Category: Cyprus News Agency

Department of Meteorology

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 14/09/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Highest

Lowest

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Nicosia (Athalassa)

37

20

26

Larnaka Airport

33

23

69

Limassol

32

21

57

Pafos Airport

31

22

68

Frenaros

33

22

67

Prodromos

30

19

28

Polis Pafos

33

21

46

The percentage of people aged 25 to 64 in Cyprus who reported having participated in formal or non-formal education and training during the previous four weeks stood at 12% in 2025, up from 7.5% in 2015, according to data published by Eurostat on Monday.

At EU level, participation among adults aged 25 to 64 in education and training activities increased from 10.1% in 2015 to 13.7% in 2025.

According to Eurostat, the upward trend was broadly steady over the decade, with the exception of a temporary decline in 2020, which is believed to have been linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related contingency measures.

Among Member States, the highest share of adult participation in learning activities in 2025 was recorded in Sweden, at 38.2%. It was followed by Denmark at 31.0% and Finland at 28.1%.

At the other end of the scale, the lowest shares were recorded in Greece at 5.2%, Bulgaria at 6.1% and Croatia at 6.5%.

Cyprus-China relations are founded on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday evening, thanking Beijing for its longstanding support on the Cyprus problem and stressing that the status quo cannot be the future of Cyprus and its people.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nicosia to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, President Christodoulides said that 2026 also marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and China.

He said that over the past five and a half decades, political dialogue had flourished, cooperation had expanded into an ever-wider range of fields and enduring bonds had been forged between the peoples of the two countries.

The President recalled that the relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2021, noting that there was further potential in trade and investment, while shipping offered promising prospects for two countries with strong maritime traditions.

He also pointed to opportunities in tourism, education and culture, research and innovation, renewable energy and new technologies, which could bring universities closer together, create new business opportunities and strengthen contacts between young people.

President Christodoulides said the political foundation of the relationship was a shared commitment to the fundamental principles of the international order.

Since 1971, he said, Cyprus and China have built a relationship founded on sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, while maintaining close cooperation within the United Nations and supporting multilateralism and its central role in safeguarding peace and stability.

‘At a time of profound geopolitical tensions, the principles of the UN Charter must remain the compass that guides our collective action,’ he said.

‘Sovereignty matters. Territorial integrity matters. International law matters,’ he added, stressing that for Cyprus these were not abstract principles but were woven into the country’s history and collective memory.

President Christodoulides expressed sincere gratitude for China’s longstanding support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and for its contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.

He said Cyprus also valued China’s principled position on the Cyprus problem, including in its capacity as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, and its support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement firmly anchored in the relevant Security Council resolutions and the agreed UN framework.

‘The status quo cannot be the future of Cyprus and its people,’ he said, adding that the Republic remained fully committed to the resumption of substantive negotiations and to a viable settlement that would enable all Cypriots to live together in a reunited European country, peaceful and prosperous.

At the same time, he reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ firm commitment to the One China Policy, both in bilateral relations and in multilateral fora, describing it as a clear and longstanding position of Cyprus’ foreign policy.

On EU-China relations, President Christodoulides said Cyprus’ approach was guided by dialogue, cooperation and a rules-based international order, pointing to scope for cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to climate change and sustainable development.

He said that during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of the year, the country worked to strengthen the Union’s international engagement with key partners and would continue to advocate for a constructive and mutually beneficial EU-China relationship.

Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Yang Yundong said the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership marked important milestones in bilateral ties.

He said China and Cyprus had consistently supported each other on issues concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity, referring to Cyprus’ adherence to the One China Policy and China’s longstanding position on the Cyprus problem.

The Ambassador said bilateral economic and trade cooperation had continued to expand, with trade in goods reaching a record US$1.44 billion last year. He also referred to cooperation in other fields and to increasingly close cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges.

He further highlighted Cyprus’ role in relations between China and the European Union and expressed appreciation for its contribution to promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.

The reception was attended by Ministers, MPs and other officials. It began with the entrance of the President and the Chinese Ambassador and the playing of the national anthems of Cyprus and China. A short video presenting China’s history and traditions was screened before the speeches, while the programme also included traditional dances and songs.

A Memorandum of Understanding which makes official the Conference of the Parliaments of Small European States, was signed by the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou along with her counterparts, in Andorra, where she is taking part in the proceedings of the 19th Conference of Speakers of the Parliaments of the Small States of Europe, alongside the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Parliaments of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Monaco and San Marino.

According to a House of Representatives statement, the first session of the Conference focused on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the current European and international context. In her address, Demetriou emphasised that, in an international environment characterised by growing instability, armed conflicts and challenges to multilateral cooperation and democratic institutions, commitment to international law, the international legal order, cooperation and dialogue is not a choice but a necessity for small states, given that these principles constitute fundamental pillars of their sovereignty and security.

