Category: Auto Guid

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has described today’s EU informal meeting in Alden Biesen as one of the most important, noting that he is attending with eight specific proposals by the Republic of Cyprus aimed at strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and with the objective of reaching decisions with clear timelines.

In statements ahead of the opening of the meeting, the President said: ‘I consider this informal Council to be one of the most important in the European Union, an informal Council convened by the President of the European Council following the joint letter of 22 Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, after an initiative by the French President. And I approach this Summit in exactly the same way as the informal Council we held last year in Brussels on defence and security issues.’

Referring to the importance of last year’s informal meeting on defence and security, he stressed: ‘That Summit was decisive in enabling us, within one year, to achieve significant progress, concrete progress, tangible results on defence and security issues, which we had been discussing for decades without ever producing results.’

As he noted, the same approach should be followed at today’s meeting. ‘I hope that today’s meeting will lead to concrete decisions with timelines, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the EU, something on which we all agree. I am attending the informal Council with eight specific proposals by the Republic of Cyprus, across all areas, horizontally, to strengthen the competitiveness of the EU and, by extension, of the member states,’ he said.

President Christodoulides underlined that strengthening competitiveness is a key priority of the Cypriot Presidency, within the framework of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy. ‘We cannot speak about strengthening strategic autonomy without being strong in terms of competitiveness – and within this framework, all files, legislative and otherwise, that are before the Cyprus Presidency have been given particular priority,’ he stressed. The President noted that significant decisions are expected during the Cyprus Presidency, reiterating that this informal Council must open the way for concrete decisions. We have had enough discussions; we all agree on the objective; it is time for results,” he said.

Regarding his contacts on the sidelines of the meeting, President Christodoulides said that he will meet with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in order to be briefed on yesterday’s meeting and discussions he held with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also said that mainly the Mediterranean EU member states will discuss ‘a common approach regarding the invitation by the US President for next week in Washington’.

As he explained, the initiative mainly concerns the issue of Gaza. ‘Mediterranean states, because as you understand we have a particular sensitivity, a particular interest in the issue of Gaza. The Republic of Cyprus, in fact, during the Summit that took place in Egypt, in the presence of the US President, submitted specific proposals for the implementation of aspects of the US President’s proposal,’ he said. He went on to say that the Mediterranean states will discuss matters ‘so that we have a common approach regarding participation, the level of participation – we are always referring to the aspect concerning Gaza.’

Replying to a question on what he considers to be the top aspect of competitiveness, the President said: ‘There must finally be completion of the Single Market. And the European Union has enormous prospects. We are talking about a market of 450 million people. We have enormous strength as a European Union and we must communicate this strength. That is one aspect.’

He also referred to trade agreements. ‘Another aspect is free trade agreements – what was done with India should move forward with the United Arab Emirates, and should move forward with Australia.’ He placed particular emphasis on deregulation as well: ‘Beyond that, we must dare to look at deregulation as well. It is not only about introducing regulations. Those regulations that offer nothing should not simply be amended; they should be abolished,’ he said

In this context, he referred to the contacts he had with European and Cypriot organisations ahead of today’s informal meeting: ‘Before this meeting and also in the context of our Presidency, I had meetings with European organisations, professional organisations, organisations of industrialists and employers, with BusinessEurope, with Eurochambers, with the corresponding Cypriot bodies, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with OEB, and I am coming here, as I mentioned earlier, with eight specific proposals.’

As he said, competitiveness should remain a standing item on the European agenda, ‘horizontally’, until the end of 2026, ‘precisely so that we can see progress, where problems exist. There must be specific timelines. And I am optimistic, taking into account what happened last year at the informal meeting we held on defence and security issues.’

