NICOSIA - Cyprus needs EU support and should stay in the eurozone, head of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament Hannes Swoboda said here on Thursday evening.
"The EU and its member states should help Cyprus in this difficult period. It is clear that Cyprus needs our support and should stay in the eurozone,” he told a press conference.
“Cyprus and the EU need to act together and in synergy to overcome the current crisis in the country and to regain competitiveness for its economy,” he added.
Swoboda flew here to take part in a seminar on “The current economic crisis and the response of European Socialists,” organised by socialist Edek party which is the main backer of George Lillikas’ bid for the presidency.
On European media reports alleging that Cyprus is a hub for Russian oligarchs’ money laundering, he said the S&D Group's position is that any criticism must be based on specific facts.
He also said: "It is important to avoid making sweeping generalizations."
Speaking on the eurozone crisis, he stressed the need for investment in growth, innovation and employment.
"The future of the European Union must be a progressive one with more social justice and solidarity. We are fighting for an inclusive and fair Europe – a strong and equal Europe based on the principle of solidarity,” he added.
The European socialist is flying to Athens on Friday to attend a conference on “The crisis in the South: Time for a progressive response of the South”.
This is organized by Marilena Koppa, head of the delegation of the Greek Socialist Movement Pasok in the European Parliament.