The leaders discussed how the EU needs to
reform to become more flexible, more competitive, and more democratic –
including through a strengthened role for national parliaments, where
appropriate, and the case for renewing citizens’ democratic consent and support
for the EU.
They agreed to work to deliver long-term
growth for their countries and the EU: through dismantling economic barriers,
seizing the opportunities that new technologies present, using the educational
links between the two countries to prepare the next generation for the
challenges of tomorrow, and strengthening their financial services sectors to
support business. In particular, they recognised that single market reform will
support their growth agenda in Europe through simplifying regulation,
supporting more cross-border trade in services, and further developing a single
digital market. They agreed that reducing the cost of regulation is good for
business, and is crucial for competitiveness and growth, and is a key aspect of
the EU reform agenda. They reaffirmed their commitment to enlargement of the EU
as a driver for peace, prosperity and progress across the continent and agreed
that the accession of future Member States to the EU is dependent on them
meeting all accession criteria. They also agreed that in order to maintain
public support for enlargement they should explore how better to manage the
impact on local communities when future countries join the EU.
The leaders spoke about the significant
progress to date, and the strong commitment of the Cypriot government, to
implementing the MoU with the Troika and to revitalising the economy and
boosting jobs and growth. The UK will continue to work with Cyprus to share
best practice in restructuring its public sector and banking system. Both
countries will continue co-operation at expert level on immovable property
issues, which will help boost prosperity. On energy issues, they agreed to
continue close cooperation, particularly in education and training, over
Cyprus’ exploration and exploitation of its natural resources in its Exclusive
Economic Zone, in accordance with international law. This will enhance the EU’s
energy security and will contribute economic benefits. The UK and Cyprus share
a decisive commitment to addressing security threats and humanitarian issues,
especially in the Middle East. The Syria crisis highlighted the potential for
further cooperation and coordination between Cyprus and the UK, including with
respect to the Sovereign Bases Areas, in addressing possible threats and
ensuring the security and the stability of the wider region. This includes
active co-operation in the drive for a political settlement in Syria, action to
reduce the grave humanitarian consequences of the Syria crisis, and support to
the moderate opposition forces in Syria.
Prime Minister Cameron and President
Anastasiades reaffirmed their active commitment to a comprehensive settlement
of the Cyprus problem, which would bring political, economic, and social
benefits to the island and the region. Both leaders support a settlement agreed
under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, based on the United Nations
Charter and the UN Security Council Resolutions on Cyprus, as well as on the
principles upon which the EU is founded, for a State of Cyprus with a single
sovereignty, single international personality and a single citizenship, in a
bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as described in the
relevant UNSCRs.
Today the UK and Cyprus successfully
concluded and signed an arrangement to allow increased flexibility to develop
private property within the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus. The arrangement
is important in giving greater freedom to residents and property owners within
the Bases to use their property while safeguarding the UK’s effective operation
of the Bases for military use and is an excellent example of the good
cooperation between the two Governments in the administration of the Bases. It
enhances considerably the prospects for investment and growth.
Prime Minister Cameron and President
Anastasiades look forward to continuing and strengthening cooperation in all
these areas.
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