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Shipping, and safeguarding the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness in the global market will be amongst the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU that will begin in January, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said Monday, in his opening address at the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’ Conference that began in Limassol.

“Shipping, and safeguarding the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness in the global market is an indispensable component of our efforts to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness and will be amongst the priorities of our Presidency” the President stressed.

He noted that this year’s theme of Maritime Cyprus 2025 is ‘Unlocking the Future of Shipping’, and “captures the moment we are in – one of complex challenges. And yet, it also aptly captures this resilient industry’s constant, timeless drive to transform the moment into opportunity. You have all proven, time and again, that no matter how daunting the task, you can rise to the task – you adapt, you create, you thrive”.

Referring to Cyprus, he said that it has one of the largest fleets in the world and a dynamic maritime cluster, hosting hundreds of companies, engaging in the full range of maritime and maritime-related activities.

Over the last two years, he noted, the exposure of Cyprus shipping, has grown impressively, the Cyprus Ship Registry, has increased by 20% in terms of gross tonnage, reaching the highest point of the last 20 years, the number of companies registered in the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System has increased by 15%, and the ship management sector’s contribution to the GDP of Cyprus, increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024.

He noted that it is a priority for the Government to further enhance the competitiveness of Cyprus shipping.

“We are fully committed to continue upgrading and strengthening the framework that governs the services provided by the Shipping Ministry. In this context and within the framework of our commitment to digital transition, the digitalization of the services of the Shipping Deputy Ministry is constantly progressing” the President said.

He announced that “we are ready to launch the first services next week”.

Additionally, he said that the Government, recognizing the great potential and promising future of the cruise sector, has taken decisive measures by approving the National Strategy for Cruise Tourism last October. The first stage of the implementation of the strategy, he continued, has been completed and soon a targeted Action Plan will be developed. Our goal is to boost Cyprus’s footprint as an attractive and competitive cruise destination.

The Cyprus Shipping Industry remains a cornerstone of our economy, President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Andreas Neophytou, has said.

In his address at a Reception hosted by the Chamber on Sunday evening in Limassol ahead of the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’ Conference, he said that despite global challenges, it continues to thrive.

A press release by the Chamber says that the reception attracted a remarkable turnout of over 800 distinguished representatives. The event, it adds, brought together Ministers, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, State Officials, representatives of professional organisations, as well as senior executives from the Cyprus and Global Shipping Industry, highlighting the respect and prestige the Chamber enjoys both locally and abroad.

In his address, Neophytou, welcomed the attendees and emphasised the pivotal role of Cyprus Shipping in the national economy and global trade and said that ‘the Cyprus Shipping Industry remains a cornerstone of our economy, driving trade, supporting other sectors, and ensuring the continuous flow of essential goods globally”.

“Despite global challenges, it continues to thrive, with a strong merchant fleet and a reputation for excellence in shipowning, ship management and shipping related services. Cyprus has become a trusted international Shipping hub, as reflected in the more than 200 shipowning, shipmanagement, and shipping-related companies operating from Cyprus, managing and providing services to over 2,800 ships with approximately 80,000 seafarers onboard at any given time” he pointed out.

The prestige and international recognition enjoyed by the Maritime Cyprus Conference are tangible proof of this trust and success, he concluded.

The press release says that since the very first edition of the Maritime Cyprus Conference in 1989, the same year the Chamber was established, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber has consistently supported this important forum, contributing substantially to its success and international reputation.

“The highly successful Reception served as a prelude to a week of meaningful dialogue, collaboration and exchange of ideas in the framework of the ‘Maritime Cyprus’ Conference, which once again brings together leading global shipping executives and stakeholders, continuing to highlight Cyprus’ strategic importance on the global maritime map,” the press release concludes.

The European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe have signed a new protocol to continue their 40-year-old partnership on fisheries.

The new four-year protocol will allow EU vessels to fish around 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters.

Increased EU financial support will also foster the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe. The EU contribution over four years will amount to pound 3.3 million, i.e. pound 825,000 per year. pound 500,000 will be dedicated every year to support São Tomé and Príncipe’s sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, artisanal fishing and local fishing communities.

In addition to EU funding, EU shipowners will pay São Tomé and Príncipe a licensing and catch fee of pound 85 per ton of fish caught to operate in the country’s waters.

