in-cyprus 23 January 2026 - by Frixos Dalitis
Cyprus has secured a victory for cheaper medicines, with MEP Michalis Hadjipantela forcing through changes that slash the number of countries needed to trigger EU bulk buying from nine to just five.
The European People’s Party proposal, which Hadjipantela, a former Health Minister, drove through Parliament, opens the door to a common EU medicines market that could cut drug costs and tackle shortages like those Cyprus has faced.
Under his proposal, the European Commission will make offers for bulk medicines purchases when five countries express interest – down from the Commission’s original requirement of nine. The plan also means medicines will be sent from other EU countries during shortages.
“You understand how important this is for our country,” Hadjipantela told journalists during a press briefing, calling Parliament’s approval “a substantial step for protecting public health, strengthening European solidarity and ensuring that no European citizen will lack necessary pharmaceutical treatment.”
The MEP said common medicines procurement had been his priority as Health Minister and was now being delivered at European level.
Mercosur heads to court
AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou, whose Left group backed a court challenge to the Mercosur trade deal, said the Commission showed a lack of democratic legitimacy and the path is now open for referral to the European Court of Justice.
Asked about implementation, he said: “Clearly it will be applied provisionally, pending the court’s decision.” If the court rules positively, the group will vote for it, but if negatively, “it will have to renegotiate with Mercosur.”
He criticised the lack of dialogue with farming organisations before the agreement was signed, noting it raises questions about standards and health. “It would be more democratic not to apply the agreement,” he said, “but it won’t wait.”
Mavrides challenges Kallas over Cyprus silence
DIKO MEP Costas Mavrides challenged EU High Representative Kaja Kallas directly over her refusal to mention the Turkish occupation of EU territory in Cyprus.
Speaking in the debate on EU common foreign and security policy, Mavridis stressed that “EU strategic autonomy, with European defence at its core, is a necessity today.” He said “the EU’s future depends on our ability to defend and protect our external borders and our citizens, whether it concerns Greenland or Cyprus.”
Turning to Kallas, he asked: “Is this consistent with your duty as guardian of the EU Treaties and the rule of law?”
