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Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos reaffirmed the Cypriot government’s commitment to actively engage in discussions with the newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader following the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.

‘Yesterday, a voting procedure took place in the areas occupied by Turkey. We remain fully committed to actively discussing with the new Turkish Cypriot leader,’ Kombos said adding that ‘we want to move into substantive negotiations, always and exclusively within the UN Security Council framework and in line with EU values, principles and legislation’. For that to happen, of course, he explained, ‘it would require Turkey’s shift in policy. And the European Union path has been offering and is offering Turkey plenty of options. Now it’s up to Turkey to make the right choice».

Regarding the topics discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council, Kombos said that ‘we have been briefed by our Ukrainian colleagues on the developments on the ground, as well as on various contacts, meetings, and communications in the last few days. We reiterated our steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity’. He also stressed that he looks forward to the diplomatic discussions that will take place, with the aim of achieving a ceasefire and, subsequently, lasting peace.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the Minister said that during FAC ‘we discussed the agreement related to the Trump plan, which consists of 20 points. We commend the leadership of President Trump for this historic moment, as well as the contributions of Qatar and Egypt, two mediating actors who have been consistently engaged in this activity. This is a fragile arrangement, we need to gully implement all the details in relation to the agreement, and this will require engagement of the European Union and all member states individually’.

Referring to Cyprus’ humanitarian plan for Gaza, Kombos pointed out that ‘Cyprus has put forward its own dynamic plan in terms of its contribution, in limited capacity, to what’s going to be happening hopefully in Gaza, in relation to the humanitarian [aid], reconstruction, and security, and it corresponds to six points of the Trump plan’.

The Minister concluded by reaffirming: ‘We remain fully committed to supporting the EU and engaging with it to ensure that the European Union is at the table and is active in trying to make sure that this agreement is consolidated and then fully implemented’.

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, has said that the Turkish Cypriots’ will to choose Tufan Erhrman as their new leader opens a new chapter of hope and expectations for the island’s reunification on the basis of the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

“A reunification that will guarantee peace and prosperity for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the European family,” he added, noting that the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, has undertaken tireless efforts, following a long period of inaction, to bring the Cyprus Issue back to the UN Secretary-General’s agenda and to resume the informal discussions.

“We look forward to working together on the next step in the upcoming informal meeting in a broader format. Divisions have no place in the modern turbulent international landscape. Cyprus must convey the universal message of synthesis and unity,” Gerapetritis noted.

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.

President of the Cyprus Nurses and Midwives Association (CYNMA), Aristides Chorattas, has been re-elected unopposed as President of the European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) for the two-year term 2025-2027.

According to a press release issued by the Association, Chorattas’ election took place during the Federation’s 121st General Assembly held in Dublin, Ireland.

‘The re-election of Dr. Chorattas constitutes an important distinction for Cyprus, but also for the Cyprus Association of Nurses and Midwives, as it recognizes the dynamism and prestige of the Cypriot nursing community at a European level,” the press release said.

His re-election, it added, reaffirms the abilities, experience and knowledge of Dr. Chorattas, which make him capable of successfully leading the European Organization and contributing to the achievement of its strategic goals.

The Price Index of Construction Materials for September 2025 reached 118.96 units (base year 2021=100), recording an increase of 1.44%, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Monday.

By main commodity category, increases were recorded in minerals (3.62%), mineral products (3.30%), products of wood, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics (1.05%) and electromechanical products (0.19%), whereas a decrease was observed in metallic products (-0.59%).

Compared to the previous month, a marginal decrease of 0.08% was recorded.

For the period January-September 2025, the index recorded an increase of 1.26% compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

‘Responsible fiscal policy delivers results,’ the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides wrote in a post on X regarding the revised estimate by the Statistical Service for the 2024 GDP growth rate at 3.9%.

‘Responsible fiscal policy, free from populism and empty promises, delivers results. The GDP revision confirms that the economy remains strong and is expected to record growth of 3.5%-3.9% in 2025, with public debt below 60% of GDP,’ the President noted.

The growth rate of the economy in 2024 is positive and is estimated at 3.9% in real terms, according to a revised estimate published on Monday by the Cyprus Statistical Service.

At current prices, the percentage change in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounts to 7.2%.

According to CYSTAT, regarding the production approach for the estimation of GDP in real terms, the positive growth rate is mainly attributed to the sectors: ‘Information and communication’, “Hotels and Restaurants”, ‘Construction’ and ‘Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles’.

GDP in real terms in 2024 stood at pound 29,419.9 billion. In current prices, GDP was at pound 34,770.2 billion.

After one and a half year of continuous and coordinated effort by the Cyprus Aviation Association and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry a major initiative has been successfully completed and implemented, allowing – under strict conditions – the entry of trainee pilots and aircraft mechanics into Cyprus under student status.

This development recognizes Cyprus’ potential as a leading aviation training hub, aligning the country with the rest of the European Union. Until recently, Cyprus was the only EU member state without a relevant framework allowing aviation trainees to obtain student visas.

The new scheme marks a significant milestone for Cyprus aviation, strengthening the nation’s reputation, international visibility, and competitiveness in aviation education. It also creates new opportunities for flight schools, the local economy, and the skilled workforce of Cyprus.

