On Wednesday, Cyprus and several other countries officially marked their membership of the European Union (EU) for 20 years, with the EU marking the 20th anniversary of the enlargement and claiming it will always help to solve the Cyprus problem.
Today, the EU marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement. On May 1st, 20 years ago, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the EU.
EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said today, in a statement celebrating the anniversary of Cyprus’ EU accession, that “Europe will always stand by your side to solve the Cyprus problem.”
During today's celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement, a large EU flag and the 10 flags of the countries which joined 20 years ago was lifted in Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.
Here, President @vonderleyen is seen with the #Cyprus flag.#20YearsTogether pic.twitter.com/cI4WT9Rpj6
— European Commission in Cyprus (@EUCYPRUS) May 1, 2024
In a post by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus on the social media platform X, Von der Leyen addressed the people of Cyprus, saying “20 years ago today, our family was united in a common home. Cyprus has always been at the heart of European history and culture and 20 years ago you chose to be at the heart of the European Union.”
“Since then, you have seen your country change for the better,” she said, adding that the union has likewise changed for the better thanks to Cyprus’ participation.
Cyprus since joining the EU
The Commission President also made a comment about Cyprus’ journey in the EU, saying: “Over the last 20 years you have become a European hub for trade, economy, energy, shipping and humanitarian links between Europe, Africa, and Asia.” It was highlighted that, last month, Cyprus pioneered the opening of a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza with the support of the European Union.
“You are making the most of your unique geography as a bridge between continents. You are making Europe stronger. And Europe has made you stronger, too,” said von der Leyen, pointing out that over these twenty years, Cyprus has benefited from the creation of the national health scheme, the modernization of public services, stronger environmental protection, and cleaner energy.
In her speech before Parliament last week, von der Leyen described the 2004 enlargement of the EU as “the birth of a new era.”
Tomorrow marks 20 years since our European family grew larger.
The historic 2004 enlargement brought new opportunities and greater prosperity for citizens across our Union.
Tonight, as our building shines brightly, we celebrate two decades of our unity and progress. pic.twitter.com/uoZOzx6ED1
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 30, 2024
In the 20 years since, almost 450 million Europeans have enjoyed freedom of movement across a large union. It is claimed that citizens of the EU have stronger rights and freedoms and that the economies of the then-new member states have boomed, with agricultural production tripling and unemployment rates being cut in half.
The countries that were existing members at the time of the 2004 enlargement have also reportedly experienced growth and prosperity. Lastly, the enlargement has apparently provided more EU citizens and businesses with opportunities to study and work abroad, invest, and export in a wider union.
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