European Action Week Against Racism Panel

The European Commission marked the importance of diversity during European Action Week Against Racism with a panel titled “United in Diversity” organised on 13 March at Bedestan, Nicosia. The aim of the event was to improve awareness about diversity, and increase knowledge about the relevant EU policy.  After the opening speech by Mr.George Markopouliotis, Prof.Rainer Hiltunen presented the EU policy on diversity and actions to combat racism and best practices from EU member states. Mr.Yusuf Önderol shared information about local implementations and recommendations. Representatives from Refugee Rights Association and KISA delivered a presentation on their EU funded Human Rights for All Project. In addition, Mr.Oğuz Ufuk Haksever presented the impressions of youth on diversity. The event also supports the annual campaign of European Action Week Against Racism where groups across Europe actively engage for tolerance, equal rights and celebrating the diversity of Europe. The campaign is run by UNITED for Intercultural Action: The European Network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees. 

Europe Science and Fun Day in Lefka and Famagusta, participated more than 800 students from 17 different schools.

The European Commission marked the importance of research, development and innovation during the "Europe Science and Fun Day”, an open day for high schools, organised on 28 March in Lefka and on 30 March in Famagusta, as part of the European Researchers’ Night. The aim of the event was to inspire high school students by giving them an opportunity to meet researchers, and be exposed to hands-on experiments, science shows and quizzes. During the open days, more than 800 students from 17 different schools in these regions were able to interact with scientists through displays that promote the development of scientific thinking. Students were encouraged to explore nature and biodiversity in Cyprus, be a geologist for a day, and learn more about green energy production. Some of the exhibitors which have also EU funded projects were KUŞKOR (The Society for the Protection of the Birds and Nature) attended with the bird tracking system demonstration, Namık Kemal High School had demonstration with their physics, biology and chemistry labs; and TMK showcased biology in action with their physics, chemistry and biology lab.
European Researchers' Night takes place every year in more than 250 cities across Europe. There are events in the EU Member States that highlight the important role research plays in our daily lives and science as a career. Encouraging more young men and women to choose a career in research and science is crucial for Europe's future growth, which is increasingly dependent on innovation in products and services.

The Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus held a presentation on “The Juncker Commission: Two Years On” at Altun Tabya Hotel, Famagusta on 17 March and at Olive Tree Hotel, Kyrenia on 21 March. The presentation, which was made by Mr.George Markopouliotis, the Head of the European Commission in Cyprus, covered the Juncker Commission’s two year progress focusing on the 21 key initiatives to implement EU’s 10 political priorities in 2017. 
The European Union is facing unprecedented challenges ranging from high unemployment, slow economic growth, economic uncertainties and a huge investment gap to migratory pressure and environmental and security challenges, as well as instability in its neighbourhood. To meet these challenges, Jean-Claude Juncker's Commission identified the 10 key priorities that are the main focus for the EU institutions. There are 21 key initiatives to implement the EU’s 10 political priorities in 2017 to deliver a Europe that protects, empowers and defends.

The EU Infopoint organised a "Health and Safety at Work" training on 16 March at Olive Tree Hotel, Kyrenia with the participation of staff from local communities and professional associations. After the opening speech by Mr.Nidai Güngördü, the participants were presented with various topics on why health and safety is important in workplaces, EU’s policy, implementations in the EU on safety and health, examples from various EU countries, showcasing why the EU is one of the safest places to work in.

The screening of the human rights themed film "Amal" took place on 24 March at the EU Infopoint. After the screening of the German production Amal, the participants had a discussion with the moderation of Mr.Mete Hatay on the importance of democracy and human rights as universal values, that are the cornerstones of inclusive, vibrant societies, where all are free to participate in the life of the community.

The EU Grant Support Team promoted the launch event and presentation covering the Rationale for Energy Management and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Assessment and Certification for Buildings on 2 March at Home for Cooperation. The aim of the event was to introduce the services to the public and increase awareness on environmentally friendly technologies, energy efficiency, cost effective modifications and the extent of the waste and of the economically viable measures that are available to eliminate waste. The audience included potential customers from all communities of Cyprus, available customers, related stakeholders (representatives from chamber of electrical engineers etc.), and EC representatives. After the speech of Ms.Sara Sangoi, the other speakers Mr.Tamer Zaim and Ms.Funda Zaim gave a presentation about the project and the role of EU, energy efficiency and consultancy services regarding energy efficiency that they are providing including BREEAM Assessment and Certification for Buildings.