The new protocol includes provisions to enhance working conditions for fishers employed on EU vessels, ensuring safer and fairer labour practices.

Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said: ‘Today marks a significant milestone as we have a new implementing protocol to our Fishery Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe. This protocol reinforces our shared commitment to responsible, sustainable fisheries and shows the power of cooperation in preserving the ocean. Together we secure the future of our shared resources, supporting local communities and ecosystems. Our collaboration sets a model for sustainable fishing that benefits all and fosters long-term ecological and economic resilience’.

The new protocol will apply provisionally as of 6 October 2025 and will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed. On the EU side, this requires the consent of the European Parliament.

You can find more information on the renewed sustainable fisheries partnership online.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 2 2996 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel: +32 2 28 20 54)

Creative Europe reinforces support for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors

The European Union continues its support for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors with the selection of four new large projects, bringing Creative Europe funding for Ukraine to pound 7 million in 2024-2025. These projects are ZMINA Resilience, Culture Helps, Culture Horizons, and UkrAinian cultural eXchange with the European Union (UAxEU).

In October 2024, the European Commission published a special call under Creative Europe to support the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors with an initial budget of pound 5 million. At the Ukrainian Recovery Conference in July 2025, Commissioner Glenn Micallef announced a pound 2 million top-up as part of the Team Europe approach for Cultural Heritage in Ukraine, raising total financial support to pound 7 million.

Through this funding, the EU supports Ukrainian cultural and creative organisations, as well as professionals and artists addressing the ongoing and future consequences of Russia’s war of aggression, in cooperation with organisations from other Creative Europe countries. The funding supports cultural heritage preservation and artistic performances both inside and outside of Ukraine.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport said: “Europe stands steadfast with Ukraine. Culture plays a vital role in preserving unity and building resilience, especially in times of war. I’ve said this several times: to destroy a nation, you target its culture. This is why we have increased our financial support under the Creative Europe call for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors. I warmly congratulate the projects selected under the 2025 call, which will contribute to strengthen the resilience and post-war recovery of Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors.”

Find out more about the selected projects online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)

EU and Japan to strengthen research ties with Horizon Europe deal by end-2025

The EU and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in research and innovation, with negotiations on Japan’s association to Horizon Europe set to conclude by the end of 2025.

Meeting in Kyoto, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Japanese State Minister for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi underlined the importance of working together to tackle global challenges and drive competitiveness.

The agreement would open the door for Japanese researchers to join EU partners on equal terms in the 2026/2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme, especially under Pillar II, which funds projects on climate, energy, mobility, digital, industry, space, and health.

Commissioner Zaharieva said: ‘Europe and Japan have the talent and the technology, but we need to use them together. Horizon Europe association will make that possible, giving our researchers the chance to deliver breakthroughs that people will see in their hospitals, in their energy bills, and in the technologies they use every day. This is cooperation in action.’

The two sides also welcomed a new report from the EU-Japan Expert Group on Advanced Materials, highlighting shared needs in construction, energy, mobility, electronics, and data-driven research. These priorities will guide future projects and policy dialogues.

Japan has been a strategic partner for the EU in science and innovation for more than two decades. Formal negotiations on Horizon Europe association began in November 2024.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)

EU and Morocco reach agreement to extend preferential tariff treatment to Western Sahara

The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have reached an agreement to extend preferential tariff treatment to the territory of Western Sahara. The agreement provisionally applies as of 3 of October 2025, ensuring continuity and certainty for traders.

The agreement ensures that proofs of origin and labelling of products indicate the region of production (Dakhla and Laayoune), and further ensures that advantages will be granted to the concerned beneficiaries.

This agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. Discussions with the Council of the EU and in the European Parliament will take place in the coming weeks and months, and their consent will be needed for the agreement to be concluded.

Over the years, the European Union and Morocco have established a profound friendship and a solid and multi-faceted cooperation. Both parties look forward to taking this cooperation to the next level in the coming months, by concluding a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

The full text of the Agreement and Declaration is available online.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Statement by High Representative/Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on Georgia

On the occasion of the elections held in Georgia, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos have issued the following statement:

‘This Saturday in Georgia was the day of local elections, amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.

Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favouring the ruling party, drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low.

