Stakeholders Unite for Open Science Ahead of Cyprus’ 2026 EU Council Presidency
On 17 March, Knowledge Rights 21, the Foundation for Parliamentarism and Participatory Democracy – House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cyprus Association of Librarians and Information Scientists (CALIS) jointly organised a stakeholder meeting.
Participants gathered to discuss the road towards unlocking knowledge in Europe, exploring issues around access, open science, and intellectual property rights, as Cyprus is set to take over the European Council Presidency in the first half of 2026.
Reflecting on this meeting, Giorgos Glossiotis, KR21 national coordinator for Cyprus and Greece, advocates that: “Access to knowledge and information is crucial for the EU periphery. Economic development and social cohesion are based on access to information for citizens, academics and researchers.”
Giannis Tsakonas, KR21 Management Committee member, discussed how the EU’s Innovation Paradox affects R&D in countries like Cyprus and set out the actions that should be taken during the Cyprus EU Presidency to advance knowledge rights.
KR21 and the other co-organisers are grateful for the valuable participation of prominent stakeholders across government, academia, and scientific communities, including:
- Tasoula Ieronimidou | General Director, House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus
- MP Christos Christofides | House of Representatives
- MP Charalampos Theopemptou | House of Representatives
- Constantinos Phellas | Senior Vice Rector, University of Nicosia – Cyprus Rectors’ Conference
- Demetris Skourides | Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation & Technology of the Republic of Cyprus
The participants had fruitful discussions on the position of the Cypriot libraries and the upcoming Presidency, and benefited from statements and presentations by:
- Dr. Dionysos Alexiou | Executive Director, Foundation for Parliamentarism and Participatory Democracy: He explored the dynamics of the term “access,” which, according to him, serves as a precursor to trust and, subsequently, to credibility. Even more so when it comes to access to information in an era that moves at a breathlessly rapid pace, where emerging risks lurk.
- Theodora Petrou | President, CALIS: She emphasised the importance of the KR21 initiative to strengthen libraries’ role in promoting equitable and fair access to scientific and cultural content. CALIS supports such actions, which contribute to fostering innovation and inclusivity in libraries.
- Mina Charalambous | Secretary of International Relations, CALIS: She focused on the importance of the Association’s participation in the KR21 program. She stressed that this is a significant opportunity to strengthen Cypriot libraries and promote policies that support open and fair access to knowledge. She also noted that new initiatives are underway and will be implemented in collaboration with KR21 national coordinator for Cyprus and Greece, Giorgos Glossiotis. Finally, Charalambous mentioned the briefings with Cypriot Members of the European Parliament, highlighting that the dialogue for future collaborations remains open.
Impressions From the Event
21 March 2025
