Student's statements

Frederiki Eracleous at the Opening Event on 23.06.2025

Thank you very much for coming here. I’m truly honoured to take part in this important roundtable on Europe’s role in the world.

As a Cypriot and a human rights student in Germany, I experience Europe from both its periphery and its centre. Cyprus is geographically and politically on the margins of the European Union—and yet fully part of it. This position gives me a dual perspective: one that recognizes the EU’s achievements and ideals, but also one that sees, firsthand, the tensions between the values Europe promotes and the complex realities on the ground.

Cyprus is a divided country, occupied since 1974. Despite being a Member State, it remains partially under foreign military control. This long-standing situation highlights a fundamental dilemma: while the EU upholds principles like sovereignty, peace, and the rule of law, it has been unable—or unwilling—to enforce these values consistently, even within its own borders. For many of us, this raises the question: how far do European values really reach, and under what conditions are they defended?

Looking more broadly, we see that Europe is facing serious challenges, both internally and externally. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered a strong and unified European response, reminding the world that the EU can act decisively in defence of its values. But at the same time, within Europe, we see democratic backsliding, rising populism, and threats to the independence of the judiciary and media in several Member States.

We are also witnessing how Europe’s global image is changing. Once seen as a beacon of human rights and democracy, Europe is now also criticized for its colonial legacy, for closing its borders to people fleeing conflict, and for acting in ways that seem to favour strategic interests over moral leadership.

For Europe to remain a credible actor in the world, it must first address the contradictions within. Promoting democracy and human rights externally requires defending them robustly internally. This includes standing up to illiberal regimes within the Union, safeguarding academic freedom, and restoring public trust in democratic institutions.

At the same time, Europe must rethink how it engages globally. Rather than positioning itself as a teacher of values, it should embrace humility and foster dialogue—especially with countries in the Global South, and with those who experience the consequences of Europe's past actions and present decisions. Values like democracy, equality, and human rights are not exclusively European—they are global aspirations. The EU should support them not by imposition, but through mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity.

In a world marked by shifting power dynamics, climate crises, and ideological polarization, Europe has the potential to be a constructive force—but only if it is willing to listen, to reflect, and to lead by example. That begins by acknowledging its ambivalences, and by involving voices from the margins, including those of young people, researchers, and citizens who still believe in the promise of a more just, democratic, and peaceful Europe.

Thank you.