As regards to SAFE and the approval of the Cypriot plan yesterday, Christodoulides stated: ‘We have before us an important financial instrument. I am pleased that the Republic of Cyprus is among the first Member States, and this demonstrates the significant work we have done internally, that the amount of pound 1.2 billion in relation to the Republic of Cyprus has been approved, and this is an indication of the correct work that was carried out in Cyprus, and that we are among the first Member States for which the relevant amount has been approved.’

Replying to a question by CNA on the issue of common debt and whether it should be placed on the table as a tool to enhance competitiveness, or whether it should be a last resort for financing actions, the President said: ‘The position of the Republic of Cyprus is that we must have an out-of-the-box discussion. Nothing should be excluded from the table of discussions. Everything must be placed on the table of discussions, so that we can conclude what issues we will move forward with immediately, then in the medium term and in the long term, how we can achieve quick wins, quick changes, in order to send a message to our citizens.”

“The areas are very specific,’ he added, citing as a priority the completion of the Single Market and, secondly, the cost of energy, which should ‘be uniform across all EU Member States’. According to the President, ‘there are issues on which we can have decisions and results immediately. There are issues that we will examine in the medium and long term. But I repeat, we must have an out-of-the-box discussion with all issues on the table.’

Referring to the meeting of the 22 member states, the so-called ‘friends of competitiveness’, the President said that this initiative was launched by the German Chancellor, the Italian Prime Minister and the Belgian Prime Minister. As he noted, ‘this is indicative of how this issue concerns almost all EU member states’, while also underlining the role of the European Commission in the process.

‘We want to work together with the Commission. It was important that the President of the Commission was there so that we could move forward in a very concrete way. Therefore, it was, if you like, a preparatory stage of the discussion we will have today,’ he added.

Crucial social policy and employment issues will be discussed during the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO), which is taking place in Nicosia on Thursday and Friday, according to an announcement by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.

It is noted that on Thursday afternoon the Ministers will take part in a cultural event in Larnaca, while the main part of the meeting will take place tomorrow, Friday, in Nicosia.

‘The European ministers will discuss crucial social policy and employment issues,’ it said.

‘Regarding the Social Pillar, the meeting is expected to strengthen the dialogue on social cohesion, the eradication of poverty in Europe and the strengthening of Long-Term Care and active ageing, contributing to the formulation of policies that promote the well-being of citizens in the European Union,’ it said.

Discussions in the afternoon session will focus on the first-ever European Anti-Poverty Strategy aiming to strengthen social protection policies in the EU, address social inequalities and promote social inclusion, as well as the cooperation of Member States for the implementation of the strategy, it is added.

Furthermore, it said, in the session on Person-Centered Long-Term Care as a Driver of Active Ageing, the need to transition to care systems that enhance the autonomy, social inclusion and quality of life of the elderly will be highlighted, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive Europe.

The meeting will conclude with a press conference featuring the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, and the Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu.

European University Cyprus: Cyprus Best WorkplacesS for Women 2026

European University Cyprus (EUC) has been recognised as Cyprus Best WorkplacesS for Women 2026 by the international organisation Great Place to Work®, reaffirming its strong and sustained commitment to gender equality, inclusive leadership, and the implementation of measurable equality policies within higher education in Cyprus.

The distinction is based on rigorous, data-driven criteria evaluating:

fair treatment and equal opportunities

representation of women in leadership positions

pay equity and merit-based promotions

work-life balance

overall levels of trust within the workplace environment

What Does the Best WorkplacesS for Women Recognition Mean for EUC?

At European University Cyprus, women play a decisive role across all levels of the institution. From executive leadership and administration to academic excellence and research innovation, their contribution is a cornerstone of the University’s continued development.

The Director of Human Resources at EUC, Ms. Loukia Polygerinou-Tzyrka, stated: ‘At European University Cyprus, we prioritise the wellbeing and professional advancement of women. This recognition confirms our ongoing commitment to maintaining a workplace environment grounded in respect, equality, and equal opportunity. We continue to invest in creating conditions that inspire and empower our people.’

