Category: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Wednesday evening an effort to jointly promote Cyprus’ public and private universities abroad, and the creation of an organization along the lines of the British Council, in order to enhance the attraction of quality students from abroad. He was addressing the Frederick University 2026 Awards and Excellence Ceremony, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

He also highlighted the importance of the education sector in Cyprus, noting that its contribution amounts to approximately 7%-8% of the country’s GDP and underlined the need to ensure the quality of study programmes.

In his address, the President noted that unemployment in Cyprus is below 4%, while 82% of graduates work in their field of study. He also praised the university’s progress and contribution to higher education, stating that “without state support, you have achieved a lot”, referring to its development path and achievements.

The President made special reference to the establishment of the Frederick University School of Medicine, characterizing it as an important step in the development path of the institution. At the same time, he noted that the university’s contribution to cultivating a culture of academic responsibility, through volunteering, innovation and research activities, is equally noteworthy.

He emphasized that “knowledge has value when it is linked to service to humanity”, underlining the social role of education and scientific knowledge.

He also praised the contribution of Frederick University to higher education and society, stating that tonight’s ceremony is a recognition of both the achievements of the students and the long-term course of the institution. He also noted that completing a doctoral degree ‘does not simply constitute the acquisition of a high-level academic title, but reflects the ability to question, research, synthesize new knowledge and contribute substantially to the progress of science and society.’

Referring to Frederick University, he said that the institution ‘has managed, through a constantly evolving path, to establish itself as one of the most important Higher Education Institutions in our country,’ adding that continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, research and international collaborations creates significant prospects for the student and research community.

He also referred to the decision to establish a Medical School in collaboration with the University of Manchester, noting that this ‘constitutes another step in the continuous development path of the University, the vision of its people, which also confirms the dynamics of Higher Education in our country.’

At the same time, he praised the University’s contribution to society, stating that “its students, in addition to their academic performance, are distinguished for their volunteering, innovation and research activities, proving that knowledge acquires real value when linked to contributions to humanity and society.”

The President underlined that Cyprus is facing significant challenges, as “we are experiencing world-historical changes” linked to geopolitical upheavals, technological development and the digital transition, emphasizing that under these circumstances, higher education acquires strategic importance for the production of knowledge, innovation and the development of highly specialized human resources.

As he pointed out, the Government is implementing “a coherent strategy for Cyprus’ Higher Education”, with the aim of utilising the country’s human resources and creating opportunities for young people to pioneer.

In this context, he noted that the education sector corresponds to 7%-8% of the country’s GDP, pointing out, however, that “we should not get carried away” by quantitative data, but that emphasis should be placed on ensuring the quality of study programs.

Referring to the labour market, he said that unemployment in Cyprus is currently below 4%, adding that the country has one of the highest rates of graduates employed in their field of study, which “exceeds 82%”, which, as he said, demonstrates the need to link studies with the needs of the labour market.

The President also emphasized that modern reality requires “scientists with high training, critical thinking, research competence and a strong sense of social responsibility”, as well as “researchers who expand the boundaries of science” and young people with vision, creativity and commitment to the principles of democracy, equality and social cohesion.

The President also announced that from next year the State will award outstanding students from private universities in the country and not only from public institutions.

In addition, he announced that the preparatory work for the promotion of public and private universities of Cyprus abroad, with the aim of creating an organization along the lines of the British Council to attract quality students from other countries.

Ideas, opinions and formulas that do not constitute a common ground, convergence or agreement by all those involved in the Cyprus solution, should not receive special comment, as they are of no particular importance, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos said on Thursday.

He had been asked to comment on press reports of a specific proposal or formula for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

In press statements on the sidelines of a meeting with the Albanian Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, Kombos said that these reports on specific formulas and proposals “should not receive special comment, because they are of no particular importance”.

Kombos said that what matters is what the UNSG personal envoy and the Secretary General will conclude as to how they should proceed on the Cyprus issue.

He noted that everyone can have any ideas, opinions, approaches, various formulas but it does not mean that it is common ground in terms of convergence or agreement by all those involved.

Asked about tomorrow’s meeting of the UN Secretary-General with his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin, the Minister said that we must wait to see about the briefing and what the decisions of the SG will be on how we move forward.

Kombos noted that what matters is whether all parties are ready, pointing out that our side wants mobility and a role and involvement of the European Union through an envoy.

The Minister said that there are too many elements that need to be clarified adding that the meeting of the personal envoy with the UNSG has particular importance and we must wait for the outcome.

He also said that we are ready and we seek to return to the negotiating table on the substance of the Cyprus problem, within the parameters set by the UN Security Council.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

The reports of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on his Good Offices Mission for Cyprus and UNFICYP are expected to be submitted in early July 2026, ahead of the Security Council’s closed consultations in the afternoon of 16 July, according to CNA sources.