In addition, the refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring. Domestic organisations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.

Large numbers of people constantly protested the repressive policies of the governing party, Georgian Dream. We call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.

We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence.

Finally, the European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia and denounces the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.’

(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 229-85691; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 229-80564)

Dr. Kezban AKANSOY

Press Officer / Political Reporter

European Commission

Representation in Cyprus

EU House, 30 Byron Avenue, 1096 Nicosia

Tel: +357 22817770 or 22817837 (direct)

Mobile: +90 533 8672030 or +357 99689521

kezban.akansoy@ec.europa.eu

https://cyprus.representation.ec.europa.eu

Press service

European Parliament

Press release

06-10-2025

2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: ten finalists shortlisted

The jury of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism has shortlisted ten investigations for the fifth edition of the award.

European missile group MBDA selling parts for bombs that have killed children in Gaza

Disclose, The Guardian, Follow the Money

The Forever Lobbying Project

Le Monde and various media outlets

Les forçats du cybercrime (Cyberslaves)

Paris Match

Wide-angle frame of death (part 1 and part 2)

Novosti

Dirty Payments

Mediapart, European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) and 20 media outlets

The Viktoriia Project

Forbidden Stories and various media outlets

‘Make a Molotov Cocktail’: How Europeans are recruited through Telegram to commit sabotage, arson and murder

Delfi, OCCRP, Paper Trail Media, Der Standard, Tamedia, ZDF, Re:Baltica

Ecocide in Iraq: How big oil companies are turning marshlands into deserts

IrpiMedia, JournalismFund Europe, IJ4EU

The Shadow Fleet Secrets

Follow the Money and various media outlets

Die unsichtbare Front

Missy Magazine

More information about each finalist here.

Between 21 May and 31 July 2025, hundreds of journalists from the 27 EU countries submitted their stories for consideration. Ten out the of the 316 submissions were selected as finalists.

The winner will be announced in an award ceremony taking place on Tuesday 21 October 2025, in the evening, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room). Finalists will be present in the ceremony as well as the seminar on Press Freedom which will be organised earlier on the same day.

An invitation to accredited journalists to attend both events will follow.

Press seminar before ceremony

The media services of the European Parliament are also organising a press seminar just before the ceremony.

The seminar will analyse the role of journalists in today’s world and the threats they face. The situation of journalists in the Middle East will be at the centre of the discussion, with Palestinian and Israeli journalists sharing their firsthand experiences of this tragedy.

The seminar will be opened (online) by Italian author and journalist Roberto Saviano, and will be closed by Russian journalist and Chairwoman of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Maria Konstantinovna Pevchikh, alongside Matthew Caruana Galizia, son of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The 10 projects selected as finalists for the Prize will also be highlighted.

To help us determine how many journalists will require access to the press seminar and to arrange interviews with speakers and finalists, please register for the event and/or interviews by 16 October at 10:00 am via this link.

About the Prize

Launched in 2020, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality, who can submit in-depth pieces that have been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 EU countries. An independent jury composed of representatives of the press and civil society from the 27 member states, as well as representatives of the main European journalists’ associations, will choose the winning entry. The prize and the pound 20 000 prize money demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of a free press.

Past winners

2021 – ‘The Pegasus Project’, coordinated by the Forbidden Stories

2022 – Documentary on ‘The Central African Republic under Russian Influence’ by Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade (ARTE/France24/Le Monde)

2023 – Joint investigation on the Pylos migrant boat shipwreck (Solomon, in collaboration with Forensis, StrgF/ARD, and The Guardian)

2024 – Investigation on missing unaccompanied child migrants (Lost in Europe)

Who was Daphne Caruana Galizia?

