On 1 March 2024, the School of Law at UCLan Cyprus and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, for the Rule of Law and European Values ​​(CRoLEV), funded by the EU under the Erasmus+ program 2021-2027, Jean Monnet Actions 2022-2025 had the honor of hosting the Cypriot Commissioner for Health and Food Safety in the European Commission, Mrs. Stella Kyriakidou, at the facilities of the University, in Pyla.

During her visit at the University, the Commissioner met with the university’s leadership team, in particular Mr. Floros Voniatis, CEO and President of the University Council, Professor Irini Polykarpou, Rector of the University, Professor Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou, Head of School of Law at the University and Director of CRoLEV, as well as with other members of the CRoLEV team, and was informed of the activities and progress of the University and the Centre of Excellence.

The Commissioner then discussed with students about her portfolio as a Health and Food Safety Commissioner. More precisely, the Commissioner referred to current challenges facing the European Union with respect to Health and Food Safety, both related to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The Commissioner also vaunted the s

alience of solidarity, as a fundamental principle of the EU, in confronting these challenges. Mrs. Kyriakidou stressed the necessity of youth participation in the EU democratic processes, especially in view of the upcoming European elections. During her speech, the Commissioner also presented the European Commission’s strategy for the European Health Union, analysing its various pillars. Subsequently, the Commissioner responded to questions from student representatives of the Law, Business Administration, and Science Departments of the University.

The University of UCLan Cyprus and the CRoLEV team would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Commissioner, Mrs. Kyriakidou, and her team for their presence at the University, as well as for the opportunity she offered to the staff and students of the University to discuss and exchange different views.