Category: Cyprus News Agency

Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, has said that Nicosia is not simply seeking a new informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, but is approaching it with a “single goal’, to become ‘the stepping stone’ for the announcement of the resumption of talks, adding that if there is corresponding political will from all parties, this goal is achievable.

Speaking, on Tuesday, at the PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus) Conference in Washington, Letymbiotis expressed the view that Cyprus is at ‘a decisive moment,’ underlining that Nicosia wants a new informal meeting on the Cyprus issue to serve as the springboard leading to the resumption of negotiations.

Referring to the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, Letymbiotis said that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, presented President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, with ‘his new initiative’ last March, aimed at the resumption of talks. He noted that the intervening period was used for contacts at various levels.

The Government Spokesperson said that the goal is to convene a new informal meeting, possibly ‘in the last week of July or the first week of August.’ As he stressed, Nicosia is not simply seeking a meeting, but is approaching it with a “single goal’: for the informal meeting to become ‘the stepping stone’ for the announcement of the resumption of talks. If there is corresponding political will from all parties, the goal is achievable, he noted.

He said that Cyprus ‘is not an obstacle’ to Turkey’s European path and that it does not have ‘a separate approach’ from the other member states. ‘Cyprus is Europe. Europe is Cyprus,’ he said, describing this reality as ‘one of the most important tools’ of Nicosia.

Letymbiotis underlined that, despite the expansion of Cyprus’ international activity, ‘the top priority’ of President Christodoulides “has been and remains, from day one, the Cyprus issue.’ He said that Nicosia has linked the rapprochement of the European Union with Turkey to the need for progress on the Cyprus issue.

As he said, the message to Turkey is that ‘the road is open’ for rapprochement with the European Union, but ‘first’ steps must be taken on the Cyprus issue.

Letymbiotis stressed that Cyprus ‘was, is and will be a member state of the European Union,’ adding that this is something Turkey ‘is now beginning to understand.’

Referring to Cyprus’ trajectory over the past decade, he said that particularly in Washington one can see ‘in the most sincere way the progress our country has made in just ten years.’ He also referred to the ‘Amalthea’ initiative, saying that it did not concern Cyprus alone, but highlighted ‘how important, how reliable’ the country can be in the humanitarian field.

The Government Spokesperson said that, for the United States, Cyprus remains ‘the anchor of security in that part of the world.’ As he said, this approach reflects Nicosia’s strategy, which no longer addresses its allies only by asking for help, but seeks ‘to be useful’ to them. ‘First, we prove that Cyprus, although it is a small country, can rely on its credibility, its reliability, its consistency and its persistence,’ he said.

Letymbiotis also referred to relations with the United States, saying that bilateral ties are at ‘their highest point.’

Moreover, he referred to the crisis that followed the Israeli-American-Iranian confrontation, noting that there had been ‘one isolated drone incident’ at the British bases in Cyprus. He underlined that daily life in Cyprus continued ‘as usual,’ but that the first 48 hours were a period during which it was not yet clear ‘what the real danger’ was for the country.

According to the Government Spokesperson, the immediate reaction of European partners constituted ‘a milestone in the modern history’ of the Republic of Cyprus. He said that Greek F-16s flew over Cyprus, that France, Italy and the Netherlands provided practical assistance, and that the message was clear: ‘The security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union.’ As he said, for the first time in decades there was ‘a combined movement of solidarity’ towards Cyprus.

Letymbiotis noted that, after the crisis, the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Minister of Foreign Affairs held contacts in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Lebanon, in order to show that Cyprus is ‘by the side’ of the countries of the region. As he said, relations with the states of the region are at ‘the closest period’ in Cyprus’ modern history, because the country has proven that it is ‘useful,’ ‘reliable’ and ‘trusted.’

He made particular reference to the informal EU summit held in Cyprus on April 23 and 24, saying that, for the first time, leaders of countries of the region and the Gulf sat at the same table with leaders of the European Union. Cyprus, he said, acted as ‘a bridge between the European Union and the region,’ something that has also been recognized by the United States, which now knows ‘the essential role’ the country plays.

