Press Release No: 03/26
27 February 2026
Brussels

A delegation of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met with Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, on 26 February 2026 during a visit linked to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The exchange focused on unity and solidarity in Europe, social cohesion, the protection of religious and cultural heritage, migration and asylum, EU enlargement, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The meeting forms part of CEC’s established engagement with rotating EU Presidencies under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which provides for an open, transparent, and regular dialogue between the EU institutions and churches, religious associations, or communities. The visit took place in cooperation with the Church of Cyprus and alongside partners from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE).

CEC President His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain said, “We were impressed by the measures taken by the government and the Minister of Education to educate young people, emphasising the need for understanding, acceptance, and an open heart and mind.”

His Beatitude Archbishop George III of New Justiniana and All Cyprus added, “In an age in which Europe is under trial by wars, social inequalities and a crisis of values, the churches are called to become bridges of dialogue and avenues of reconciliation. The assumption of the Presidency of the European Union by Cyprus, together with the rich heritage of Christian civilisation and values, offers an opportunity to promote a Europe grounded not only in institutions and politics, but above all in deeply human values: dignity, peace, justice and solidarity.”

In discussions with the Cyprus Minister of Education, CEC underlined the importance of value-based policies rooted in human dignity, democracy, justice, and peace. The delegation encouraged strengthened European unity in response to ongoing geopolitical instability, including sustained solidarity with Ukraine and efforts towards a just and lasting peace grounded in international law.

Particular attention was given to safeguarding social cohesion and addressing polarisation in European societies. Churches highlighted their role in countering disinformation, extremism, and the misuse of religion, while defending freedom of religion or belief and promoting respectful dialogue.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding the continued illegal occupation of Cyprus and underscored the urgent need to address the ongoing division of the island. This includes the protection of cultural and religious heritage in Cyprus, especially access to places of worship in the occupied territories. They called for unhindered access to holy sites and robust legal frameworks to safeguard religious heritage across Europe.

Migration and asylum policy were also discussed, with CEC stressing the need to uphold human dignity and fundamental rights while ensuring humane reception conditions and safe pathways. The delegation further emphasised the importance of a credible, citizen-centred EU enlargement process that strengthens democracy, the rule of law, and solidarity across the continent.

The programme in Cyprus included participation in the Great Compline Service for Lent at the Church of St Lazarus, a meeting with His Beatitude Archbishop George III of the Church of Cyprus, and an open panel discussion on the role of churches in society and their contribution to building European identity. The participants in the debate included representatives of CEC, the Church of Cyprus, COMECE, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Maronite church, the Catholic Church, the Protestant church, as well as representatives from political parties.

Concluding the visit, the delegation reaffirmed CEC’s readiness to accompany the Cyprus Presidency in promoting peace, unity, and solidarity across Europe, and to continue constructive engagement with EU institutions in the spirit of Article 17 dialogue.

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communications Coordinator
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
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