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Marios Charalambides was appointed, on Wednesday, by the Council of Ministers, as the first Patient Ombudsman.

In statements at the Presidential Palace after the Cabinet meeting, Health Minister Michael Damianos told the press that this “is a historic day for the health system in Cyprus.”

He said that with the appointment “every citizen in Cyprus now has a voice, power and feels protected.”

The Minister said that this is a step that enhances the transparency and credibility of the system, but also an act of respect for the patients.

Damianos said that the decision constitutes a significant development for organised patients and for the health system, adding that the appointment of an Ombudsman has been a permanent request of the Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations.

He went on to say that organised patients were demanding an independent body capable of effectively defending their rights and contributing substantially to the improvement of the health system.

Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations welcomed the appointment and expressed its gratitude to the President of the Republic for his long-standing support.

It said in an announcement that the Patient Ombudsman comes to fill an existing gap and the institution will be an independent body to which patients can turn when their rights are violated or when they encounter problems in healthcare services.

Charalambides, the organised patients said, was one of the individuals officially nominated by their association, in the context of the procedure provided for by the relevant legislation.

He has deep knowledge of health issues and the challenges faced by patients, as well as many years of experience in the field of representation, serving to date as Secretary General of the Association’s Executive Committee.

The Republic of Cyprus chooses, through actions rather than words, to be a source of stability and cooperation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of air traffic and the continuation of international air connections, even in difficult times, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Wednesday in his address at the inauguration ceremony of the Nicosia Air Traffic Control Centre in Kokkinotrimithia.

According to the President of the Republic, the new Nicosia Flight Control Centre “significantly enhances flight safety, the credibility of our state, and the regional role of our country as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He added that through the use of modern equipment, advanced technologies, and highly trained personnel it is ensured that flight management complies with the highest European and international safety standards, as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the European Union, while at the same time, with the operation of the Centre, Cyprus is actively strengthening its participation in the creation of the Single European Sky, contributing significantly to the development of the European transport network and the safety of millions of passengers.

The Nicosia FIR covers a wider area of strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean, where geopolitical challenges remain intense, President Christodoulides said.

He recalled that, in the context of the negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, the Nicosia FIR was part of the difficult discussions, “because some were attempting through the negotiations to secure part of the Nicosia FIR precisely because it is an important comparative advantage for our country in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Within this difficult context of challenges in the region, the Republic of Cyprus chooses, through actions rather than words, to be a source of stability and cooperation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of air traffic and the continuation of international air connections, even in difficult times,” he stressed.

He added that this was also proven during the recent crises in the region, when Cyprus took on an increased flight load, always serving safely, tens of thousands of diverted flights, demonstrating the seriousness, readiness, and reliability of the Services of the Republic of Cyprus. “You understand the importance of this dimension in relation to the international standing of our country,” he noted.

He also said that at the same time, these actions add value not only to the Republic of Cyprus but also to the EU and the region, while also sending a positive message to those who have entrusted their airspace to Cyprus, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, “because there are constant challenges to the International Civil Aviation Organization,” proving in practice that “Cyprus is here as a reliable partner in the development of air transport, uniting with its strategic position, the East with the West, the North with the South, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of traffic to and from three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa – to the European network.”

He also stressed that at the same time, the modern infrastructure at the new Flight Control Centre sends a message of consistency and reliability to all, “including Turkey, which unfortunately continues to act outside the framework of cooperation provided for by international regulations.”

“The Nicosia Flight Control Centre is a symbol of a Cyprus that is evolving, investing, and proving that progress can be achieved through planning, consistency, and collective effort. It is proof that our state can, when it wants to, respond to the challenges of the times by implementing projects that enhance security, improve everyday life, and strengthen our country’s international prestige. With the operation of the Centre, our country is taking another step towards a future that is safer, more reliable, and more connected to the world. A Cyprus that is shaping its future with determination, responsibility, and vision,” he concluded.

In his own address, the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, the Centre is an important step in modernising the infrastructure and services of the Ministry, adding that it is a highly complex technical project that was implemented in accordance with the strictest international safety standards to ensure the smooth and efficient management of air traffic.

“With this project, Cyprus confirms its position as a reliable partner that responsibly fulfills its international obligations,” he stressed.

The creation of the Centre is part of the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to modernise infrastructure and strengthen Cyprus’ connectivity, he noted, adding that such projects enhance transport safety, upgrade the country’s prestige, and improve the services received by citizens.

“At a time of increasing air traffic and international challenges, the existence of a modern flight control centre is a guarantee for the safety and efficiency of flights. At the same time, it demonstrates Cyprus’ position as an active member of the European aviation family, working closely with the European Commission and Eurocontrol for the more efficient and safer operation of the European Air Network,” he concluded.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 08/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 09/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1011hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. Today, increased cloudiness will occur at times. Local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected, mainly over the western and northern areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

Cyprus’ Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, outlined the country’s comprehensive housing policy during the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) meeting on Affordable and Sustainable Housing taking place on Wednesday, at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva.