Referring to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, he said that it is close to completion and that the results are ‘above expectations.’ As he noted, Cyprus managed to produce work ‘not only at the geopolitical, but also at the economic level,’ proving that a small country can deliver results that exceed its geographical boundaries.

The Government Spokesperson also referred to European defence policy, saying that President Christodoulides had from early on set as a priority the upgrading of Cyprus’ defence capabilities, given that ‘for the last 52 years’ the country has been under occupation. He pointed to the introduction of the European financing instrument SAFE, amounting to ‘150 billion euros’ for member states, noting that for Cyprus this means ‘more than 1.1 billion euros’ for the country’s defence shielding.

In the field of foreign policy, he referred to the visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus to India and to the momentum in Cyprus-India relations, saying that the progress of recent years is ‘impressive.’ He cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s phrase that Cyprus is ‘the gateway of the Middle East to Europe and the Middle East,’ noting that this reflects the ‘enormous potential’ not only in Cyprus-India relations, but also in relations among Europe, the United States, India and the Middle East.

At the same time, he referred to the signing, after 18 years, of the agreement with Lebanon on the Exclusive Economic Zone. He further highlighted the SOFA defence agreement that Cyprus has signed with France, noting that France is expected to have a significant role in Cyprus’ defence procurements.

He thanked the diaspora and the conference organizers, noting that the diaspora does not merely support the strategy of the Republic of Cyprus, but, in many cases, ‘leads the way.’ As he said, the ‘3+1’ format is ‘one of the best examples,’ adding: ‘Continue to lead and we will continue to try.’

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

MEETING DATE: 10/06/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

100.929,58

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

177,560

-0,670

95.750,820

MAIN MARKET INDEX

237,820

-0,850

21.866,560

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.214,380

-0,300

19.449,240

CSE GENERAL INDEX

296,180

-0,920

96.737,100

HOTELS INDEX

1.903,260

0,000

0,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.961,240

-0,890

75.169,340

The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow warning for isolated heavy thunderstorms in mountainous and inland areas on Wednesday. The warning is valid from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm.

It said that isolated heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect mainly the mountainous and inland areas. Hail is also expected in thunderstorm. The precipitation rate is likely to exceed 35 millimeters per hour.

Julie Fishman Rayman, Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs of the American Jewish Committee, reaffirmed during the PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus) Conference in Washington DC, AJC’s support to Cyprus, saying it has ‘consistently advocated for peaceful reunification of Cyprus.’

She said ‘the people of Cyprus deserve better’ and should have ‘a future free from occupation, a sovereign state without foreign armies on their soil, without foreign powers claiming the rights of intervention.’ She noted that the Cyprus issue remains central, but emphasized that today ‘Cyprus’ legacy extends so much farther than the Cyprus question’.

Rayman highlighted the emergence of an Eastern Mediterranean strategic framework, saying there is now ‘an eastern Mediterranean security, architecture, and strategic framework’ that is changing how regional issues are discussed.

She referred to the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act as ‘a pivotal shift’ and said the launch of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center would mark ‘an exciting new milestone.’ She said joint military exercises among the ‘3+1’ are now ‘routine,’ strategic consultations are taking place ‘all the time,’ and economic cooperation is ‘expanding by the day’.

She also spoke about the aftermath of October 7, 2023, saying that Greece and Cyprus ‘stood by Israel in a way that the Israeli people and the Jewish people will never, ever forget.’ Referring to Cyprus’ humanitarian corridor to Gaza, she said it has shown that ‘security and compassion can coexist’ and that ‘principles speak louder than politics.’ Peace, she added, is not achieved by ‘slogans’ or ‘performative response,’ but through ‘responsible leadership,’ ‘practical cooperation,’ ‘relationships and economic integration.’

Closing her remarks, Rayman thanked the Hellenic community for standing with American Jews and Israel ‘even when it’s not politically convenient, even when it’s not easy.’ She said the Jewish community remained committed to standing with Cyprus ‘until the Cyprus question is resolved’.

