Debate contributions by Michalis HADJIPANTELA

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. Commissioner, patients in small countries are entitled to the same level of treatment as in larger countries that have more cases and know-how. The establishment and strengthening of national rare disease registries within the European Reference Networks is essential for the effective recording, monitoring and management of rare diseases at national and European level. We must harness our collective power to promote prevention, early diagnosis, equitable access to high-quality healthcare, innovative treatments and social services. Together we can change reality.

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 invader. The accession negotiations are effectively frozen. However, Turkey's alignment with European values takes place through a rigorous and active accession path. A path that must have clear conditions, commitments and consequences for the candidate country. The European Union cannot act as an observer. It must regain its strategic influence and exert effective pressure on Turkey to comply with international law. Starting from my home country, a full member of the European family.

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 heritage, respecting our values and history. I would like to draw your attention to the need for practical European support for Cyprus in the face of provocative actions by Turkey, which continues its illegal behaviour by desecrating churches and monuments of cultural heritage of the Greeks of Cyprus in the occupied territories. The European Culture Compass must be a tool to meaningfully support and protect culture and its people – artists, creators and communities – so that we can continue to inspire and unite the Europe of tomorrow.

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 affordable access to essential medicines for all Member States. Especially for smaller Member States, such as my home country Cyprus, the joint procurement of medicines can make a huge difference in the availability and cost of medicines for the patient. At the same time, we must ensure that the safety of medicines follows the strict criteria we set for the health and well-being of our citizens. European Union initiatives have already demonstrated that joint actions allow for faster and more effective responses to health crises and challenges. Thank you very much.

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 and degrading treatment. Turkey illegally occupies half of my homeland, has been convicted and has never complied with the rulings of European courts. Europe cannot tolerate Turkey's provocative stance. We will not negotiate our democracy with Erdoğan's authoritarian rules. The principles of the European Union are not negotiable. Democracy is the cornerstone of our Union and the countries that want to be members must respect them.

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 this open wound that is tarnishing the whole of Europe.

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 has led to scandals that have shaken investor confidence, highlighting the need for a more specific framework. Also, in Cyprus banks are very cautious about opening accounts for cryptocurrency companies. With the right regulation we can encourage banks to become more supportive and allow the sector to flourish. We are entering a new era for the digital asset, after the new US government announces that it will adopt a friendly attitude and framework for the operation of cryptocurrencies. We can't delay. We need to be more active and ready to seize this opportunity for innovation. The industry needs fair and transparent global rules. The European Union is well equipped to lead innovation in the field of cryptocurrencies. It's time to prove it.

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 community must condemn any attempt to legitimise the illegal secessionist entity, as decided by the United Nations Security Council. The Republic of Cyprus is sovereign. The Cyprus problem is also a European problem. We want and demand the full support of the European Union. Why is the violation of international law in Ukraine causing a reaction, while Cyprus is silent? Why have our displaced people not received compensation from European funds?

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 pioneering, reducing its dependence on non-European products. There is an urgent need for an updated regulation that puts the patient at the centre, that has high safety and quality standards, since patients' health cannot be negotiated. The new regulation must provide flexible arrangements to facilitate the development of medical devices, especially when they cover specialised cases such as paediatrics and rare diseases. We also need the immediate introduction of a fast-track approval procedure for innovative products, since where patients' lives are at stake, we need to be able to provide the right solutions quickly. The Draghi report highlighted the need to strengthen competitiveness and the domestic production of innovative products. We need to ensure that Europe provides high-quality medical devices that are developed and produced in our Member States. This effort must be responsible and continuous, and our decisions to enhance the quality of care for our patients and the efficiency of our industry.