She added: ‘Gender equality is not a standalone initiative, but part of a broader framework of sustainable governance and institutional responsibility.’

As one of the leading universities in Cyprus, EUC offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across seven Schools, serving a student community of over 12,600 students from 80 countries worldwide.

European University Cyprus is a Great Place to Work®

The Cyprus Best WorkplacesS for Women 2026 distinction, together with EUC’s Great Place to Work® certification, further strengthens its position as an employer of choice in Cyprus.

In 2025, EUC was also certified by the Department of Labour Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance for implementing best practices in gender equality in the workplace. The certification recognises organisations that integrate equality culture through non-discriminatory human resource management processes, including recruitment and promotion, training and evaluation, compensation policies, work-life balance measures, and policies for the prevention and management of harassment.

In an evolving academic and professional landscape, European University Cyprus demonstrates that excellence extends beyond teaching and research, it also encompasses fostering a fair, inclusive, and growth-oriented working environment.

Strengthening the competitiveness of the EU constitutes a strategic turning point for Europe’s future and is directly linked to its strategic autonomy and independence President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Thursday during the informal Summit at Alden Biesen Castle, in Belgium.

He referred to the example of Cyprus and how national reforms lead to high growth rates, historically low unemployment, investment in social policy and contribute to achieving autonomy and strengthening competitiveness. The President presented at the informal Summit the eight concrete proposals of the Republic of Cyprus for strengthening the EU’s competitiveness, with the aim of reaching decisions with clear timelines.

According to a government source who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), following the introductory remarks by Mario Draghi to the table of the 27 EU leaders, the President stressed that a more competitive Europe means a stronger, more resilient Union, better able to act autonomously in the international environment, underlining that these two objectives are inextricably linked.

President Christodoulides noted that accelerating European integration is required across all key policy areas, with emphasis on completing the Single Market, promoting a genuine Energy Union, creating a Savings and Investments Union, and deepening the Capital Markets Union. He stressed that, in an environment of growing geo-economic competition, the European Union must move swiftly and decisively in order to remain a globally relevant power.

As regards the role of Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President underlined that competitiveness constitutes a central political priority for Nicosia, noting that an informal Competitiveness Council has already taken place in Cyprus and will be followed by the formal Council in Brussels, with a view both to preparing and to following up the leaders’ discussions, in order to shape concrete outcomes and decisions.

The President then presented the eight proposals of the Republic of Cyprus for strengthening the Union’s competitiveness, stressing the need for decisions with clear timelines.

?e pointed out that the first key direction is the simplification of the regulatory framework. He stated that reducing bureaucracy and administrative burden is crucial for businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – for citizens and for attracting investment. He noted that the Presidency is working to advance the Commission’s relevant simplification packages and to achieve political agreements within the six-month term, adding that the principle of simplification must run across the entire EU acquis and future legislative work.

With regard to reducing strategic dependencies, the President stressed the need to diversify and secure access to markets through an expanded network of trade agreements. He noted that free trade agreements have not only economic but also geopolitical importance and welcomed progress on agreements with key partners, highlighting the need to conclude agreements, among others, with the United Arab Emirates, the countries of Southeast Asia and Australia. He made special reference to the agreement with India, which he described as historic, both because of the size of the market and the strategic prospects it creates, including the promotion of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). At the same time, he underlined the need to intensify dialogue with the United States in the trade field and to modernise the global trading system.

The President noted that the third pillar is technology and innovation. He stated that Europe is losing significant human capital to third countries due to difficulties in scaling up technology companies, and underlined the need to create a favourable ecosystem for research, innovation and investment in cutting-edge technologies. He stressed the importance of establishing freedom of knowledge and innovation as a fifth European freedom, as well as the need to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure and to secure critical raw materials for European industry.

