European Writers' Council general assembly held in Brussels after relocation from Cyprus

The European Writers' Council (EWC) held its annual General Assembly in Brussels from June 12 to 14, 2024. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Larnaca, Cyprus, but was relocated due to administrative and bureaucratic delays attributed by the Union of Cyprus Writers (ELK) to the Cypriot Deputy Ministry of Culture. Elias Pantelidis represented the ELK at the assembly, where he engaged with European literary organizations. Key discussions focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on the book industry, emphasizing copyright protection, transparency, and fair compensation for creators. During the proceedings, Pantelidis briefed attendees on the 1974 Turkish occupation of Cyprus and highlighted the cultural significance of Kyriakos Charalambides' poem, 'Aigialousis Episkepsis'. The assembly also addressed broader policies regarding freedom of expression and support for writers and translators across Europe. The relocation of the event had previously sparked public controversy in Cyprus due to the perceived loss of an opportunity to host international representatives.