Speech of the European Commissioner Christos Stylianidis
Your Beatitude, Dear President of the House of Representatives, Dear Mayor, Dear Chairman of the Administrative Board of “Pafos2017”, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great joy that I am here today, in my capacity as European Commissioner but also as a Cypriot citizen, for the official opening ceremony of the programme of the European Capital of Culture “Pafos 2017”, together with the highest authorities of Pafos and Cyprus.
During this time, where Europe is faced with concern, uncertainty and, even, doubt, Pafos 2017 sends a clear message of transparency and openness of beliefs and horizons, of acceptance of other cultures and diversity, demonstrating the importance of an open society.
Unfortunately, intolerance and discrimination have been on the rise throughout Europe. The fundamental European values and ideals are put to the test. Populism has been gaining ground through manifestos and promises about the exclusion of others.
In view of these challenges, culture can act as a bridge that promotes understanding and tackles mutual distrust. Culture can contribute decisively to the strengthening of our communities and guide us to joint solutions.
Pafos 2017 demonstrates precisely that. With the motto “Linking continents, bridging cultures”, the city makes the promise to create constructive exchanges between people and communities. Between, its citizens, its visitors and its immigrants. But also between the people of Europe and beyond. Highlighting, at the same time, the importance of sustainable tourism.
Since the establishment of the institution in 1980, after a proposal by Melina Mercouri, then Greece’s Minister of Culture, the European Capitals of Culture have been bringing the citizens of Europe closer together. They strengthen the sense of “belonging”. They promote dialogue, transparency, the acceptance of others and exchange, starting at the local level.
Similarly to the European Capitals of Cultures, another important project of the EU, the Erasmus programme, also plays a decisive role in intercultural understanding and the creation of new ties and relations between the youth of Europe. This year, we are proud to celebrate the programme’s 30th anniversary.
Through such initiatives, we have repeatedly experienced the positive impact of the promotion of new cultural interconnections. Culture has helped communities connect and reconnect, as well as develop long-term relations.
Pafos has experienced the value of cultural exchange. Its rich history comes as a proof. It has always been a gate to the European Mediterranean. Different communities have long been coexisting here. Multiculturalism is simply part of the city’s DNA.
Pafos may be the smallest city to have ever received the title of the European Capital of Culture, but there is no doubt about the very important message it has to offer to the whole of Europe, during these hard times.
I hope that the two European Capitals of Culture for 2017 – Pafos, here in Cyprus, and Aarhus in Denmark – will shed the light to the values of Europe and cultural diversity.
I am proud to see my country host for the first time one of the most precious European initiatives. Pafos 2017 shall, without a doubt, become a bright beacon in this corner of the Mediterranean, showcasing its rich tradition, its myths and its legends, allowing the spotlight to fall on the values of tolerance, diversity and multiculturalism.
Dear Mr. Mayor,
On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to congratulate the city of Pafos for receiving the Melina Mercouri Award, in recognition of the great efforts and excellent work carried out by the team Pafos 2017, as well as the administration of your city, in order to prepare for this year. Please accept this plaque and certificate as a token of our appreciation.
I wish Pafos every success!
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