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist who reported extensively on corruption, money laundering, organised crime, sale of citizenship and the Maltese government’s links to the Panama Papers. Following harassment and threats, she was murdered in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017. The outcry over the authorities’ handling of her murder investigation ultimately prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Critical of failings in the investigation, in December 2019, MEPs called on the European Commission to take action.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize secretariat

info@daphnejournalismprize.eu

John SCHRANZ

Press Officer (MT)

(+32) 2 28 44264 (BXL)

(+33) 3 881 74076 (STR)

(+32) 498 98 14 02

john.schranz@europarl.europa.eu

Thea PIERIDOU

Press Officer

European Parliament

Office in Cyprus

30 Vyronos Avenue – 1096 Nicosia

97 665992

22 870500 / 22 396485

thea.pieridou@ep.europa.eu

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment for Cyprus Dr. Maria Panayiotou participates in the deliberations of the Conference of European Ministers of Mediterranean countries (MED9) which take place 5-7 October in Portoroz, Slovenia.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, the conference, that will be chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of Slovenia, Mateja Calušic, will focus on Sustainable Risk Management in Agriculture, thus continuing the discussion initiated under the Cyprus Presidency of the MED9, with the aim of formulating a common strategy for resilient, sustainable and fair agriculture in the countries of the European South.

The Ministers of the nine Mediterranean countries are expected to adopt a Joint Declaration of the MED9, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the resilience of agriculture given the growing challenges, and in view of the legislative proposals for the new CAP 2028-2034.

In the context of the deliberations, the Cypriot Minister will emphasize the need for preventive and coordinated political action, with an emphasis on financial adequacy, rapid compensation of producers and the sustainability of agricultural holdings, the press release says.

Panayiotou will then travel to Ireland on October 7, for an official two day visit, following an invitation of the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Maritime Affairs, Martin Heydon.

They will discuss about the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU as well as issues of coordination and smooth transition to the next, Presidency which is Ireland. In addition, they will discuss about policies for the new CAP after 2027, focusing on research, innovation and technology in the agri-food sector.

She will also visit Ireland’s national research and advisory organisation for agriculture, as well as model agricultural and livestock units.

Relations between the Cypriot Government and the Greek Government are stronger than ever before, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Monday.

The President was replying to questions of reporters on his arrival to the International Conference “Maritime Cyprus 2025” that is taking place in Limassol.

Asked if there is a crisis in the relations between Cyprus and Greece over the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator, IPTO, the President of the Republic said that “relations between Athens and Nicosia, relations between the Cypriot Government and the Greek Government, my relationship with the Greek Prime Minister are stronger than ever before.”

The President also sent the message to “those who invest in a rupture in the relations of the Greek Government with the Cypriot Government, of my relations with the Greek Prime Minister” pointing out that they “will be disappointed”.

Asked if he had spoken with the Greek Prime Minister, following the meeting that took place yesterday in Athens on the issue, President Christodoulides referred journalists to his replies above saying that they give answers to all questions.

Early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus and a big moment for European transport, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Monday, in his keynote speech at the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference that is taking place in Limassol.

Referring to the Cyprus EU Presidency that will begin in January, he noted that it will be a defining moment for Europe, and for the transport policy.

“As a great maritime nation, Cyprus will play a leading role in shaping the Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Ports Strategy, and the Military Mobility Package. And it will also play a key role in the first ever European Strategy for Tourism, Which we aim to heave it ready by Easter next year” he said.

The Commissioner noted that Cyprus will also help steer discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget, for 2028-2034.

“This will be decisive in setting the level of ambition for our transport and maritime sectors. I trust Cyprus will be a strong ally in ensuring ambitious funding for a competitive, resilient, and secure European transport system” he said, adding that funding that will set transport, including maritime transport, on track for a competitive, resilient and secure future.

“So, I am counting on your support. So yes, early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus. And it will also be a big moment for European transport. Together, we can make it a moment that defines our maritime future,” he stressed.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas said that Cyprus is more than just a maritime country, it is a global maritime force and a hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a proud history of seafaring a modern fleet that ranks among the largest in the European Union.

“Your flag is a symbol of quality and trust. Your shipping industry is not only a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, but also a pillar of Europe’s maritime strength. And your voice carries weight, not just in Europe, but across the global shipping community” he went on to say.

Referring to Europe, the Commissioner said that we can make Europe’s maritime sector not only more resilient, but also more competitive, more sustainable, and more secure.

He recalled that the Draghi report highlights the EU’s declining share of the global maritime fleet.

“Our fleet keeps growing in absolute terms, but others are expanding faster. Our market share in gross tonnage fell from 38.5% in 2018, to 33.6% in 2024. This is a challenge we must face together, the European Commission, the Member States, and the industry. And we are acting,” he stressed.

He also said that Europe’s shipbuilding industry faces unfair competition with subsidies in other regions allowing competitors to sell ships 30% or even 40% cheaper than European models.