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 crucial role of the Technical Committees in strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots was highlighted by the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, during an open event organized Wednesday by UNDP Cyprus at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia.

Holguín, who is in Cyprus as part of her contacts aimed at preparing the ground for the resumption of the negotiating process on the Cyprus issue, described the technical committees as ‘the best example in Cyprus’ of how dialogue and cooperation can produce tangible results.

‘I am convinced that cooperation and dialogue with a shared purpose are needed in Cyprus. Important progress is achieved through relationships that are built over time, through dialogue and continuous engagement among people. And the Technical Committees are the best example in Cyprus,’ she said.

The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy praised the work of the members of the Technical Committees, noting that much of their work takes place away from the public spotlight, yet this does not diminish its importance or impact.

As she said, the Committees have made a substantial contribution to promoting dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding between the two communities, demonstrating that coexistence based on respect, tolerance and a willingness to engage is possible.

Holguín made special reference to the results achieved since 2008, when the Technical Committees were established, emphasizing that their work has contributed to preserving Cyprus’ cultural heritage, strengthening cooperation in public health, advancing environmental initiatives and implementing a series of practical projects that positively affect the daily lives of citizens across the island.

‘These achievements may not always make headlines, but they matter deeply,’ she noted, expressing her gratitude to all members of the Committees for their voluntary service and long-standing commitment.

Addressing the members of the Committees, she encouraged them to continue meeting, building bridges of communication and promoting a shared vision for the future of Cyprus, stressing that their dedication and perseverance are a source of inspiration and a reminder that solutions can be found.

For his part, the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou, described the Technical Committees as proof that when the two communities work with an island-wide perspective, they can achieve more and do so more effectively.

As he noted, the Committees embody the vision of a peaceful and reunited Cyprus and constitute a tangible example of what cooperation can accomplish.

He also made special reference to Holguín’s presence, noting that her contacts in Cyprus and abroad are part of the effort to prepare the ground for the resumption of a negotiating process aimed at a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

The Special Representative of the Turkish Cypriot Leader, Mehmet Dana underlined that the Technical Committees are among the most successful mechanisms of cooperation created on the island over the past nearly twenty years.

He noted that, from the opening of crossing points and the protection of cultural heritage to public health, the environment, youth and gender equality, the Committees have delivered meaningful and measurable benefits to both communities.

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 due to Turkish intransigence.

The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week.

An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

The Cyprus EU Council Presidency and negotiators from the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on Tuesday evening regarding the legislative package known as “Omnibus IV.” This agreement covers legislation for mid-cap companies, as well as digitalisation and common specifications.

As highlighted by Marilena Raouna, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs, “this marks a decisive step towards a more competitive Europe.”

“With this agreement, we are extending support measures beyond SMEs to growing companies, helping businesses to develop, innovate, and create jobs across the Union,” she noted.

She added that “we are also promoting the ‘digital by default’ principle, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and costs for businesses.”

“With this agreement, we are taking another step towards turning the promise of simplification into tangible deliverables for European businesses,” Raouna said.

The new legislation aims to digitise existing physical requirements through the application of the “digital by default” principle and introduces a process for the development of common specifications by the Commission.

Additionally, two new acts-a directive and a regulation-extend certain mitigation and support measures available to both SMEs and companies that no longer fall under the SME definition, known as mid-cap companies.

These companies play a vital role in the EU economy, providing 6% of total employment and holding a prominent position in key sectors for the EU’s competitiveness, such as electronics, aerospace and defence, energy, energy-intensive industries, and healthcare.

The definition of a new category of mid-cap companies is expected to help avoid excessive gaps in requirements and facilitate a smooth transition from the SME category to the mid-cap category. It will also allow mid-cap companies to remain in the same favourable environment as when they were SMEs, while providing better incentives for SMEs to expand.

The new legislation amends 20 EU legislative acts for products based on the rules of the single market, aiming at digitalisation and common specifications. In particular, the new legislation provides for the digitalisation of the EU declaration of conformity, as well as communications between competent national authorities and economic operators.