Referring to energy, the President underlined that high energy prices constitute a serious challenge for households and businesses, with a direct impact on competitiveness. He stressed that the interconnection and modernisation of European networks are of crucial importance for reducing costs and ensuring strategic independence. He noted that the Presidency is working to advance the relevant European package on grids, with the aim of accelerating cross-border interconnections. Now is the time, he emphasised, to build a genuine Energy Union.

The President also stated that European resources must primarily strengthen the European productive base, including in the defence sector. At the same time, he stressed that the Union is a credible power, with a range of instruments at its disposal, enabling it to respond proportionately and in unity in cases of coercion or threats. ‘We will not exclude anyone in this effort,’ he added, ‘but any third country wishing to participate in European programmes must meet specific criteria and share collective responsibility.’

With regard to the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the President noted that it must reflect the priority of competitiveness and referred to the objective of the Cypriot Presidency to achieve substantial progress on the European Competitiveness Fund, recalling the broader objective of reaching a political agreement on the overall MFF within the year.

President Christodoulides further stressed that competitiveness must remain firmly on the agenda of the European Council, with clear political guidance, specific timelines and swift implementation, so that results are felt by citizens and businesses. By December 2026, he said, we must ensure that decisive and tangible steps of progress have been achieved.

The President also underlined that European action must go hand in hand with national reforms. In the case of Cyprus, he noted that reforms in taxation, education, justice and digitalisation, together with the attraction of investment, have led to strong growth, low unemployment and a significant reduction in public debt, allowing for greater support to social policies and a strengthening of defence. He referred to maintaining this course through the forthcoming pension reform and the further strengthening of foreign investment. He underlined that economic indicators confirm this trajectory, with growth estimated at 4% for 2026 – among the highest in the EU – youth unemployment at historically low levels, and public debt reduced to 50%.

At the same time, he stressed that fiscal stability enables the strengthening of social policy, health and housing, while also allowing for increased defence spending and investment in young people’s skills. The President also emphasised that national reforms and action at EU level work in a complementary manner, enhancing each other’s effectiveness.

In concluding his remarks, the President stated that the slogan of the Cypriot Presidency, ‘An Autonomous Union, open to the world’, is fully aligned with today’s discussion, and stressed that strategic autonomy does not mean isolation, but rather the ability to act independently when needed, as well as resilience. He underlined that Europe possesses the economic strength, human capital and institutional foundations to remain a global leader, and that what is required is political will, strategic clarity and bold decisions.

The Department of Meteorology issued today a yellow warning for rain and storms with a possibility for hail, which will be in effect from 6:00 am on Friday until 6:00 am on Saturday (local time).

‘A combination of rain and isolated storms will affect the island at intervals, initially the west and progressively the rest of the island,’ the Department of Meteorology said, adding that ‘hail may fall in a storm while the winds will vary and strengthen.’

The warning also notes that total rainfall locally could reach 55 millimeters in 24 hours and the intensity of the rain will likely reach 35 millimeters per hour.

Commission announces the winners of the 2025 EU translation school contest

The European Commission has announced today the 27 winners, one for each EU country, from the 716 schools that took part in the EU school translation contest ‘Juvenes Translatores’ for 17-year-olds.

[For Cyprus the winner is : ?ata??a S?a?a??? – ???e?? ????? ?????? – ?eµess?? – Cyprus – Winning translation 2025-2026 – EN-EL, while ???st?? ?a?a??µp???, ???e?? ????? ?????? – ?eµess?? and ??????a ??d????, ???e?? ????? ?????? – ?eµess?? received a special mention].

This time, 3004 students tried their hand at translating a text between any two of the EU’s 24 official languages. While English features prominently, the 155 language combinations chosen by students also included language pairs such as Bulgarian-Greek, Danish-Czech, Irish-Spanish and Croatian-Swedish. Official translators from the European Commission selected the winners, as well as the 186 students who received special mentions for their impressive work.