“China is not alone in this. This is why we are preparing an Industrial Maritime Strategy aiming to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of our shipbuilding and shipping sectors,” Tzitzikostas said.

Referring to ports, he noted that they are the backbone of our supply chains, our energy system and military mobility. “So, the upcoming European Ports Strategy will both strengthen and protect these assets” he concluded.

Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos awarded Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant for EMEC 2025 Plenary.

This marks her second PSIPW Specialist Grant underscoring her sustained global leadership in water research.

The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) has approved a Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant to support Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) as a plenary speaker at EMEC 2025 (25th European Meeting on Environmental Chemistry, Crete, Greece). This marks the second time Professor Fatta-Kassinos has been selected for this prestigious specialist grant, underscoring her sustained global leadership in water research.

Administered by PSIPW, the Specialist Grant enables scientific event organisers to feature world-leading water scientists to the stage as plenary speakers. Grant recipients are chosen based on criteria that include the innovative nature of the recipient’s water-related work.

Professor Fatta-Kassinos, a Chemical and Environmental Engineer at the University of Cyprus, is internationally recognised for pioneering research on wastewater-borne micropollutants, antimicrobial resistance in engineered and natural systems, and advanced analytical and engineering approaches that explore system-level water-quality outcomes. Her EMEC 2025 plenary will address frontier strategies for mitigating chemical and biological risks across the water cycle, translating cutting-edge science into actionable engineering and policy.

‘I am honoured by EMEC’s selection and PSIPW’s approval,’ said Professor Fatta-Kassinos. ‘This Specialist Grant accelerates vital exchanges between disciplines, chemistry, microbiology, analytics, and systems engineering, so we can deliver water solutions that are both innovative and implementable.’

About the Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant

Named in memory of HRH Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of PSIPW, the Specialist Grant extends PSIPW’s vision of encouraging water-related research. By supporting event organisers directly, the programme enables the participation of world-leading scientists as plenary/keynote speakers and instructors at high-impact scientific events.

Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, represented the Republic of Cyprus at the UNGA80 3rd Committee in NY and underlined, inter alia, the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Cypriots, as a result of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation.

He also reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to promoting multilateralism for a peaceful and prosperous world.

In his intervention Kakouris raised, once again, the issue of human rights and violations of fundamental freedoms of Greek Cypriots resulting from the invasion and continuing occupation of part of Cyprus by Turkey.

He recalled that a large proportion of Greek Cypriots remain displaced and deprived of their right to return and to peacefully enjoy their properties. He also denounced the illegal exploitation and use of Greek Cypriot properties by the occupying regime.

He made special reference to the transfer of settlers from Turkey to Cyprus as part of a systematic plan to alter the island’s demographic character. He further emphasized that the decrease in the number of enclaved Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas is the result of persistent harassment, intimidation, and discriminatory treatment on the basis of national origin, race, and religion by the occupying regime.

Kakouris also referred to the major humanitarian issue of missing persons, calling on Turkey to provide information from its military archives on their fate and to allow unrestricted access to military areas for excavations and exhumations.

He raised the issue of violence against women and girls, noting that discrimination and economic marginalization persist. He underlined, however, that the Government of Cyprus has taken concrete measures within the international institutional framework to promote gender equality.

On trafficking in persons, he described it as a heinous crime and a serious global problem affecting millions of people. Combating trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and enhancing coordination and cooperation to eradicate the phenomenon are among the top priorities of the Cypriot Government, he said.

Ambassador Kakouris reaffirmed Cyprus’ strong commitment to the rights of the child and youth. Cyprus, he noted, firmly supports the full, effective, and meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at all levels-local, national, regional, and international-including within the United Nations.

Regarding the human rights of older persons, he highlighted that Cyprus has adopted its first National Strategy and Action Plan for Active Ageing.

He also referred to the looting and vandalism of the rich cultural heritage in the occupied part of Cyprus and stressed the importance of the Nicosia Convention-a protection mechanism for cultural heritage-which remains the only international treaty providing for the criminalization of offences related to the destruction, illicit trafficking, and illegal trade of cultural property.

