Launch of the Larnaka Call

A long-term future for European action against cancer

 

See also: Cyprus Cancer Policy in European Spotlight: Forging Collaborations - Read more 

 

More than 23 million people in Europe have faced a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Over the past four years, Europe’s ambitious Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission are contributing to tangible progress in cancer prevention, care, and survivorship - with Cypriot leaders playing a strong role.

 

Building on these foundations, we must seize the momentum to advance European cancer policy cooperation. As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the EU Council in 2026, Cypriot politicians have seen an opportunity for Cyprus to ensure cancer remains a political priority in EU’s multiannual budget.

 

Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus, supported by the Mayor of Larnaka and the European Cancer Organisation, launched the Larnaka Call: a renewed push for European cooperation on cancer, backed by political will and sustainable funding.

 

You can now join these leading voices by endorsing the Larnaka Call online. 

04 July 2025 18:30 - 20:30 EEST

Radisson Blu Hotel
Atlantidon 2, 6058, Larnaka

Larnaka Collage

European cooperation delivers results. EU investment in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission are contributing to:

  • strengthen cancer prevention legislation, accelerated progress towards the elimination of HPV-related cancers, and helped enhance and expand cancer screening programmes;
  • establish new infrastructures for cooperation, including the EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres, Cancer Image Europe, and a range of expert-led cancer training programmes; and,
  • provide new tools to support cancer survivorship needs and fresh research collaboration in areas of high need.

Cypriot policy-makers and experts have been part of the development of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, through EU-level leadership, national initiatives such as the National Cancer Institute, and strong roles in major EU-funded projects.

With its upcoming Presidency of the EU Council, Cyprus is uniquely positioned to shape the conversation, keeping cancer at the forefront of Europe’s political agenda.

The Larnaka Call is your chance to act. By signing this declaration, politicians, experts, and community leaders can send a clear message: the fight against cancer must continue, and Europe must remain united in this mission.

Let’s protect the progress we’ve made and commit to going further. Endorse the Larnaka Call now. 

Related Resources

  • Larnaka Call
    visit
  • Press Release
    visit
  • Political Unity for Cancer Action
    visit
  • Together Against Cancer: Cyprus
    visit
  • Time to Accelerate: Together Against Cancer Roadmap
    visit

Speakers

  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
show all speakers (10)

Speakers

  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
show all speakers (10)
  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
  • Eleni Tolma Member, EU Cancer Mission Board Read Bio
  • Stella Mastora President, Europa Donna
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Elisabetta Zanon Chief Executive, European Cancer Organisation

Speakers

  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
show all speakers (10)

Programme

18:00-18:30
Registration
18:30-18:35
Welcoming speech
 
  • Andreas Vyras, Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
18:35-18:45
Keynote speech
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: a vision for the future
 
  • Stella Kyriakides, Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
18:45-19:00
Introducing the Larnaka Call
 
 
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP, Substitute, Committee on Public Health

  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP, Member, Committee on Public Health
19:00-19:25
Supporting the vision of the Larnaka Call: Cyprus at the heart of EU cancer policy
 

Spotlight on the EU Cancer Mission in Cyprus:

  • Eleni Tolma, Member of the EU Cancer Mission Board

EU cancer action from the patient perspective:

  • Stella Mastora, President, Europa Donna
19:25-19:40
Statements of support
 
  • Andreas Apostolou, Cyprus Member of Parliament
  • Andreas Pasiourtides, Cyprus Member of Parliament
  • Elisabetta Zanon, CEO, European Cancer Organisation
  • Antonis Tryphonos, Chief of Staff/Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
19:40-20:30
Networking reception

 

Speakers

  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
show all speakers (10)

Speakers

  • Andreas Vyras Mayor, Municipality of Larnaka
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Giorgos Georgiou MEP Substitute, Committee on Public Health
  • Michalis Hadjipantela MEP Member, Committee on Public Health
  • Andreas Apostolou MP
  • Andreas Pasiourtides MP
show all speakers (10)