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?igration Deputy Ministry announced on Thursday the launch of the pilot program ‘Visitor – Program participation’ for third-country nationals who wish to study at approved schools or educational institutions in Cyprus.

An announcement says that the scheme covers programs lasting more than four months offered by education bodies approved by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping or the Department of Civil Aviation, which do not fall into the category of higher education institutions.

The Deputy Ministry explains that in this way the gap is filled for persons who do not meet the conditions for a student permit, offering a special temporary residence status for educational purposes.

During the first year of implementation the Deputy Ministry plans to grant 200 permits (100 per competent authority), which will be given in order of priority, based on the date of submission of the application.

Applications are submitted to the Central Offices of the Department of Immigration in Nicosia. The fees are set at pound 70 for the issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit and pound 70 for the first registration in Aliens Registry.

More information can be found on the website of the Department of Immigration of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.

Cyprus is represented in the European project Joint Action PRISM (Prevention-oriented Rights-based approach to Support Mental health in vulnerable population groups) by the Mental Health Services Directorate of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY).

The project brings together 59 organisations from 20 countries, with the aim of improving mental health among vulnerable social groups.

According to an announcement by OKYPY, the JA PRISM, funded with pound 6 million under the EU4Health programme and coordinated by Biosistemak in Bilbao, Spain, seeks to reduce the burden of mental disorders and strengthen prevention, equitable access, and the promotion of mental health across EU Member States and associated countries.

The kick-off meeting of the project took place in Bilbao last month, ‘marking the launch of a joint European effort to establish a unified, rights-based, and person-centred framework for action in the field of mental health’.

Within the framework of JA PRISM, three human rights-based practices will be implemented, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, older adults, migrants, people with addictions, and individuals with mental health conditions, it said. These include the ‘BIZI Programme’, focused on suicide prevention, ‘Circle of Friends’, addressing loneliness among the elderly, and ‘Act, Belong, Commit’, which promotes mental wellbeing among children and young people.

Through its participation, OKYPY’s Mental Health Services Directorate ‘strengthens Cyprus’s voice in European initiatives on prevention, promotion, and equitable access to mental health services, contributing to the transfer and implementation of best practices’, it said.

OKYPY also notes that its Mental Health Services Directorate coordinates and develops prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services in the field of mental health, aiming to promote the population’s mental wellbeing and raise public awareness on mental health issues.

European Parliament

Press release

23-10-2025

Plenary session ENVI

COP30: MEPs set out their demands ahead of this year’s global climate talks

EU must continue to set ambitious climate goals

the EU’s fossil fuels dependence and phase out subsidies

Scale up and simplify access to climate finance

Parliament adopted its priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, urging the COP30 to recommit to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

The resolution, prepared by the Committee on the Environment Climate and Food Safety, and approved on Thursday by show of hands, underlines the need for the EU to remain a leader in international climate negotiations, and that all sectors must contribute to reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality.

The text stresses the need for the EU to continue to set ambitious goals for its climate policy, in line with the agreed EU and international targets, and to prioritise cost-effectiveness, the competitiveness of the European economy, social inclusion, and a high level of environmental protection.

MEPs want all countries to contribute their fair share in providing adequate climate finance, addressing debt crises in many climate-vulnerable countries, and simplifying climate finance procedures for developing countries.

The resolution reiterates the urgent need for the EU to end its fossil fuel dependence, phase out related subsidies and accelerate its energy transition. It also calls on the international community to pay increased attention to the climate impact of conflicts.

Background

The 30th UN climate conference will take place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. A Parliament delegation led by Chair Lídia Pereira (EPP, PT) and Vice-Chair Mohammed Chahim (S and D, NL) will attend COP30 from 17 to 21 November.

COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the presentation of new national action plans (through ‘nationally determined contributions’ or NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.

Further information

Adopted text (23.10.2025)

Recording of the plenary debate (22.10.2025)

Video statement with Lídia Pereira (EPP, PT), Chair of the EP delegation to COP30

Procedure file: EP resolution on COP30

EP study: ‘The COP30 Climate Change Conference. Part I: Framework of COP negotiations and main expected issues’ (October 2025)

EP Research Service briefing: ‘The third generation of national climate plans: Analysis of major economies’ nationally determined contributions ahead of COP30′ (September 2025)

EP Research Service: ‘At a glance: COP30 climate change conference in Brazil’ (October 2025)

A section on the Middle East was added to the European People’s Party (EPP) declaration during the party’s summit on Thursday, following an initiative by the Republic of Cyprus, according to sources.

The inclusion is considered significant, as the original draft of the declaration reportedly contained no reference to the Middle East. The new text makes specific mention of Cyprus and the role it can play by utilising existing mechanisms such as the ‘Amalthea’ initiative, while also highlighting the importance of an active role by the European Union in implementing the peace agreement.

President Nikos Christodoulides presented Cyprus’s Six-Point Plan for the implementation of U.S. President Trump’s Peace Plan during the EPP Summit. The plan had been discussed in a preparatory videoconference of EPP Heads of State and Government held on Friday, 17 October.

The adopted declaration points out the need for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, commending ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts. It welcomes the agreement reached on the initial phase of the U.S. President’s Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict, as well as the outcome of the 13 October 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace.