It also introduces alternative solutions for demonstrating a product’s compliance with EU rules through “common specifications” instead of harmonised standards in certain exceptional cases, thereby providing greater legal certainty, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness.

In the Commission’s initial proposal, the new category of mid-cap companies included businesses with fewer than 750 employees and a turnover of up to pound 150 million or an annual balance sheet total of up to pound 129 million.

In the provisional agreement, these thresholds were increased to include companies with fewer than 1,000 employees and an annual turnover of up to pound 200 million or an annual balance sheet total of up to pound 172 million.

Furthermore, within five years of the new legislation coming into force, the Commission will review its application, including its impact on reducing the administrative burden and on the competitiveness of mid-cap companies. The transposition deadline for the directive into national law was set at 15 months after its entry into force.

Regarding digitalisation and common specifications, the co-legislators maintained the core idea of the Commission’s proposal while amending various technical elements. The agreement introduces clarifications regarding access to digitally available information and a company’s “digital communication elements.”

The text also provides that, in cases where there is a risk of serious harm to consumers, safety information is always available in printed form. Common specifications will serve as an alternative option only when harmonised standards are unavailable or inadequate, thus promoting coherence across the EU acquis.

The deadline for transposing the directive into national law was extended to 24 months to give Member States sufficient time to implement the amendments.

The provisional agreement must now be approved by the Council and the European Parliament before being finalised by the legal-linguists for the formal adoption of the acts by the co-legislators at a later stage.

The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushiouttas, addressed on Wednesday the Plenary Session of the 114th Annual Session of the International Labour Organization in Geneva, representing the Republic of Cyprus as head of a three-member delegation.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Labour, in his remarks during the discussion on the future of work and the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting decent work, the Minister emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is already transforming labour markets and societies, stressing that technological progress must serve humanity and contribute to fair, inclusive, and sustainable development, and noted that the future of work is not predetermined but depends on policy choices, regulatory frameworks, and meaningful social dialogue.

It is added that, referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Moushiouttas noted that Cyprus has placed the future of work, quality employment, and skills, placing particular emphasis on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on labour rights and the quality of work. In this context, he referred to the discussion held, at the initiative of the Cyprus Presidency, at the European Union Employment Ministers’ Council on March 9, 2026.

It is added that the Minister of Labour also highlighted the positive performance of the Cypriot economy and labour market, noting that the employment rate reached a historic high of 81.3% in 2025, while unemployment fell to 4.4%, the lowest level since 2008. At the same time, he referred to policies aimed at boosting incomes and social protection through the implementation of the national minimum wage, the renewal of collective agreements, and targeted skills upgrading programs.

In closing, Moushiouttas underscored the importance of social dialogue and tripartite cooperation in managing the transformations brought about by Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the decisions made today will determine not only the future of work but also the future of our societies, the statement concludes.

Mosquito-borne diseases once considered distant are increasingly becoming part of Europe’s public health reality, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said on Wednesday, opening a conference in Nicosia on diseases transmitted by mosquito vectors.

Addressing the conference at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, organised in the framework of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency, Charalambides said rising temperatures, environmental pressures, changing ecosystems, intensified travel and demographic shifts were altering the behaviour and geographical distribution of vector-borne diseases.

Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and West Nile virus, he said, are no longer ‘theoretical concerns confined to other regions, but signals of a changing climate and epidemiological environment that requires vigilance, preparedness and cooperation.’

The Minister said mosquito-borne diseases are one of the clearest examples of how climate change is affecting human health, adding that public health in the 21st century requires a broader approach based on prevention, sustainability and the One Health principle, linking human, animal and environmental health.

He noted that Cyprus, due to its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and its climatic conditions, is at the frontline of several climate-sensitive public health challenges. This, he said, strengthens the country’s commitment to preparedness, regional cooperation and a more resilient European Health Union.

Preparedness, Charalambides said, cannot begin when an outbreak occurs, but must be built in advance through surveillance systems, research networks, public health infrastructure and policy making.

He referred to the need for investment in early warning systems, laboratory and diagnostic capacity, vector surveillance, predictive modelling and environmentally responsible mosquito-control strategies based on scientific evidence.