In between, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Khassim Diagne, will brief Council members during the consultations on UNFICYP, with the discussion expected to focus on the reports of the UN Secretary-General.

The Cyprus issue will be considered during a month with a broad programme of work for the Security Council, which also includes meetings on Sudan, the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ agenda, UNOWAS, Colombia, Haiti, the Middle East, Syria, UNRCCA and other issues.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Quote Commissioner Magnus Brunner: ‘The decision taken today by the Member States shows that we are ready to use our leverage to get results. Countries of origin must fulfil their obligations – otherwise, there can be consequences. Today’s decision means more engagement and determination for better cooperation in readmission’

EU Imposes Visa Sanctions on Somalia

The European Union is stepping up pressure on Somalia.

Following a proposal by EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, Member States have agreed to suspend a number of visa facilitation measures for Somali nationals. The move comes after the European Union concluded that Somalia is not cooperating sufficiently in the readmission of its citizens who are staying illegaly in the EU.

Under the new measures,

Somali nationals will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas,

exemptions from standard documentary requirements will be withdrawn,

Holders of diplomatic and service passports will no longer benefit from visa fee waivers.

And the processing time for visa applications will be extended from 15 to 45 calendar days.

The decision is intended to increase pressure on Somalia to improve cooperation on the return and readmission of its nationals. The restrictions will remain in place for an indefinite period, with the European Commission set to monitor Somalia’s progress and reassess the measures if sufficient improvements are made.

Somalia is not the first country to face such action. The EU has previously adopted similar visa restrictions against Gambia and Ethiopia in an effort to encourage greater cooperation on migration and returns. The move marks another step in the EU’s efforts to link visa policy more closely to cooperation on migration management and readmission.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou underlined the significance of Thursday’s EU Environment Council in Luxembourg as the culmination of the Cyprus Presidency’s six-month work in the environment sector, in statements made upon her arrival at Council, the last to be held under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. ‘I look forward to a constructive discussion to conclude the Cyprus Presidency’s environmental work on a strong and forward-looking note,’ Panayiotou said.

‘This is the last Environment Council under the Cyprus Presidency here in Luxembourg. Over the past six months, we have worked with determination to deliver under our Presidency’s motto, an autonomous Union, open to the world, and I’m very proud of the work we have done, of what we have achieved during these six months,’ the Minister added.

Referring to the Presidency’s specific achievements, Panayiotou noted that the Council, during the Cyprus Presidency, reached agreements on the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) for ETS2 and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). ‘We have made significant progress on the environmental omnibus, on the proposal on CO2 standards for cars and vans. We have advanced implementation of the water resilience strategy. We have secured a Council conclusion on the bioeconomy strategy, and today we will build on the work that has been done,’ she stressed.

Regarding Thursday’s agenda, the Minister said the Council ‘will take stock of key priorities on advancing CO2 standards for cars and vans. We will highlight how a nature-based economy is essential for competitiveness. We will exchange views on the chemicals legislative framework and we will enhance the implementation of the water resilience strategy and, of course, Europe’s leadership in the next COP31.’

Panayiotou reiterated the philosophy underpinning the Cyprus Presidency’s environmental work, stressing the need for the green transition to go hand in hand with competitiveness. ‘Throughout our Presidency, we have worked in a way to ensure that the green transition and environmental protection are in line with competitiveness and economic resilience. Therefore, throughout today’s discussion, we want to highlight how we can stay on track towards climate neutrality while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world,’ she said.

Concluding her statements, the Minister expressed hope for a constructive discussion that would mark the conclusion of the Presidency’s environmental work.

Cyprus has formally informed the United Nations about the latest violations by Trkiye of Cyprus’ airspace, territorial waters and air traffic regulations, recorded between March and May 2026.

In a letter dated 22 June 2026 and addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, said she wished to bring to his attention ‘the latest violations of Cyprus’ national airspace, of international air traffic regulations in Cyprus’ Flight Information Region (FIR), of the territorial waters of Cyprus and the illegal use of closed ports and airports in Cyprus, by the air and naval forces of Trkiye’.

According to the letter, ‘a total of 520 air and 23 naval violations were recorded during this period.’ Cyprus further noted that ‘103 out of the 520 air violations were conducted by Turkish military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while 196 by Turkish armed military fighter aircraft’.

It is mentioned that, beyond these recorded incidents, ‘the Turkish occupation forces continue to breach the military status quo on the island on an almost daily basis’ and ‘further strengthen their military infrastructure in the occupied areas’.

Cyprus said these actions ‘once again manifest Trkiye’s ongoing violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus,’ adding that they are ‘in contravention of the Charter of the United Nations and international law’.

