Category: Cyprus News Agency

The European Commission is inviting Member States to participate in the second round of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. With an allocation of pound 21.3 billion, this second call will be open to all Member States. Once the Commission receives the target amounts from Member States, the Commission will inform them about the tentative allocations within two weeks after the submission deadline.

Along their needs and national defence priorities, Member States are also encouraged to use the funds from this second call to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine. This is foreseen by including common procurement with Ukraine into their investment plans. Member States should also prioritise the urgent needs of Ukrainian and Member States’ armed forces in the areas of air and missile defence systems, drones and counter-drone systems, and ammunition and missiles.

The new funding opportunities available in this second call are part of the pound 150 billion in long-maturity SAFE loans adopted in May 2025. In November 2025, Member States submitted their defence industry plans to the Commission, with some requesting lower amounts than those initially agreed. So far, the EU has approved loan agreements from all 19 Member States who decided to participate in the instrument. For 16 of those, the Commission has already signed their loan agreements. The Commission has so far disbursed almost pound 13.5 billion across 11 Member States, which had requested prefinancing.

A key component of Readiness 2030, SAFE aims at accelerating investments in defence capabilities, strengthening readiness and resilience, and reinforcing Europe’s defence industrial base through greater cooperation and joint procurement.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Katerina Horáková – Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)

EU agri-food exports remain stable as positive trade balance increases

The EU agri-food sector increased its positive trade balance in the first eight months of 2026, the latest EU agri-food trade report published by the European Commission shows. With a cumulative surplus of pound 34.7 billion in value, the balance is pound 4.1 billion higher than for the same period last year.

Cumulative exports for this period totalled pound 157.7 billion, broadly stable year-on-year, as value increases across several product categories offset lower exports of olive oil, pig meat and cocoa products. Exports to India rose by 29%, driven largely by sunflower oil, while exports to Trkiye increased by 8%, mainly due to beef and veal shipments. Exports to Gulf countries recovered to average levels in August following earlier disruption. Among product categories, the worldwide value of exports of spirits and liqueurs rose by pound 583 million, about 11%. By contrast, the value of exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices fell by pound 1.4 billion, about 16%, driven mainly by lower prices.

Cumulative imports stood at pound 122.9 billion, down 4% year-on-year. The decrease was due largely to a fall in import values from major cocoa-producing countries as cocoa prices continue to fall, with imports from Cameroon and Nigeria decreasing by 46% and 47%, respectively, while those from Côte d’Ivoire fell by 22%. Among product categories, the value of imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices fell by pound 5.5 billion, about 19%. By contrast, imports of fruit and nuts increased by pound 825 million, about 4%.

More insights and detailed tables are available online.

(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)

Commission approves pound 26.5 million Polish State aid to support the construction of an urban agricultural hub

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a pound 26.5 million Polish measure to support the construction of a multifunctional hub dedicated to vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics and aquaculture in Zory, Silesia. The project is co-financed by the Just Transition Fund in a sub-region of the Silesian Voivodeship that was home to the Zory hard coal mine. Currently, the area suffers from numerous socio-economic and spatial problems.

The measure will allow the regeneration of part of the existing infrastructure of the defunct Zory mine, giving it new social, economic, educational and environmental functions. The project encompasses the renovation of a former building of the mine and the construction of a new multifunctional main building. The hub will provide specialised office and conference facilities for businesses operating in the field of innovative urban agriculture as well as dedicated spaces for conducting research in the same field. Its core mission includes optimising conditions for plant growth and aquatic animal husbandry, facilitating knowledge transfer, and commercialising solutions, particularly within the food technology sector. The aid will take the form of a direct grant to the municipality of Zory.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate for the construction of the hub which will generate important socio-economic benefits for the development of innovative urban agriculture-related activities and for the area eligible to the Just Transition Fund around Zory. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Polish measure under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.119773 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission clears acquisition of Boost Air Group by CFA and Hyperion Fund

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Boost Air Group, S.L. by Corporación Financiera Azuaga S.L. (‘CFA’) and Hyperion Fund, F.C.R., all of Spain.

The transaction relates primarily to the aviation sector.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12562.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

Commission clears acquisition of Fullscript by Altas and L Catterton

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Fullscript Inc. by Altas Corporation (‘Altas’), both of the US, and L Catterton Management Limited (‘L Catterton’) of the UK.