She also highlighted the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in building trust, establishing channels of communication and promoting dialogue, particularly on issues that traditional diplomacy is unable to address. Parliamentary diplomacy, Demetriou emphasised, helps to build partnerships and strengthens the voice of the parliaments of small states in European and international forums, minimising the challenges they face due to their limited resources.

The House President also pointed out furthermore, that the House of Representatives’ fulfilment of the parliamentary dimension of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union served as an example of a small parliament’s successful contribution within a multilateral framework.

The topic of discussion during the second session was the balance of power between the executive and the legislature in modern democratic systems. In her remarks, Demetriou noted that smooth relations between the executive and legislative branches are a key component of any effective democratic system, and that maintaining an institutional balance in these relations is necessary to protect democracy, ensuring accountability and maintaining public confidence in the institutions.

She emphasised that cooperation and accountability are mutually reinforcing principles and cornerstones of a healthy democracy, noting that the aim of parliaments, through the exercise of their parliamentary role, must be to strengthen the transparency, effectiveness and resilience of institutions, which must remain close to the public.

Furthermore, as part of the Conference’s proceedings, the participating parliaments signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Conference of the Parliaments of Small European States.

Welcoming this development as highly significant, the House President emphasised the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the parliaments of small European states in order to promote their shared principles and values and the goal of ensuring conditions of peace, stability and security.

‘The cooperation we have established’, Demetriou concluded, ‘will provide the framework for us to tackle together the challenges associated with the specific characteristics of the parliaments of small states and to develop together more effective and substantive action within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, which is becoming even more urgent in these difficult international times.’

Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos held a meeting on Monday, with Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for Economic Diplomacy and External Engagement, Haris Theocharis.

According to a post on his account on platform X, during the meeting the two men focused on strengthening economic diplomacy, investment and joint business outreach to third markets, whilst the strategic cooperation between Cyprus and Greece was also reaffirmed and views were exchanged on regional developments and the Greek Presidency of the EU in 2027.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke by phone with his Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, about developments on the Cyprus issue, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday.

Speaking in Nicosia, President Christodoulides said preparations were continuing with the aim of achieving results during the week of the UN General Assembly that could pave the way for the resumption of negotiations.

He also referred to the renewal of the lifting of the US arms embargo for 2027, saying Cyprus-US cooperation is at its highest level ever.

The President was answering questions from reporters during a visit to Agios Dometios Gymnasium to mark the start of the new school year.

Asked about the US decision to renew the lifting of the arms embargo for 2027, President Christodoulides said it was ‘a clear message about the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, which is continuously growing stronger, particularly in the areas of defence and security.’

‘Beyond what has been announced by the United States, many other programmes are also underway, including programmes aimed at modernising the infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus,’ he said.

‘In particular, I am referring to Andreas Papandreou Air Base. Talks are underway with the United States regarding the purchase of defence equipment from the United States,’ he added.

At the same time, he noted that ‘for the first time, Cypriots are studying at US military academies.’

‘Particularly in the areas of defence and security, we have excellent cooperation, cooperation that has never been at such a high level before,’ the President stressed.

Asked whether the telephone conversation between UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Maria Angela Holguin had taken place, the President said that ‘the telephone conversation did take place.’

He said there had been a preliminary briefing, but added that he would not disclose the outcome of the discussion himself.

‘What I can tell you is that preparations are continuing, and the negotiators are also meeting today, so that during the week of the UN General Assembly we can achieve results that will lead to the desired goal, which is an announcement on the resumption of negotiations,’ he concluded.

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 Antoni 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 Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and the special representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Dana, had a “substantive meeting” on Monday afternoon, the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) learns.

According to reliable sources, during their meeting, Menelaou and Dana covered substantive issues, methodology, and means of building trust.

This meeting was preparatory in nature, ahead of the meeting between President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman, which will take place on Thursday, September 17, at 11 a.m.

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 Antoni 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 five EU Missions in Horizon Europe are delivering tangible positive results in addressing some of Europe’s most pressing societal challenges through scientific and technological innovation, according to a mid-term assessment published today by the European Commission.

All Missions are making steady progress towards their objectives – with the Climate Adaptation Mission having already met and surpassed its 2030 targets.

The five Missions are large-scale initiatives under Horizon Europe, the EU’s multiannual research and innovation programme. They are designed to translate scientific and technological innovation into practical solutions that can be tested and deployed in real-life settings across Europe.

EU Missions advancing towards their goals

According to the assessment, all five EU Missions are making good progress towards their 2030 goals:

Climate Adaptation: The goal of this mission is to support at least 150 European regions, local authorities and communities to become climate resilient. The target has already been largely surpassed, with 292 regional and local authorities having already implemented climate adaptation measures.

Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: Its objective is to support at least 100 cities in achieving climate neutrality, and to inspire other cities across Europe. Currently, already 107 cities have Climate City Contracts. They are projected to cut emissions by 76% by 2030, backed by more than pound 13 billion in supported or developing investment.

