Event at Neapolis University on the European elections

In the framework of the commitment of Neapolis University in Cyprus for increasing awareness of students and the members of the civil society on current social and political issues, an event on “European Elections 2019 and the Future of Europe – The Importance of Participation” was organized on Monday 22 October 2018 at the Amphitheater of Neapolis University.

The event was co-organized by Neapolis University, the European Network of Political Foundations (ΕΝoΡ) and the Centre of International and European Political Economy and Governance (CIEPEG) of the University of Peloponnese.

During his inaugural speech, the Rector of Neapolis University, Professor Pantelis Sklias, highlighted the importance of the forthcoming European elections for the future of Europe. He also added that Neapolis University, in cooperation with the University’s Students Association, will continue to organize similar international events, which boost the University’s extrovert character and will help in the information of both the students and the general public on important contemporary topics.

Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, Ambassador Marios Ieronimides, Deputy General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the event, mentioning the historical development of European integration and underlining the importance of the participation of Cyprus in the European Union.

During the event, presentations were made by the following speakers:

• Doris Pack, Member of the Political Board of ENoP, President of the European’s People Party Women Association and of the Robert Schuman Foundation
• Antonis Klapsis, Assistant Professor at Neapolis University Pafos
• Christos Iakovou, Director of the Cyprus Research Centre
• George Maris, Lecturer at Neapolis University Pafos

During the debate, which was coordinated by Panagiotis Kakolyris, journalist and Senior Researcher at CIEPEG, issues such as the important challenges faced by the European Union, the rise of nationalism and populism, the ways of increasing participation at the European elections etc. were raised.