“The EU must assume an active role, working with partners in the region to achieve a lasting peace that strengthens long-term security and stability in the region, which is directly linked to that of the EU. In this context, it must support the rapid delivery of humanitarian

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides presented evidence to the European Council regarding Turkey’s circumvention of sanctions against Russia, during discussions on the issue of Ukraine. The matter was extensively discussed at the Summit of EU leaders.

According to sources, the evidence refers to the use of shell companies, insurance firms, and other service providers that receive Russian oil, rebrand it as originating from another source, and resell it, thus ensuring a steady flow of funds to Russia.

The President reportedly noted that the evidence demonstrates in practice that Turkey – a candidate country for EU membership and a NATO member – is pursuing a policy that runs counter to the EU’s positions and the interests of Ukraine. He stressed that while the EU’s sanctions policy is effective, in order for it to be truly effective, ‘we must address the elephant in the room,’ namely, the circumvention of sanctions by third countries, particularly in relation to Turkey.

According to the same sources, there was no counterargument or dispute of the evidence presented by the President, and the issue was described as an ‘open secret.’ The discussion took place in the context of an exchange of views on frozen Russian assets, which could pose challenges and legal obligations for the EU in the event of court rulings.

The Cypriot side called for an in-depth investigation of the sanctions circumvention issue and for concrete measures to be taken. At the same time, Nicosia maintains reservations regarding the legal aspects related to the frozen Russian funds.

The President also said that during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ukraine will remain a priority. He will visit Ukraine in December, reaffirming the Republic of Cyprus’s support for Ukraine’s EU accession path ‘in line with the EU’s accession procedures.’

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 23/10/2025

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

The European Council approved the first part of the conclusions of the October 23, 2025 Summit, reaching significant agreements on European defence and security, and setting as a priority the strengthening of Europe’s defence readiness by 2030. This decision comes in response to growing challenges and threats, with particular emphasis on Russia’s war against Ukraine, which was described in the conclusions as ‘an existential threat to the EU.’

During the Summit, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, welcomed the strengthened European focus on Defence and Security, reaffirming Cyprus’ longstanding position in favour of enhancing the Union’s strategic autonomy and announcing plans to upgrade the country’s naval and air infrastructure through the SAFE Mechanism.

According to sources, the President noted that Cyprus is planning, through the SAFE Mechanism, to upgrade its naval and air infrastructure, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the European Union’s collective security, operational readiness, and the missions of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The President also stressed that during the Cyprus EU Presidency, efforts will continue to ensure that the strengthening of Defence and Security remains at the top of the European agenda.

The same sources report that the President expressed his appreciation to the President of the European Commission, who presented the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, and highlighted three key points.

The first is that actors posing a threat to the security of any Member State cannot participate in any EU defence mechanism.

The second notes that although Cyprus is not a NATO member, it supports the strengthening of EU-NATO cooperation under the ‘Readiness 2030’ framework, provided that this cooperation is inclusive and fair, allowing all 27 Member States to benefit fully.

Finally, he referred to the 360° approach and the importance of ensuring the security and protection of all EU borders.

Cyprus has become an Associate Member to the European Space Agency.

“It is an honor to be with you today at the ESA Headquarters in Paris, as we formalize Cyprus’ accession as an Associate Member to the European Space Agency. This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated preparation and close cooperation, and reflects Cyprus’ readiness to play an active and meaningful role in advancing Europe’s space ambitions” Deputy Minister of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou said during the event in Paris.

He noted that since the signing of the first Cooperation Agreement in 2009, Cyprus has steadily deepened its partnership with ESA laying the groundwork for today’s step.

The space sector in Cyprus, he added, is evolving into an indispensable part of the fast-growing technology ecosystem, which today contributes more than 15% to our country’s GDP.

“Today, Cyprus joins ESA as a more mature and forward-looking partner, that can bring both strategic and operational value within Europe’s growing space landscape” he pointed out.

Referring to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, he said “we see space as a vital pillar of Europe’s growth, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. We will work to harness this potential by fostering stronger partnerships and advancing policies that translate Europe’s space ambitions to tangible benefits for its citizens and the economy”.

In his intervention, ESA Director General, Dr Josef Aschbacher congratulated the Deputy Minister and the Republic of Cyprus, and said that ‘together, we have transformed and elevated the Cypriot space sector, aligning our vision and interests. I thank the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for its commitment to the space sector and the spirit of European cooperation it demonstrates.”

“To the citizens of Cyprus, welcome to a journey of discovery, innovation and shared progress. Welcome to ESA’, he concluded.

Cyprus’ accession to ESA as an Associate Member will come into effect within the coming months, with the ratification of the Agreement by the House of Representatives.

The ceremony was attended by delegates of ESA and representatives of ESA Member States.

“The ongoing illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the challenge of achieving sustainable peace in the Middle East and Gaza, among other conflicts, are a serious reminder that peace and security cannot be taken for granted. In this spirit, the contribution of the United Nations to peacebuilding in many crises, including the Cyprus issue, is particularly valuable” notes President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, among other things, in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The letter was sent on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the Organization’s Charter.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 23/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 24/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1013hPa (hectopascal)

Slack pressure gradient is affecting the area. Tonight and tomorrow morning, the weather will be mainly fine with locally increased, mainly high cloud coverage. Tomorrow evening, locally increased cloud coverage is expected to give isolated showers with a risk of isolated thunderstorm, over the north and likely also over the east.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL