Joint statement on the recent military escalation in Cyprus
The European Youth Forum and the Cyprus Youth Council stand together with grave concern regarding the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, its effect on the wider region, which now includes direct, distressing impact on an EU member state, the Republic of Cyprus, which has been directly attacked multiple times since the beginning of this conflict. As regional volatility spills over, we have witnessed a growing sense of instability that threatens the safety and well-being of young people across the island. This joint statement serves as a call for immediate negotiations to end the conflict in Iran and the wider region and a reinforcement of our commitment to the rights of a generation currently caught in the shadow of regional conflict.
Together with:
The practical consequences of this conflict are already being felt by families and students, with some areas forced into evacuations and schools temporarily closing their doors. For young people, these are not just logistical hurdles but fundamental disruptions to their education, social lives, and sense of security. The cancellation and postponement of long-planned events further isolate young people at a time when community and engagement are most needed. We recognise that these disruptions create a pervasive atmosphere of uncertainty, forcing a generation that should be focused on building its future to instead navigate the anxieties of an unpredictable present.
For a country that already bears the long-term consequences of occupation and division, the current escalation of regional tensions reopens old wounds and raises profound fear among the population. This situation is particularly significant as it marks the first time Cyprus has faced such an attack by a third party since the war in 1974. Peace on the island of Cyprus has always been precious and hard-won, and the current threat reminds us all how fragile that stability can be when external violence begins to encroach upon the everyday lives of citizens.
These challenges emerge at a critical juncture as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This period is intended to be a celebration of European cooperation, specifically through initiatives like the EU Youth Conference, which is a central part of the EU Youth Dialogue process. We express our deep concern and disappointment that the current security climate has necessitated moving the EU Youth Conference, initially scheduled to take place in Cyprus, between the 17th and 20th of March 2026, to an online format. While digital spaces allow for continued work, the loss of physical presence and the face-to-face exchange of ideas significantly diminishes the power of youth diplomacy.
This crisis is part of a much larger, devastating reality for young people across the wider region. In many nearby countries, the escalation has moved far beyond disruption into a humanitarian catastrophe. We are deeply alarmed by the loss of young lives, the destruction of schools, and the displacement of thousands of young people who have seen their futures dismantled by violence. For many, the right to education (and to be safe in education), as well as the right to life, liberty and security of person are currently being denied. We stand in solidarity with all young people in the region who are bearing the brunt of this conflict, recognising that their safety and our own are inextricably linked.
In this difficult moment, the support and solidarity of the European Union and the Council of Europe are essential lifelines. We call upon all member states to ensure respect for international law and the protection of civilians across the region. In particular, we call on them to stand firmly with Cyprus and demonstrate their commitment to the safety of its people through concrete actions and political support. It is imperative that the international community clearly condemns unprovoked attacks and breaches of international law, as violence only serves to deepen the uncertainty and divisions that stifle the potential of our region.
As a generation growing up in an environment increasingly marked by global uncertainty, we believe that no young person should have to live with the weight of fear or insecurity. Our future must be built on a foundation of cooperation and understanding, rather than conflict. We demand the opportunity for the young people of Cyprus, the Middle East and the world to live in conditions of democracy, freedom and safety, where the focus remains on dialogue and the shared pursuit of a peaceful tomorrow.
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