Sabine Verheyen emphasizes cultural heritage protection and media freedom in Cyprus

On October 14, 2026, the First Vice President of the European Parliament, Sabine Verheyen, stressed the urgent need for increased support for the protection of Cyprus's cultural heritage. In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, she highlighted that the preservation of historical assets serves as a vital tool for building trust within the divided society of the island. She pointed specifically to the role of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, which is supported by European Union funding.

Beyond cultural preservation, Verheyen addressed the importance of media freedom and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. She noted that safeguarding independent journalism is a foundational pillar for democratic society. While emphasizing the benefits of cross-community cultural and educational exchanges, Verheyen clarified that these initiatives, while effective for trust-building, do not serve as a substitute for a formal political resolution to the Cyprus issue. Her comments also touched upon broader European institutional reforms and the AgoraEU program.