prize draw, Karagöz-Hacivat shadow play, street party, and Family and Child activities such as a bi-communal sustainable environment workshop, painting workshop, Virtual Reality tours, treasure hunt, and face painting.
The Turkish Cypriot community is hopeful that the continued support of the European Union can bring about lasting peace and prosperity to the island.