The Ministerial meeting is attended by UNECE Director-General, Ministers and officials from the countries of the UN region of Europe, a press release issued by the Ministry said.

The focus was on the challenges and strategic priorities for affordability and sustainability of housing. Strategic policies and actions implemented by the member states were presented, with the aim of safeguardingg citizens’ access to affordable and sustainable housing options, the press release added.

In his intervention Ioannou said, among other things, that the economic, social and environmental crises of recent years further intensified the challenges of states for affordable housing, adding that most states are faced with rising housing costs, a lack of affordable housing supply and a widening gap between household incomes and market prices.

Regarding housing projects in Cyprus, the Minister said that the increasing construction costs, the limited housing stock and the difficulty of financing faced by citizens belonging mainly to the middle and low-income class, intensified the housing problem. He added that government policy incorporates targeted plans, based on increasing the housing stock and facilitating citizens’ access to housing.

He referred in detail to the Urban Incentives plans, the ‘Build to Rent’ and the ‘Renovate-Rent’ Plan.

He added that the measures that have been adopted include the introduction of faster licensing procedures, with a reduction in the time for examining and issuing urban and building permits, targeted support measures for young people and young families up to 41 years of age, as well as special housing plans to support rural and mountainous areas.

He also conveyed Cyprus’ commitment to addressing the housing challenge, stressing that affordable housing will be a priority of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Commitments text for the implementation of actions to ensure affordable and sustainable housing options, the press release noted.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos is in Ethiopia on an official visit, during which he will have meetings with his counterpart Dr. Gedion Timothewos and senior officials.

MFA posted on X that in addition to the political consultations, Kombos will discuss prospects for cooperation in the fields of education, including higher education and research.

The Foreign Minister will also have a meeting with the Director-General of the African Union Commission. He will also meet with the Heads of Mission of the European Union to Ethiopia and the African Union.

The European Commission, through a spokesperson’s response to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), has expressed its expectation for all parties to commit to the rapid implementation of the Cyprus-Greece Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), following recent developments and statements from Nicosia and Athens. The Commission emphasized that any additional delay harms all sides involved.

In its response to CNA, the Commission notes that “we expect all Parties to commit to an as rapid implementation of the project as possible. Ultimately, any further delay is to the detriment of the parties involved.”

The Commission reiterated that the project remains a “priority of the highest strategic importance for the EU”, while stressing that on their behalf they “keep doing everything in our power to ensure that this project is implemented.”

As highlighted by its spokesperson, “this project is key in bringing an end to Cyprus’s energy isolation”, while “boosting electricity interconnections helps bring down energy prices by allowing the integration of more renewables in the system.”

The Commission confirmed that it remains “in constant contact with the promoter, regulators, and national authorities and offers our assistance”, but said that “the responsibility is on all actors to honour their commitment.”

Referring to recent announcements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address before the European Parliament regarding the “Energy Highways” initiative, the Commission recalled that the electrical interconnection of Cyprus with continental Europe is a key element of the EU’s strategy to “enhance interconnectivity in the EU and end the island’s electricity isolation.” The spokesperson concluded by stating that this ultimately “highlights the importance of better and improved interconnectivity in the EU.”

A new Artificial Intelligence tool is now available to civil servants, aiming to accelerate workflows and significantly enhance productivity. The Microsoft Co-pilot tool was officially presented on Wednesday to the members of the Council of Ministers, marking the launch of its implementation in public administration.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, stated that this is an important step in the digital transformation of the public sector. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence within public services.

He noted that the introduction of tools like Co-pilot is designed to support public servants in their daily tasks by simplifying and speeding up processes, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.

The European Union stands ready to support the transformation of shipping into an industry with cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and innovation, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, said on Wednesday speaking at the “Maritime Cyprus 2025” Conference, in Limassol.

This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking the future of shipping’, he said, aligns well with the pressing challenges the international shipping sector is facing today. Shipping is a sector undergoing profound transformation.

“The European Union stands ready to support this shift with both ambition and accountability. The European Ocean Pact is a flagship initiative of my portfolio. It is a comprehensive strategy that brings together policies aiming to protect the ocean, promote a thriving and sustainable blue economy, and support the well-being of coastal communities,” the Commissioner noted.

Here in Cyprus, “where almost half of the population lives in coastal areas, these policies have a direct impact on people’s daily lives,” he said, adding that “it is ultimately these communities that are the driving force behind achieving the ambitions of the European Ocean Pact. To support them further in their development and help them tackle their challenges, the Commission will present a new Strategy for EU Coastal and Island Communities”.

“Europe leads the way in high-quality maritime services, advanced ship management, cutting-edge ports and logistics, and in pioneering digital and safety standards. By fostering innovation in cleaner fuels and smarter technologies, we can also secure Europe’s leadership in the global maritime transition,” the Commissioner continued.