In conclusion Kakouris reiterated that Cyprus stands ready to cooperate constructively with all UN member states to strengthen multilateralism and ensure a just, peaceful, and prosperous world for present and future generations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

One of the primary objectives of the Government, which was the qualitative and further strengthening of the Cyprus ship registry, has been achieved, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Sunday, noting that in the last two years it recorded an increase of 20%.

‘This achievement is largely due to the strengthening of the cooperation we have achieved with the ship-owning community of Greece and the shipping companies based in Cyprus, as well as the firm support of Cypriot shipowners,’ the President stressed in his address during a formal dinner hosted at the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the Maritime Cyprus Conference that begins on Monday in Limassol.

Earlier on Sunday, President Christodoulides had separate meetings with Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation Arsenio Dominguez, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic Vasilis Kikilias as well as senior executives of international shipping companies.

In his address during the dinner, he said that a strong Cypriot ship registry strengthens Cyprus’ position on the shipping map, and also strengthens Cyprus promotion at an international level, with ships flying the Cypriot flag traveling to all corners of the earth.

“And this is even more important for us, a country that has been under Turkish occupation for 51 years,” the President underlined.

He also noted the political will to further strengthen and improve the framework of services Cyprus is providing to shipping companies, “so that we can respond fully and effectively to the demanding operating framework of the shipping industry.”

A main priority for the government, he continued, is the strengthening the maritime cluster in Cyprus, which is a strong industry with a multifaceted contribution.

He also said that the revenue generated by the ship management sector, during the 2nd half of 2024, amounted to 918 million, an amount corresponding to 5.28% of Cyprus’s GDP. This contribution, he pointed out, compared to the 2nd half of 2023, recorded an increase of 27%.

“This makes the ship management sector a strongly growing factor in the Cypriot economy. At the same time, the increase in companies integrated into the Cypriot tonnage tax system by 15% in the last two years demonstrates the advantages provided by our regulatory framework, as well as the prospects that exist,” he stressed.

The President noted that a shipping cluster is not only ship ownership companies and ship management companies, but also all companies that offer similar services in the sector, noting that those companies are consistently choosing Cyprus as the country to establish their activities.

“The strengthening, therefore, of the shipping cluster in Cyprus is our priority and with policies, such as the digitalization of the services provided but also the strengthening of others, such as for example the one-stop shipping centre, we are convinced that we will succeed in making Cyprus one of the most attractive destinations for these companies,” he noted.

Referring to the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU, he said that shipping will be one of the top priorities, adding that the European Commission is expected to submit its proposal for the new EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, which will be discussed in the context of the Cyprus Presidency.

The Cyprus EU Presidency, the President said, will also highlight other major challenges in the Shipping sector, including the shortage of merchant marine officers, the need for retraining and upgrading the skills of seafarers, as well as the strengthening of the framework that will allow for equal treatment of women in the maritime labor market.

Concluding, he said that a relevant declaration is expected to be adopted during the informal Council of Ministers responsible for maritime transport issues, which will be held in Cyprus next April.

Meanwhile, the President received on Sunday afternoon Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation Arsenio Dominguez. According to a press release by the Presidency, during the meeting, they discussed issues of cooperation between Cyprus and the IMO as well as the current situation in the shipping sector given the geopolitical developments both in the region and internationally.

The President also received senior executives of international shipping companies. He met with CEO of the Caravel Group, Dr. Harry Banga, who is also the Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Hong Kong, and who noted the company’s interest in operating in Cyprus. The President thanked Dr. Banga for his continuous support to the Cypriot shipping. Furthermore, in a meeting with executives of Royal Caribbean, they reaffirmed the strong cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with the company, which is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, the press release says. They also discussed about the prospects for further strengthening the cooperation within the framework of the National Cruise Strategy approved by the Council of Ministers.

Furthermore, he received European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The President noted that “it is the first time that we see, specifically in the shipping sector, the EU claiming the role it should play”. The Commissioner said that Cyprus can count on his support, and gave as an example the approval of a fund of 18 million euro for the port of Vassilikos, noting that this is only the beginning.

Finally, the President received Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic Vasilis Kikilias who referred to the large percentage that shipping constitutes in the GDP of Cyprus, expressing the belief that it will be strengthened even further in the coming years. President Christodoulides said that the Cypriot Government is proceeding with the strengthening of similar sectors of shipping, as well as with actions to develop the cruise industry.