Cancer: Its aim is to improve the lives of more than 3 million people through prevention, early detection, treatment and care for not only those affected by cancer, but also their families. The current actions show that it will be able to improve the lives of 2.3 million people by 2030. Upcoming projects expected to raise this figure beyond the target of 3 million.

Restore our Ocean and Waters: The goal is to restore the health of our ocean and waters by protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems, reducing pollution and making the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. It has delivered 121 innovative solutions tested in 349 real-world demonstration sites, engaged 86 regions in replication efforts and secured over 1,000 Charter Actions from stakeholders. Under the Mission, the design of the core infrastructure of the European Digital Twin Ocean – expected to be fully operational by 2030 – was completed and is now accessible to all.

A Soil Deal for Europe: The Mission is progressing towards its goal of 100 Living Labs, with 45 already established. It involves over 500 real sites (such as farms) across Europe, and 60 to 70 additional ones are expected to become operational by 2028.

Background

The five EU Missions were launched in 2021 under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. They address pressing societal challenges – climate change, soil and waters health, and cancer – by going beyond traditional instruments and giving research and innovation a new role. Their clear, ambitious and time-bound objectives help mobilise coordinated action and support long-term societal transformation.

For more information

EU Missions webpage

Quote(s)

EU Missions bring policy, people and places together. By focusing our efforts on clear societal goals, we provide practical solutions to the people and communities who need them. This is how Europe delivers change at speed and scale.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)

Commission approves pound 52 million Romanian State aid for cattle farmers facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices

The European Commission has approved a pound 52 million (RON 277 million) Romanian State aid scheme for cattle farmers facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The aid will take the form of direct grants, with a maximum of pound 50,000 per company. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

On this basis, the Commission approved the Romanian scheme under EU State aid rules.

A press release is available online.

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

Commission clears acquisition of the Ingenico Group by Allianz

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Poseidon Holdco S.A.S. (together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Ingenico Group’) of France by Allianz SE of Germany.

The transaction relates primarily to manufacture and supply of point-of-sale payment terminals and related payment-acceptance solutions and services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given 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.12601.

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

Commission clears acquisition of Exolaunch by EFMS

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Exolaunch GmbH of Germany by EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (‘EFMS’) of Luxembourg.

The transaction relates primarily to space-related services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given 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.12534.

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

Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the decision taken by the US Government to renew, for 2027 fiscal year, the lifting of defence restrictions (International Traffic in Arms Regulations – ITAR) for the Republic of Cyprus.

A press release issued on Sunday by the MFA said that this decision allows for the export, re-export and transfer of defence equipment and defence services from the US to Cyprus for the specified period.

According to the Ministry, this development constitutes a recognition of the continuous expansion of the strategic partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the US, including in the field of defence and security. It also reflects the shared priorities of the two countries in the region, as well as their shared commitment to actively promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It is noted that over the past few years, Cyprus and the US have recorded substantial progress in their cooperation in the areas of security, crisis management and Civilian Evacuation Operations.

This progress, the MFA pointed out, is reflected, among others, in the establishment of the Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue in 2021, the signing of the Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation in 2024, as well as the ability of the Republic of Cyprus to access US defense programs, including Foreign Military Sales and Excess Defence Articles.

In this context, the press release read, the renewal of the exemption from ITAR restrictions contributes to the further deepening of bilateral cooperation.

The Republic of Cyprus, the MFA underlined in its press release, expresses its special appreciation for the continuous bipartisan efforts in the US, and the legislative initiatives in Congress aimed at the long-term extension of the current framework for exemption from ITAR defense restrictions.

Such a development, it is stated, will enhance the predictability and stability of Cyprus-US cooperation in the fields of defense and security, while providing a stable framework for long-term defence procurement planning.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, will be holding their last meeting next Thursday, before the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting, within the framework of the two leaders’ regular contacts and the continuation of the substantive discussion, is set for 11:00 a.m local time.

Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot negotiator Mehmet Dana will meet ahead of the leader’s meeting, on Monday afternoon, CNA has learned.

So far there has been no update as regard a phone conversation the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, was set to have with his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin. Holguin postponed a visit she was going to pay to the island in the previous days as well as a trip to New York for health reasons.

On September 18, the High-level Week of the 81st General Assembly begins at the UN headquarters. The central event, namely the General Debate, during which heads of state and government from around the world will address the UNGA, will begin on Tuesday, September 22.

Following the last meeting of the leaders on September 9, President Christodoulides told the press that there might be a joint meeting between him and the Turkish Cypriot leader in New York, with the UN Secretary-General or with his personal envoy. But so far, as CNA has learned, there is no update on any of the meetings.

In the previous meeting between the leaders, the discussion continued on the three issues, methodology, substance and Confidence Building Measures, and as the President said, on some issues there is progress, in the sense that there is a common understanding, but on others differences remain.

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.