The award ceremony will take place on 27 March 2026. The 27 young translators, accompanied by their teachers and parents, will be shown how European Commission translators work on a daily basis. This visit will serve also as an EU meeting point for them to meet each other, get to know how the European Union works for them.

Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the Juvenes Translatores contest has been organised by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation every year since 2007, to promote translation and multilingualism. This contest has been a life-changing experience for many of its participants and winners. Some have decided to study translation at university, and some have joined the Commission’s translation department as trainees or full-time translators or interpreters.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Isabel Otero Barderas – Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)

EU makes substantial progress on biodiversity commitments, but faster action needed

Today, the European Commission published the 7th national report on biodiversity, which highlights the progress made by the European Union in delivering on its biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The report shows that faster action is needed to secure healthy ecosystems, clean water, resilient food systems, and a strong economy.  

It confirms that the EU and its Member States continue to play a leading role in financing global biodiversity action. The EU is fully on track to double its international biodiversity financing to developing countries – in particular the most vulnerable – from pound 3.5 billion in 2014-2020 to pound 7 billion in 2021-2027.

The EU already has a comprehensive framework for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, including the Nature Restoration Regulation to restore ecosystems, habitats and species. In 2025, the EU took additional steps with the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the European Ocean Pact, the new Bioeconomy Strategy, and the roadmap towards nature credits. But, as highlighted by the report, Member States must also scale up implementation of EU nature legislation to ensure delivery of all EU targets by 2030. The EU has already provided support to Member States in implementing existing legislation, including through funding programmes. Today’s report will feed into a Global Review of Implementation at the CBD COP17 in October 2026 in Armenia. 

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: “This assessment shows that the European Union has put a strong framework in place to protect and restore nature, but it also makes clear that implementation must now accelerate. The Nature Restoration Regulation will help turn commitments into real improvements for people and businesses, from healthier soils and cleaner water to stronger protection against climate risks. Investing in biodiversity is not a cost – it is an investment in Europe’s prosperity, resilience and security.’ 

You can find more information on the EU’s 7th national report on biodiversity online.   

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73) 

Commission launches public consultation on EU banking

Today, the European Commission launched a targeted consultation and a call for evidence on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector. The initiative seeks input on how EU banks perform domestically and globally, how they support the financing of the European economy, how to further deepen the EU’s Single Market and Banking Union and how to simplify and improve the effectiveness of the regulatory and supervisory framework.

The consultation builds on the significant progress achieved over the past decade in strengthening the resilience of Europe’s banks through the introduction of a robust regulatory framework and the setting up of the Banking Union, which have enhanced financial stability across the EU. At the same time, Europe’s banks must play an even stronger role in financing the EU economy, supporting growth, innovation, investments, and reinforcing the EU’s competitiveness.

Stakeholders’ feedback will be used into the Commission’s 2026 report on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, which is part of the Savings and Investment Union (SIU) strategy. The report, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, will provide an assessment of the situation of the banking system in the Single Market, focusing on competitiveness, and setting out an evidence based, positive and forward-looking agenda for the future of EU banking.

Banks are central to the SIU’s objectives, as they remain the main source of financing for most EU businesses and households and play a key role in channelling savings into productive investments. Key stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, public authorities, consumer and investor organisations, social partners, companies using banking services, academics and interested citizens – are invited to participate.

Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union said: “Europe’s banks are stronger and more resilient today thanks to the progress achieved through our robust regulatory framework and thanks to the Banking Union, which have helped safeguard financial stability. But resilience must go hand in hand with competitiveness. We want to hear from stakeholders how the current framework works in practice, where it can be simplified, and how it can better support cross-border activity, innovation and the financing of Europe’s economy. Their input will help shape our 2026 report and contribute to a forward-looking agenda for a more dynamic and competitive European banking sector.’

The Commission invites all stakeholders to submit their contributions by 19 April 2026 (targeted consultation) and 12 March 2026 (Call for Evidence).