The transaction relates primarily to the online wholesale and retail of vitamins, minerals and supplements in North America.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area and that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12641.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

Commissioner Dombrovskis in Latvia to discuss defence readiness and EU-NATO cooperation

Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, will be in Latvia this Friday, 30 October, to discuss European defence readiness, innovation and EU-NATO cooperation.

In Riga, Commissioner Dombrovskis will participate in the NATO FUSE event, which supports NATO’s broader efforts to fulfil the commitments made at the Ankara Summit and aims to practically test and further develop new technological solutions. The event will bring together Chiefs of Defence, National Armaments Directors, EU and NATO representatives, industry representatives and investors.

The Commissioner will deliver a keynote speech on behalf of the Commission and the High Representative at the event at 08:10 CET. In his speech, he will outline progress in implementing the Commission’s Defence Readiness Agenda, including preparations for the launch of the first two EU Drone Technology Hubs, at the Selonia Military Range in Latvia and in Scheveningen, the Netherlands. They are a tangible example of the progress and ambition of this agenda, which aims to mobilise up to pound 800 billion in additional defence investment to address critical capability gaps.

The two hubs will serve as pilots under the Drone and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER) Project, one of the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs). These pilot hubs will lay the foundations for a wider European network, connecting national expertise, industry and operational users to accelerate the development, testing and deployment of drone and counter-drone solutions. The Latvian hub will be co-located with the NATO Innovation Range, helping to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation in defence innovation, a key priority for the EU.

As part of the programme, Commissioner Dombrovskis will also visit the Adaži Military Range for practical demonstrations and engage with representatives of the Latvian authorities.

Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, held a courtesy meeting today at the Ministry of Finance with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cyprus, Dr. Hans-Peter Jugel, with whom he exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest, with particular emphasis on the traditionally close relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Federal Republic of Germany.

According to the Ministry, they discussed ways to further strengthen and deepen bilateral ties including through cooperation between the two countries within the European Union.

The discussions, it is added, addressed the significant challenges affecting the future of the European Union, including security and defence, particularly in light of geopolitical developments and the war in Ukraine, the importance of advancing the green transition and combating climate change; energy security, strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy; and digital transformation.

Finally, both sides acknowledged the challenges and considerable uncertainty prevailing in the global economy as a result of geopolitical and economic developments. They also recognised the need for all EU Member States to address these challenges collectively through important decisions taken within the EU institutions and through joint action.

The Ocean Pact and animal welfare were among the topics discussed during a meeting held Thursday between Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Elias Myrianthous, and European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Panikos Pourgourides, Myrianthous provided an overview of his Office’s responsibilities and initiatives, followed by an exchange of views regarding European policies on marine environmental protection, fisheries and aquaculture, marine pollution, and cooperation among Mediterranean countries, according to a press release issued by his office..

Kadis referred to the European Ocean Pact as well as to the preparation of the European Ocean Act, which will serve as the legislative component of the Pact, establishing common objectives and strengthening the coordination of maritime activities.

The MedFish4Ever Declaration, which sets out the framework for cooperation on sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean, was also discussed.

Regarding fisheries and aquaculture, Kadis highlighted Cyprus’s strong performance in the aquaculture sector, describing it as a positive example within the EU in terms of production quality and adherence to environmental standards.

Myrianthous talked about the increased presence of microplastics and plastic waste along the Cypriot coastline. They discussed European policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution at the source, as well as the potential for leveraging European programs and transnational partnerships.

Animal welfare was also discussed, focusing on the new European regulation concerning the protection of dogs and cats as well as information and awareness-raising campaign to inform citizens and relevant stakeholders about the provisions of the new regulation before it comes into effect in 2028.

The need to strengthen Europe’s resilience to water scarcity and the impacts of climate change was highlighted on Thursday by European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, who referred to the new European framework for climate resilience. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Christos Senekis said the Government was reviewing the organisation of the water sector, as well as different options for its future oversight and regulation.

The two officials were speaking at the international Circular Water Economy Conference 2026, held at the University of Cyprus, with the participation of representatives of European and national institutions, the academic and research community, businesses and water management organisations.

