How have EU values shaped Cyprus? This question lies at the heart of a two-day event titled Are We European Now?, celebrating 20 years since Cyprus joined the European Union. Hosted by ABR (Alternative Brains Rule) under the project EUnity20, the event invites citizens, artists, researchers, and activists to engage in meaningful dialogue about the essence of being European.
Taking place at ARTos House in Nicosia on December 19 and 20, the programme features a series of discussions, performances, screenings, and participatory workshops. These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of how EU values are reflected in daily life and where gaps still exist.
Critical Conversations on EU Values
The event encourages open questioning about the impact of EU ideals on Cypriot society. Facilitated by journalist and podcaster Eleni Antoniou, the discussions cover a variety of vital topics, including environmental protection, democratic participation, equality, LGBTQI+ rights, and youth engagement.
Whose Land, Whose Voice?
The first panel, featuring Klitos Papastylianou and Andromachi Sofokleous, delves into Cyprus’ environmental challenges. Titled Whose Land, Whose Voice?, this discussion focuses on how EU policies influence land-use decisions and the participation of citizens in these critical matters.
Bodies, Beliefs, and Who Decides
Next, Costas Gavrilides and Maria Epaminonda lead a conversation on cultural conservatism in the panel Bodies, Beliefs, and Who Decides. This session examines how societal values shape issues of bodily autonomy, identity, and equality, even within the frameworks established by the EU.
Fortress or Home
The third discussion, Fortress or Home, hosted by Giorgos Charalambous and Nicos Trimikliniotis, tackles the complex relationship between migration, identity, and Cyprus’ role in the European project. This panel highlights the shifting perceptions of Cyprus as it grapples with these challenges.
Permission to Speak
Finally, Giorgos Koukoumas and Christiana Xenophontos address political participation in the session Permission to Speak. This discussion focuses on the reasons behind the growing sense of disenfranchisement among young people in Cyprus, particularly regarding protest rights and civic engagement.
Artistic Expression Meets Public Dialogue
Complementing the discussions, the event features various artistic performances and workshops. Participants can engage in activities like crafting postcards and letters to the EU and the Cyprus Parliament, encouraging a blend of artistic expression with civic participation.
A notable feature is The Box of Full-Filling, a workshop led by Nurtane Karagil that collects personal statements, slogans, and found objects, creating a collective snapshot of individual experiences. This participatory element aims to capture the essence of what it means to be European in Cyprus today.
The event kicks off on Friday evening with screenings and performances, including an introduction to the Visual Voices exhibition. This showcase is part of the art collective’s Relate series and highlights the work of artists with migrant backgrounds, reinforcing the theme of artistic engagement throughout the weekend.
As Cyprus reflects on two decades of EU membership, Are We European Now? serves as a vital platform for exploring the intersection of EU values and everyday life on the island, fostering hope for a more inclusive and engaged future.