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Berlin International Film Festival to screen 16 EU-funded films

Sixteen European productions supported by Creative Europe Media, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, are featuring at the 76th edition of the Berlinale, one of the most prestigious international film festivals. Among the European works, which received a total of pound 1,170,500 in EU funding, several are shortlisted for prestigious awards: À voix basse and Dust are competing for both the ‘Golden’ and ‘Silver Bear’ awards.

As part of the programme, on 14 February, the Commission will host the event ‘Creative Europe Media: Lessons for the Future’. It will present the impact of EU funding on the audiovisual sector over the past decade and host a panel discussion with the industry’s professionals.

The Commission also supports several initiatives fostering international collaboration and talent development, including the Berlinale Co-Production Market, funded with pound 4.1 million over three years, and Berlinale Talents and Shooting Stars, the latter supported with over half a million euro from Creative Europe Media.

This year, the Creative Europe Media programme is marking its 35th anniversary. Over three and a half decades, the programme has supported European creative works, showcasing the EU’s cultural diversity and strengthening the competitiveness of the industry. The success of the MEDIA programme paves the way to the proposed AgoraEU programme, which strengthens support to the audiovisual and news media sectors.

The Berlinale is a key annual meeting point for film professionals and audiences alike. Beyond its cultural significance, it provides an important platform for industry exchanges on current trends and future challenges in the audiovisual sector. The winners will be announced at the Berlinale Awards Ceremony on 21 February.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)

EU, the African Union and the United Nations reaffirm commitment to end the use of child soldiers

Ahead of the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, on 12 February, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, reaffirms the EU’s commitment to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups worldwide. She signed a joint statement with African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye and United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier:

“On the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, we reiterate the importance of protecting children from the ravages of war, as we witness the staggering scale of today’s conflicts and their devastating impact on children. One in five children worldwide lives in conflict-affected settings.

In 2024 alone, the United Nations verified the recruitment and use of 7,402 children by parties to conflict.

At a time when multilateralism faces growing pressure, strong partnerships matter more than ever. Cooperation between the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations remains central to advancing the shared goal of protecting children affected by conflict and paving the way to sustainable peace.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict and to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups worldwide.

We remain equally committed to addressing the root causes that drive child recruitment. We call on all parties in conflict situations to comply fully with international law, to immediately and unconditionally release all children from their ranks, and to ensure that children associated with parties to conflict are treated first and foremost as victims.

The protection of children underpins peace itself. Their voices must guide and inform our shared action.”

The full statement can be read online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

President von der Leyen participates in the 2026 Munich Security Conference

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be in Munich on Friday and Saturday to participate in this year’s edition of the Munich Security Conference, gathering political and industry leaders from all over the world to discuss the most pressing international security challenges. The President will be accompanied by several members of the College, who will be joining from February 13 to 15.

The meeting comes at a crucial time for the European Union: facing unprecedented security challenges, the European Commission has put forward the most ambitious defence initiatives in generations – including the SAFE procurement instrument and the Readiness Roadmap 2030. They are expected to bring the greatest surge in defence investment in the Union’s history. They form an essential part of the Commission’s push to make Europe independent, as President von der Leyen said, from trade diversification to energy supply.

The President joins the conference on Friday, starting with short press statements together with Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. They will then participate in a forum on the topic of transatlantic security.

On Saturday, President von der Leyen will start by delivering a keynote speech. She will also have a series of bilateral meetings over the two days. You can follow the updates on the President’s social media.

The members of the College present in Munich will discuss topics ranging from cybersecurity and AI to energy, climate, environment, food security, migration, development, and economic growth. You can follow their updates on their respective calendars online.

Audiovisual material on the President’s participation in the Munich Security Conference will be available on EBS.

(For more information: Paula Pinho – tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)

Commissioner Lahbib visits Ukraine to reiterate EU support

While Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving more than one million people without electricity and water, the European Union remains firmly at Ukraine’s side to help its people endure another winter under attack. Today, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is in Ukraine to reaffirm that Europe’s support is constant, concrete and long-term – and that Ukraine’s resilience remains a European priority.