In his address, Kadis referred to the new European framework for climate resilience, noting that tackling water scarcity was emerging as a key strategic priority.

“Europe can no longer afford to take water for granted,” he stressed, pointing out that protecting water resources was an environmental priority, an economic necessity and a matter of strategic security.

He said the wildfires, droughts and water shortages experienced during the summer had underscored the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s resilience, as water is essential for citizens, agriculture, energy, industry and ecosystems.

The European Commissioner also referred to the planned European Water Initiative, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address. He explained that the initiative would complement the European Water Resilience Strategy, aiming to accelerate action to address water scarcity and climate risks.

Referring specifically to Cyprus, he pointed out that the country’s longstanding experience in tackling water scarcity, water reuse and desalination could also benefit other coastal regions of the European Union facing similar pressures. He clarified, however, that desalination should complement water conservation and reuse, in line with the water-efficiency-first and do-no-significant-harm principles.

On his part, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis stressed that the water challenge facing Cyprus had become structural, due to prolonged droughts, variable rainfall, growing demand and climate change.

He said addressing the problem required long-term planning to strengthen water supply security, protect natural resources and build the country’s resilience to future challenges.

He noted that no single water source, technology or infrastructure project could provide the solution on its own, emphasising the need for an integrated approach combining diversified water sources, reduced network losses, protection of surface water and groundwater, effective demand management and the safe reuse of reclaimed water.

The Minister said the Government was reviewing the organisation of the water sector, with the aim of creating a more coherent, efficient and resilient system based on clear responsibilities, stronger coordination, accountability and evidence-based solutions.

In this context, he pointed out that the Water Development Department continued to play a central role in national water policy and the sustainable management of water resources. At the same time, he noted that the District Local Government Organisations created new opportunities for economies of scale, stronger technical capacity and better investment planning in water supply and sewerage services.

He added that different approaches to the future oversight and regulation of the sector were being considered, clarifying that any new mechanism should have clearly defined responsibilities, avoid duplication and deliver genuine added value.

Referring to pricing policy, the Minister stressed that water was a social good and a fundamental natural resource, but that its safe and reliable supply required infrastructure, energy, expertise and continuous investment. He explained that pricing policy should balance efficient water use and financial sustainability with affordability, social cohesion and the protection of vulnerable groups.

He acknowledged that some necessary decisions would be difficult, as conservation measures, pricing reforms and stronger protection of water resources might require changes to established practices.

He stressed, however, that the Government had a responsibility to make such decisions on the basis of scientific evidence, transparency and social sensitivity.

Common challenges for the Mediterranean and Northern Europe

The need to strengthen European cooperation on water resource management was highlighted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cyprus, Wouter Plomp.

He noted that the Netherlands, which had traditionally focused on flood protection and ensuring water quality, was now also facing the need to retain sufficient quantities of water.

He pointed out that climate change was creating increasingly common challenges for Northern European and Mediterranean countries, making the exchange of expertise and experience essential.

He said that even the Netherlands was now experiencing periods when conditions resembled those of the Mediterranean, increasing the importance of water conservation and retention for agriculture, industry and consumption.

The Dutch Ambassador stressed that European and Mediterranean countries had much to learn from one another, as the challenges they faced in water management were becoming increasingly similar.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 29/10/2026 UNTIL 1800 30/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

The barometric low is moving eastwards and clearing out. Tonight, increased cloud coverage will be present at times with isolated showers. Tomorrow the weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, at times 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate, at times Moderate

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, gradually West to Northwest Slight to Moderate, gradually Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Slight

South Coast

Night Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate

Morning Northwest to North 3 to 4, later Southeast to Southwest 3 Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally Southwest to West Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

East Coast

Night Southwest 4 to 5, gradually Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, at times 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, locally Northwest to Northeast Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night Southwest to West 4 to 5, soon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate

Morning Variable 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast Slight

Afternoon Northwest to North 3 to 4, gradually Southwest to Northwest Slight

Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, said on Thursday that the state remained actively engaged in the collective effort to establish the fate of all missing persons, following a meeting with relatives of missing persons from Cyprus and Greece.

In a post on X, Kombos said he had met earlier in the day with representatives of the Pancyprian Organisation of Relatives of Missing Persons and the Panhellenic Committee of Parents and Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons of the Cyprus Tragedy, in the presence of Presidential Commissioner Marios Hartsiotis.