The President of the Cyprus Aviation Association, Mr. Antonis Christodoulides, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Migration, Mr. Nikolas Ioannides, and the staff of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection for their dedication and efforts in advancing the ‘Visitor Programme’. He also extended thanks to the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Civil Aviation for their close cooperation and contribution.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry played a pivotal role in bringing this initiative to fruition as stated Mr. Christodoulides ‘This development it is an investment in the future of Cyprus’ aviation education and a proof that through collaboration and vision, we can achieve meaningful reforms for the benefit of all,’.

The Association is under the auspices of the CCCI with Mr. Zacharias Manitaras, Senior Officer, serving as Executive Secretary.

Gaza, the EU budget, and the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism are some of the highlights of the European Parliament plenary meeting in Stasbourg this week.

In a key debate on Tuesday morning, MEPs and Commission representatives will discuss the recent Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU. No resolution will be voted on.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote about its position on next year’s annual budget before talks with EU governments begin. The debate will take place on Tuesday. The Budgets Committee has voted to restore the pound 1.3 billion for key programmes cut by EU governments compared with the Commission’s draft budget.

MEPs are also expected to confirm new EU driving licence rules, introducing provisions on novice drivers, vulnerable road users and driving disqualification.

In a debate on Wednesday, MEPs will discuss possible additional measures to end all energy imports from Russia and close loopholes through third countries. In a separate debate, they will discuss a ‘reparations loan’ to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction and defence.

The winner of the annual Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism – awarded by the European Parliament around the anniversary of her death – will be revealed on Tuesday evening.

MEPs will debate on Wednesday and vote on Thursday on the Parliament’s demands for the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference COP30.

European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, will announce the laureate of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought at around noon in plenary on Wednesday.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of the EU that took place in Luxembourg on Monday. The 27 member states discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Kombos called on the EU to be actively involved in the implementation of the Gaza agreement, stressing that Cyprus continuously declares its presence through the maritime humanitarian corridor.

Prior to the official start of the Council’s proceedings, the foreign ministers participated in an informal working breakfast, during which they discussed the working methods of the FAC.

In his statements in the session on Ukraine, the Foreign Minister reiterated Cyprus’ support for an unconditional and complete ceasefire, aiming to initiate negotiations for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the country. Additionally, Kombos referred to Cyprus’ support for the swift adoption of the 19th sanctions package, which includes measures to address the shadow fleet.

Regarding the Middle East, the Foreign Minister stressed in his intervention that the EU must engage actively and tangibly in implementing the recent agreement on Gaza. “Cyprus, as the EU member state closest to the region, continuously declares its presence through the maritime humanitarian corridor, leveraging its excellent relations with the countries of the region, and is ready to contribute further in this direction,” he underlined.

In this context, the Foreign Minister also referred to the contacts made by the President of the Republic during the Summit for Peace in Egypt, where specific areas were highlighted in which Cyprus can develop concrete initiatives in the fields of security, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid.

Referring to yesterday’s process in Cyprus’ occupied territories that led to the election of the new Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman, the Minister reaffirmed Cyprus’ readiness and political will to continue efforts to resume substantive negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem. He underlined that the solution to the Cyprus issue must be based on UN resolutions and the principles and legislation of the EU.

After the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council, the Foreign Minister is participating in the Meeting on Regional Security and Connectivity between the foreign ministers of EU member states and partner countries of the Eastern Partnership, the Black Sea region, and Central Asia. The meeting will focus on energy, transport, and maritime management issues.

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.

The leaders of the nine Mediterranean states who took parth today in the MED9 Summit in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with the participation, in part of the Summit, of King Abdullah II of Jordan, welcomed the role of the Republic of Cyprus in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as its efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the agreed framework.

According to a written statement by the Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, Viktoras Papadopoulos, in the Joint Declaration issued after the Summit, the leaders of the nine states that make up MED9 reiterate their commitment to a “comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the United Nations, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the principles and values of the EU and European law,” while also expressing “appreciation for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, which have led to the continuation of dialogue between all parties and should pave the way for the formal resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework.”

The leaders also welcome “the appointment by the European Commission of Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus, as well as the joint letter from the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, reiterating the EU’s position and readiness to actively support the UN-led process.

As stated in the Joint Declaration, “we emphasize that Turkey’s tangible contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains of utmost importance and a key component in advancing Euro-Turkish relations, in line with the European Council Conclusions of April 2024,” while the leaders express their conviction that “avoiding unilateral actions – including those in Varosia and along the ceasefire line – is essential for creating the right climate for the resumption of talks.”

Referring to the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus, the MED9 leaders welcome “Cyprus’ intention to place particular emphasis on the Mediterranean region, including the implementation of the Mediterranean Pact, as well as on strengthening relations with countries in the region.”

Finally, as noted in the Joint Declaration, the nine leaders noted that it is in the “strategic interests of the EU to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and to develop cooperation and a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, on the basis of existing conditions”.

“Issues must be resolved by peaceful means and with full respect for international law, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU Member States must be respected and their sovereign rights fully respected,” it is stressed.

It is also noted that the next MED9 Summit will take place in 2026 in Croatia.

Furthermore, according to Papadopoulos, the Joint Declaration of the MED9 leaders and King Abdullah II of Jordan, issued after the conclusion of the second part of the Summit, on the situation in the Middle East, highlights, inter alia, the leaders’ recognition of the humanitarian role played by Jordan in the region, while the leaders welcome the US President’s plan for peace in Gaza.

It is further noted that the MED9 countries reiterate that all humanitarian aid corridors, including “Amalthea,” are valuable in addressing the enormous humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Gaza.

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.