Commissioner Lahbib stated: ‘When a family cannot heat their home or a hospital loses power, this is not collateral damage, it is a direct attack on civilians. Russia is trying to freeze a nation into submission. It will fail. Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience. Europe will continue to stand with you to keep the lights on and hope alive.’

During her visit, Commissioner Lahbib will meet with Ukrainian authorities, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, as well as representatives of the President’s Office, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Development. Discussions will focus on strengthening humanitarian assistance and reinforcing the resilience of critical infrastructure in the country.

The Commissioner will visit key energy facilities that supply electricity to more than 500,000 people and have been heavily impacted by attacks, leaving large segments of the population exposed during the harsh winter.

Commissioner Lahbib will also visit EU-supported health and social care institutions. She will meet medical and social care staff, as well as beneficiaries, to discuss ongoing needs and the EU’s continued support for health services and emergency response.

In addition, the Commissioner will visit EU-supported centres in Kyiv that offer vital services such as heating, medical assistance, and hot meals to families affected by the energy crisis.

So far, the total support provided by the EU and its Member States is pound 193.7 billion. The EU has also offered over 157,000 tonnes of aid – this includes over 11,200 power generators, more than 7,200 transformers, 6 autotransformers, a complete thermal power plant, thousands of electrical components, and millions of energy-efficient LED. The EU deployed almost 1,000 generators in January alone from its strategic emergency reserve in face of the relentless Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Commissioner Hansen participates in the world’s largest fair for organic products and engages with young farmers

Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, will attend Biofach, the world’s largest trade fair for organic products, on February 13. The fair, taking place in Nrnberg, Germany, constitutes the most important annual international gathering of the organic sector. This year’s edition aims to deal with generational renewal. Commissioner Hansen will engage in discussions regarding the future of organic farming and its role in the EU’s ambitious agricultural policy programme.

During the visit to the fair, the Commissioner will meet IFOAM Organics Europe and Nrnberg Messe officials as well as representatives from local governments.

Later, Commissioner Hansen will participate in a roundtable with Bavarian young farmers and vegetable growers’ associations, focusing on how to make agriculture attractive to new generations amidst current policy challenges.

During the visit, Commissioner will also bring attention to the EU Organic Awards. Applications for the fifth edition opened on 10 February 2026 and will remain open until 26 April 2026.

The EU Organic Awards comprise seven awards across six categories and recognise actors across the organic value chain who have developed excellent, innovative, sustainable and inspiring projects, delivering tangible added value for organic production and consumption.

The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Cyprus Trade Centre in Berlin, participated with a national pavilion at the international fruit and vegetable exhibition ‘Fruit Logistica 2026’, held in Berlin on 4-6 February 2026, providing Cypriot companies with the opportunity to promote their products, network, explore new market trends, and engage with key stakeholders in the sector.

According to a Ministry announcement, the exhibition, considered one of the leading events of its kind, hosted more than 2,600 exhibitors from over 90 countries. Seven companies involved in the production and trade of agricultural products represented Cyprus, showcasing mainly Cypriot potatoes, vegetables, fresh herbs, and citrus fruits. Cypriot businesses maintained a strong presence at this internationally recognised industry exhibition, which once again attracted significant commercial interest and comprehensively highlighted the entire fresh-produce production and supply chain.

As noted in the announcement, the ultimate goal of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry is to ensure that Cypriot businesses maintain continuous access to the global market. Through its participation in ‘Fruit Logistica 2026,’ the Ministry once again provided tangible support to their efforts to expand internationally.

More than 100 founders, researchers and startup executives with strong ties to Cyprus took part in the first event organized last week in the United Kingdom by Cyprus Seeds and 33East. According to the organizers, the aim of the event was to initiate closer collaboration between the Cypriot diaspora and the Cypriot technology ecosystem. The event took place at the Cypriot High Commission in London with the support of its Trade Section.

