Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of developments in the Turkish Cypriot community’s school system.
The EU is committed to developing a culture of inclusive tolerance both inside and outside the EU. It stands firmly against all forms of intolerance and discrimination.
In this context, while fully respecting the responsibility of Member States for the content of teaching (Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), the EU encourages and supports inter-religious dialogue aimed at increasing mutual understanding and respect.
The Commission will continue to support initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation in Cyprus, developing a culture of inclusive tolerance, and improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU.
In particular, the Commission is committed to peace education and reconciliation through a partnership with the United World Colleges (UWC)[1], which organises youth engagement activities with the aim of fostering mutual understanding between the Cypriot communities.
As an example, the Commission and UWC organised a two-day Youth Peace Forum involving 230 young people in September 2024, which allowed participants to develop their leadership skills while deepening their understanding of the importance and complexities of building a peaceful future .
- [1] https://www.uwc.org/