To mark Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, also known as The Cyprus Club, has launched the “Cyprus EU Presidency Scholarships.”
The Community’s Honorary President, Michael Kyriacou, said the Community recognises the importance of Cyprus’ Presidency of the EU, noting that it comes at a time when the geopolitics of the region are changing rapidly and when the EU and the world face many challenges. He said it is important to step back and appreciate values that are often taken for granted and are best articulated by the EU.
The fundamental values of the European Union, outlined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, promote a pluralist society that does not discriminate, is tolerant, and defends freedom of thought, religion, assembly, speech and movement, as well as the right to property and safety.
“The EU recognises the protection of human rights as a core value,” Mr Kyriacou said. “Australia is also founded on similar values, which are often taken for granted. It’s important the younger generation appreciates these values and is given the opportunity to be advocates and defenders of them.”
Cyprus’ Presidency will focus on EU security and defence readiness, improving economic competitiveness, promoting youth employment, managing immigration intake, and addressing the demographic and economic changes impacting the EU.
“The scholarships will help students fund their studies and encourage them to promote the values of equality, fairness, progress, tolerance, respect and the protection of human dignity,” said Honorary Assistant Secretary Andrew Paschali.
Honorary Secretary Kyriakos Panayi added that the Community considered how best to mark Cyprus’ EU Presidency in an Australian context.
“Many of our members asked that we mark this occasion by promoting the values of fairness, justice and equality — values defended by Cyprus and our Community for decades,” he said.
“We decided on a wide-ranging scholarship programme to encourage youth to become ambassadors of these values.”
The scholarship programme is a world first, Mr Paschali said. “Each recipient is an ambassador for the causes our Community has advocated for almost a century. We are fortunate to live in a country that shares these values, and we appreciate that Cyprus, although a small nation, will advocate these values to the world as President of the EU.”
The scholarships are open to NSW-based students aged 10 to 25, whether they are enrolled in primary school, high school, university or TAFE.
“Recipients will be asked to promote these values, give talks at their schools, colleges or universities, online and to community groups, attend events, and advocate for the protection of human rights,” Mr Panayi said.
Mr Kyriacou added, “The scholarships are about empowering students who are prepared to have a go — to advance their studies, engage with the Community and stand up for the values shared by Europe, Australia and our Community. It’s about encouraging students to give something back.”
Applications for the Cyprus EU Presidency Scholarships launched online on January 8, 2026, the same day as the official opening ceremony appointing Cyprus to the EU Presidency.
There are more than 50 scholarships on offer.