Among other highlights, growth stories and early commercial successes were presented by the startups Electryone AI, Genie Fertility and Tyten, which are supported by 33East. The founders described their transition from the initial idea to product development, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities of technology entrepreneurship.

Ioannis Kasinopoulos presented Electryone AI’s journey in the new energy economy, aiming to transform homes from passive consumers into active ‘players’ in the grid through an intelligent software platform.

Andreas Chatzimichalis analyzed the Genie Fertility model, which leverages molecular data from the endometrium to provide personalized solutions in fertility and women’s health.

Tom Petrides outlined Tyten’s path from the Antler accelerator to its recent funding round, focusing on the development of an artificial intelligence platform for building facilities management.

Cyprus Seeds and 33East also provided an extensive briefing on funding opportunities, mentoring, and access to international partner networks.

Following the presentations, a networking session took place, allowing entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of the Cypriot diaspora to connect directly.

It is worth noting that the event forms part of a broader outward-looking strategy by the two organizations to connect founders, researchers and investors operating in international markets and to strengthen Cyprus’s presence on the global technology map.

33East, an investment fund backed by the Cypriot government, focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, while Cyprus Seeds supports the commercialization of scientific research. Through their collaboration, the two organizations aim to promote science-based entrepreneurship and support founders from the idea stage through to business maturity, an announcement says.

More specifically, the non-profit, private organization Cyprus Seeds aims to commercialize innovative academic research and create a pipeline of deep-tech spin-offs. It manages a Funding Program for Innovative Research Projects that offers grants, mentoring, entrepreneurial training and networking with investors in Cyprus and abroad. The organization is a partner in two flagship initiatives supported by the European Commission and the Government of Cyprus: PHAETHON and DiGiNN.

33East is a venture capital investment fund backed by reputable investors, providing capital, support and connections to ambitious technology startup founders with the aim of international expansion. 33East invests in early-stage startups with a connection to Cyprus. It was founded by Dimitris Zoppos and Giannis Eftychiou – entrepreneurs and investors with deep operational expertise, experience in fast-growing businesses, and strong links to international technology networks.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 12/02/2026 UNTIL 1200 13/02/2026

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

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be locally mainly cloudy and at times local showers or thunderstorms are expected. Dust in suspension is expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 18°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4 to 5, locally 5

Moderate

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate, at times locally Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 5 to 6, at times locally 6

Moderate to Rough

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest 5, locally 5 to 6

Moderate

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate, at times locally Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 5 to 6, at times locally 6

Moderate to Rough

East Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5, locally 5 to 6

Slight to Moderate, locally Moderate

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate, at times locally Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 5 to 6, at times locally 6

Moderate to Rough

North Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5, locally 5 to 6

Moderate

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate, at times locally Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 5 to 6, at times locally 6

Moderate to Rough

Time of issue: 1130

Date: 12/02/2026

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the firm and publicly stated position for the resumption of negotiations within the framework of the United Nations, from the point at which they were interrupted in 2017 in Crans Montana, during their private meeting, yesterday afternoon in Ankara, as Mitsotakis informed the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on the sidelines of the Informal Summit in Alden Bissen on Thursday. The position was in line with consistency and previous coordination, according to a government source that spoke to CNA.

The Turkish President’s response, according to the same source, was in the same context as his previous public and private statements, without escalation or differentiation of style, and without a change in his position.

Regarding the overall assessment of the meeting, according to the same source, it leads to the conclusion that the climate of low tension and of efforts for functional communication is maintained, with the main feature being the maintenance of calm conditions at the present stage.

Moreover, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Konstantinos Kombos, had a telephone conversation with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, according to a social media post by the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday afternoon, with the aim of mutual information exchange and close coordination, as 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.