In his speech, he said that in the coming months, the Commission will present two interlinked strategies: the European Maritime Industrial Strategy and the EU Ports Strategy. For the maritime industry, priorities will include strengthening shipping capabilities, bolstering shipbuilding and repair capacity, driving digital and green innovation, and securing the skills and investments crucial for these strategic sectors. For ports, we aim to reinforce their role as trade and energy hubs, prepare them for military mobility, ensure robust and sustainable operations, and modernise infrastructure to seamlessly connect Europe to the world, he said.

In the long term, the Commissioner noted, the future of shipping relies on cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and innovation. The European legal framework is setting the sector on a credible course towards climate neutrality, adding that at the same time, we are investing in research and innovation, through Horizon Europe and other instruments, to accelerate the use of renewable fuels and green technologies.

In just a few days, he said, the International Maritime Organisation will hold a decisive meeting to adopt the Net-Zero Framework for international shipping. “A successful outcome in London will be pivotal in steering the sector towards decarbonisation and ensuring global solutions for this international industry, thereby preserving a level global playing field” Kadis said.

Another key driver, Kadis noted, is digital transformation. “Initiatives such as the Maritime Single Window environment, as well as broader EU efforts on data spaces and artificial intelligence, will enhance efficiency, safety and transparency of shipping operations. Likewise, aligning ship finance so that capital markets and EU financial tools can support the sector’s transition is essential,” he went on to say.

Our transformation, he pointed out, cannot succeed without skilled and motivated individuals.

“That is why the EU remains dedicated to supporting seafarers, through training, fair working conditions, and by recognising that their role is essential, especially during crises and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Their tenacity and expertise remain the backbone of global shipping,” the Commissioner noted.

“Today we are shaping the future of shipping, here in Cyprus, across Europe, and across the world. By embracing innovation, championing sustainability, and empowering those who work at sea, we can ensure that shipping remains a vital force for our economies, societies and communities for generations to come,” he continued.

Referring to Cyprus, he said it is home to shipowners, operators, classification societies and to a highly skilled workforce whose impact on the competitiveness of European shipping is widely recognised.

“At the same time, Cyprus plays a strong role in shaping the future of international shipping at the International Maritime Organisation, in Brussels and beyond,” he underlined.

Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, George Papanastasiou, will participate in the Cyprus-Greece Business and Investment Forum, on Thursday, in Athens.

According to a Ministry press release, the Forum, which is organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Invest Cyprus, Enterprise Greece, and the Cyprus-Greece Business Association, is under the auspices of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulidou.

“As part of the Forum’s proceedings, Papanastasiou will deliver a speech highlighting the strong relations between Cyprus and Greece, as well as opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in the areas of investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” the press release says.

The funeral of former MP and former Vice-President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Katie Clerides, who passed away on Monday at the age of 76, was held in deep sorrow, in the presence of President of the Republic, the President of the House of Representatives, leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, current and former MPs and a large crowd.

Eulogies were delivered by the President of DISY and House President, Annita Demetriou, Meltem Onurkan-Samani, a friend of the deceased and founder of the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Centre (CPDC), and Andia Ioannides Charaki, a friend of the deceased. A poem was read by her maid of honour, Androula Shati.

In her eulogy, Annita Demetriou said – among other things – that ‘Katie Clerides never fit into stereotypes, she did not fit into titles, she did not fit into boxes, because she was and will always be something much more, a rare person, a special friend and a great colleague,’ she pointed out.

‘Her greatest desire was to see her country free and reunited. She never stopped hoping and working hard for this, until her last breath,’ she noted.

‘She opened roads, she knew how to build bridges, she brought groups of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots together. She believed in dialogue, she believed in coexistence,’ Demetriou said.

In her eulogy, Meltem Onurkan-Samani said that Katie Clerides remains ‘through all these years a role model enlightening our mission toward peace, a real peace, one grounded on honesty and human dignity.’

‘You were always frank in saying that the majorities were not ready for a peace accord, even 60 years after 1964, yet you never stopped working for it. You were eager to build understanding where others only built rhetoric,’ she emphasised.

On her part, Andia Ioannides Charaki said that Katie Clerides’ books reflect her thoughts and experiences on conflict resolution, social justice and reconciliation, noting that her political action focused on the rapprochement of the two communities towards a common homeland with equal rights.

“Katie Clerides was a beacon of hope, endurance and unwavering dedication to justice. She was modest, far from showing off, always correct and an idealist,” she said. “She did not hesitate to politically judge those who deviated from the principles of her party and deviated from the correct, exemplary political principles that they should respect,” she pointed out.

Katie Clerides, was the daughter of former President of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides. She was born in London on May 10, 1949. She had served three terms as a Democratic Rally MP in the 1990s and early 2000s and was the first woman Vice President of the party. She was a strong advocate for the reunification of Cyprus and rapprochement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. She also championed causes to do with human rights and animal rights.