The Missing Persons Day, marked on October 29, ‘serves as a tragic reminder of the need to effectively address the humanitarian issue of missing persons, which has weighed on their families for more than five decades’, he said.

‘On the part of the state, we remain actively engaged in the collective effort to establish the fate of all our missing persons,’ Kombos stressed.

The need to ensure affordable electricity, strengthen energy security and promote a fair and flexible energy transition was discussed at the European Union Energy Council, which Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michael Damianos, attended on Thursday in Luxembourg.

The minister held two trilateral meetings jointly with Greek Minister for Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou. Specifically, he held a meeting with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, and one with Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport. Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The main topic of the discussions, with both the Commission and the Presidency, was developments on the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection (Great Sea Interconnector, GSI).

On the agenda, the minister stressed that the energy transition must deliver tangible benefits for citizens and businesses, contributing decisively to lower energy costs and to preserving the competitiveness of the European economy, while respecting national differences and the needs of all member states.

Looking ahead to winter 2026-2027, he underlined the importance of better coordination among member states and systematic preparation for possible disruptions to energy supply. He also pointed to the need to strengthen the resilience of energy systems and to take Cyprus’ particularities into account in European planning.

On the energy policy framework beyond 2030, Damianos backed the adoption of realistic targets that can be adjusted, so that national circumstances, available infrastructure and the cost of the energy transition are taken into account. He made particular mention of the importance of energy storage, stronger electricity grids and the development of interconnections, in order to ensure energy security and a smooth transition to cleaner forms of energy. Finally, he welcomed recent developments concerning the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection.

During the discussion on electricity network charges, he highlighted the need for greater transparency and more effective use of the grids, while retaining sufficient flexibility for member states and respecting national competences in the area of taxation.

The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, is expected to arrive in Cyprus late on Thursday night and is scheduled to meet President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides on Friday, the Cyprus News Agency has learnt.

According to sources, Holguin is to meet President Christodoulides at around 12 noon on Friday, while she is expected to have a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman at around 11.30am on Monday.

As the United Nations has already announced, Holguin is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with the two leaders on 9 November.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

The lessons of the 1940 Greece’s resistance against Italian fascism during World War II remain extremely relevant, especially for Cyprus which is still experiencing the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, said House President Annita Demetriou before the Plenary.

Demetriou aid that the historic ‘OXI’ (NO) reminds us of the duty to insist on defending our national sovereignty, international law and fundamental freedoms. She noted that with unity, perseverance and commitment to our principles we must continue to fight for a free, reunited and peaceful Cyprus, worthy of the expectations of future generations.

She said that thousands of Cypriot volunteers fought in 1940 battles, contributing to the sacrifices and expectations of the Greek people, noting that their contribution constitutes an integral part of our historical memory and testifies to the strong ties that connect the Cypriot issue with metropolitan Hellenism.

Demetriou also said that today we pay due tribute to all those who, with their courage and self-sacrifice, defended human dignity against fascist barbarity.

The Plenary observed a minute of silence in memory of all those who fought against fascism and Nazism.

The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO) has received the ‘Domestic Abuse Support NGO of the Year 2026/27’ award at the Southern Europe Prestige Awards, in recognition of its work in preventing and addressing domestic and gender-based violence in Cyprus.

According to a statement issued by SPAVO, the international distinction recognises its 36 years of work in protecting and supporting victims of violence, as well as its contribution to developing specialised services and partnerships to tackle the problem.

The Association said the judging panel recognised its comprehensive network of services, including the 24-hour National Helpline 1440, emergency intervention services, counselling and psychological support, safe shelters for women and children, and the Woman’s House.

SPAVO’s work also includes intervention programmes for perpetrators aimed at ending violent behaviour, while its cross-border cooperation and education and training activities were also recognised.

The Association said the award acknowledges the contribution of its staff, volunteers and partners, dedicating the distinction to women, children and all those who place their trust in its services.

‘It is not enough to encourage a victim to speak out. We must ensure that, when they do, they find a system ready to listen to them, protect them and support them,’ the statement said.

SPAVO also reiterated its commitment to continuing its work to protect victims of violence and promote safety, dignity and respect for every individual.