The Minister of Health also said that mosquito-borne diseases are a strategic European challenge, affecting not only health security but also economic resilience, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and social well-being. Since such threats do not respect borders, he added, no member state can address them in isolation.

He said the discussions at the conference were ultimately about protecting lives, safeguarding vulnerable groups and ensuring that health systems remain resilient in the face of emerging threats.

Ole Heuer, representing the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), said Europe is facing ‘a new reality’ in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, with the challenge moving at a pace that requires early action.

He said the current burden of mosquito-borne disease in Europe remains manageable, but warned that the potential scale of the crisis is enormous.

‘Geography is no longer a protective factor,’ he said, noting that northern Europe is not immune and that the burden in southern Europe is rising quickly as temperatures continue to increase.

Heuer said the main drivers are climate change, globalisation and ecological shifts, adding that large parts of the EU are already affected by the further spread of vectors, including Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

He also pointed to structural and operational challenges, including the limited number of approved biocides, increasing insecticide resistance, evidence gaps on the effectiveness of control measures and differences between European countries in their capacity to respond.

Heuer said accurate, high-quality surveillance is essential, as public health action ‘starts and ends with surveillance’. He added that stronger vector-control knowledge, better tools, predictive modelling and science-based communication are also needed.

Communication, he noted, is important because much of the response depends on behavioural change, which requires public awareness, community participation and evidence-based messages.

He stressed that the issue cannot be addressed by individual countries alone and called for a coordinated European approach, more investment in innovation and evidence, and stronger cooperation between the human health, veterinary and environmental sectors.

The conference will discuss epidemiology, surveillance, mosquito-control methods, preparedness, modelling and communication, with the participation of experts and representatives from EU institutions and member states.

The European Commission’s first-ever dedicated strategies for island and coastal communities, bringing together existing and future Commission actions, were presented on Wednesday by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto in Brussels, following the conclusion of the College of Commissioners meeting. Both strategies will be officially presented on 26 June in Paphos, in cooperation with the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

On the coastal communities strategy, Commissioner Kadis noted that coastal areas are characterised by “high diversity – from small fishing villages to major port cities”, requiring “tailored, place-based solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.” He also noted that the strategy was announced under the European Ocean Pact and covers 95 million people along 70,000 kilometres of coastline across 22 coastal Member States.

According to Kadis, coastal areas generate around pound 265 billion in gross value added annually, while facing mounting pressures from climate change, pollution, unbalanced tourism and demographic decline. “They are essential for maritime trade, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, cultural heritage and security, as many represent EU maritime borders. At the same time, they are increasingly exposed to major pressures: climate change, pollution, unbalanced tourism and demographic decline,” he stated.

The strategy’s three pillars – Prosperity, Resilience and Liveability – are underpinned by 13 flagship actions. Under Prosperity, the strategy aims to diversify the sustainable blue economy, including the dual use of fishing vessels for pescatourism, the development of a blue carbon credit certification methodology, and blue bioeconomy innovations such as algae-based fertilisers.

On the Resilience pillar, Kadis stressed the importance of leveraging “advanced digital capabilities for situational awareness, simulations and scenario planning”, and promoting the involvement of coastal stakeholders – fishers, port authorities and local maritime actors – in maritime surveillance through voluntary reporting of suspicious activities at sea.

On the Liveability pillar, the Commissioner acknowledged in response to a CNA question that the problem caused by “asymmetric” tourism in coastal and island areas is complex. “This is a more complex problem, and if we had done enough, we would not need a strategy, nor measures to address and balance the tourism burden. So it is indeed a challenge, and the strategy includes measures to address it” Kadis said. In this regard, the strategy puts forward the forthcoming Pan-European Investment Platform for Affordable and Sustainable Housing, in partnership with the EIB, alongside the future Affordable Housing Act as key tools.

Asked how Cyprus would benefit from the new strategies, Commissioner Kadis said that “all the measures that I presented can be utilised also by Cyprus.” As a prime example, he cited the dual use of fishing vessels for pescatourism – a proposal that, he noted, originated from Cyprus itself. This, he said “is an idea that we received from Cyprus, from Greek islands, and other areas of Europe.” He noted that the current regulatory framework makes it “difficult or impossible” for fishers to use their vessels for tourist activities, which would provide them with “additional income and economic viability.”

On the Prosperity pillar, Kadis underlined that sectors such as innovation, digitalisation and offshore renewable energy are “areas where Cyprus and modern Cyprus has developed a lot of activities, and these activities will be boosted for the benefit of the island community and will attract new people in the blue economy sectors.”

On the climate dimension, the Commissioner noted that Cyprus has already developed a national climate adaptation plan, adding that the strategy “explores ways to support the implementation of the measures that are included in the adaptation plans of the Member States.” He concluded that “every measure under the three pillars that we announced can be adopted and can be utilised to the conditions of the different coastal communities and different Member States, including Cyprus.”

The islands strategy, presented by Executive Vice President Fitto, covers all EU islands across 16 Member States, with a total population of around 17 million, including the three island Member States – Cyprus, Ireland and Malta – home to 6.6 million inhabitants. It is structured around four pillars: economic development, connectivity, competitiveness and innovation – under which the cost of insularity is analysed for the first time; energy security, environmental protection and climate resilience; communities, demography and quality of life; and security and crisis preparedness, with governance as a horizontal enabler.

On Cyprus specifically, the strategy acknowledges that while GDP per capita is broadly in line with the EU average, stakeholders from the island emphasised the structural economic constraints stemming from insularity and, in particular, the small size of its market. Cyprus is explicitly named as a “remote region” for the purposes of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), enabling it to benefit from State aid for air and maritime transport services for its residents, with higher aid intensities for airports and ports.

Of particular relevance are the explicit references to ETS exemptions covering Greek islands: Member States may exempt shipping companies from the obligation to surrender allowances for emissions released until 31 December 2030, for voyages between ports of islands with no road or rail link and fewer than 200,000 permanent residents and ports under the jurisdiction of the same Member State. An equivalent exemption is provided under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. On this point, Commissioner Kadis, responding supplementarily, said that “the Commission will give due attention to the situation of the European islands, and consider the potential issues that may affect their competitiveness, connectivity and cost of living as part of the upcoming ETS review, which is planned for July, as well as the reviews of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and FuelEU Maritime.” He added that “at this moment, we cannot say more – this is something that will be discussed in the context of the reviews that are upcoming.”

Presenting the islands strategy, Executive Vice President Fitto underlined its significance as a political commitment at the highest level. “This is the first time that we present this strategy for islands, and this is a clear commitment of the European Commission” he said, noting that it had been preceded by intensive work with stakeholders and local authorities, and that he had personally visited many island areas across Europe where the problem “is very crucial and important.”

On funding, Fitto noted that pound 12.5 billion is available for islands in the current 2021-2027 programming period, with resources redirected through the cohesion policy mid-term review towards key priorities including competitiveness, housing, energy and water. Looking ahead to the next MFF, he described the strategy as a tool for Member States within the new budget structure built around national and regional partnership plans, which will integrate results from cohesion, agriculture and fisheries. “The approach is integrated,” he stressed, noting that he coordinates three additional Commissioners with the aim of “creating the conditions for an integrated approach to these different matters.”

A central finding of the islands strategy is the concept of the “cost of insularity”, analysed in a new OECD report published alongside it. Transport costs can exceed mainland benchmarks by over 300%, local government spending per capita can be 30-50% higher, and housing prices in some island municipalities may be 75-130% higher than on the mainland. In Sardinia, the economic cost of insularity can amount to as much as 36% of GDP per capita. The Commission announced it will carry out an in-depth analysis of the cost of insularity and best practice mitigation measures, with a particular focus on the transport sector.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday congratulated India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming ‘the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history’.

In a post on X, President Christodoulides congratulated Modi on becoming ‘the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history’, noting that ‘this remarkable milestone reflects years of dedicated service and leadership’.

Cyprus, he said, values its strategic partnership with India and is committed to further deepening cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.