The Permanent Representative of Cyprus also underlined that such actions ‘highlight the persistent aggressive behaviour of the occupying power’ and ‘severely undermine the sense of security of all Cypriots’.

She added that they ‘impede the efforts aimed at creating conditions conducive to the resumption of the negotiations for the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem’.

The annexes to the letter provide a detailed monthly account of the recorded incidents. In March 2026, Cyprus reported airborne violations involving Turkish military UAVs, helicopters, fighter aircraft and other military aircraft. The annex refers, among others, to Eight BAYRAKTAR TB-2 Turkish military unmanned aerial vehicles, Four ANKA Turkish military UAVs, Two AKSUNGUR Turkish military UAVs, Seven AS-532 Turkish military helicopters, and Thirty-six F-16 Turkish military fighter aircraft. Each of these, according to the annex, ‘infringed international air traffic regulations and violated the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus’ by entering ‘the Nicosia FIR and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus without diplomatic permit or contacting Nicosia ACC’.

For April 2026, the letter recorded further airborne violations, including Twenty-two BAYRAKTAR TB-2 Turkish military UAVs, Thirteen ANKA Turkish military UAVs, Fifteen AS-532 Turkish military helicopters, and Ninety-four F-16 Turkish military fighter aircraft. The annex again states that they entered the Nicosia FIR and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus ‘without diplomatic permit or contacting Nicosia ACC’.

In May 2026, the annex lists additional incidents involving Twenty-three BAYRAKTAR TB-2 Turkish military UAVs, Twenty-one ANKA Turkish military UAVs, Five AKINCI Turkish military UAVs, Five AKSUNGUR Turkish military UAVs, and Sixty-six F-16 Turkish military fighter aircraft, all described as having ‘infringed international air traffic regulations and violated the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus’.

The naval annexes also recorded violations between March and May 2026. In March, Cyprus reported that Turkish vessels including ‘TUFAN,’ ‘KARATAS,’ ‘OSMAN GAZI,’ ‘ATAK,’ ‘BAYRAKTAR’ and ‘ZIPKIN’ ‘violated the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus’ and ‘illegally used the closed port of Famagusta while participating in a naval operation of the occupation forces’.

In April, the reported naval violations involved, among others, the vessels ‘ZIPKIN,’ ‘KILIÇ,’ ‘KARATAS,’ ‘KDZ EREGLI’ and the submarine ‘GUR.’ The annex states that these vessels ‘violated the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus,’ with some ‘illegally’ using ‘the closed port of Famagusta’ and others ‘the closed port of Kyrenia’.

For May, Cyprus reported violations involving ‘KILIÇ,’ ‘KARATAS,’ ‘KDZ EREGLI’ and the submarine ‘INONU.’ According to the annex, these vessels ‘violated the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus’ and ‘illegally used the closed port of Famagusta’ or ‘the closed port of Kyrenia’ while participating ‘in a naval operation of the occupation forces’.

Cyprus reiterated in the letter that it ‘remains fully committed’ to supporting the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy ‘aimed at resuming negotiations and achieving an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement’.

The letter specifies that such a settlement should be ‘based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality,’ and ‘in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council’.

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.

Cooperation with the European Commission on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, EU strategy on islands and the ‘Right to Stay’ initiative were the main issues discussed during a meeting on Thursday between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, who will deliver a speech on EU strategy on islands in the context of the High-level conference “Strengthening islands and coastal communities of the European Union” held on Friday in Pafos.

Welcoming Raffaele Fitto at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides thanked him for his support during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

‘What you did for our presidency was very decisive, especially with regard to the biggest and most important file, the Multiannual Financial Framework, and I wanted publicly to thank you for your leadership, for your support’ the President said.

‘We are very glad to have you in Cyprus for this very important conference, it is a very important one, and I am sure that our cooperation will continue also after the presidency’, he added.

For his part, the EC Executive Vice-President said that a very important work has been done for the next MFF, for the governance of the next national regional partnership, ‘a very important step for the future and also for the strategy for islands.’

‘I think that was another important work that we concluded during your presidency. I can say that this presidency was a very important success for you and for the European Commission, and we can continue to work together on this experience. It was a great pleasure also for the next step, for the next MFF, but also for the next proposals that we are preparing, starting from the Right To Stay, this is another important issue’, he noted.

He added he will be visiting a number of villages in the country, ‘because the message is to go on the ground, to visit the situation also, to prepare this new strategy also, to give a very important and right answer to these needs that we have on this important dossier.” “I can imagine that it will be possible to continue to work together, to collaborate very well’, he concluded.

In his statements after the meeting, Fitto said that it was an important occasion to verify the work that the Cyprus Presidency has made. ‘I think that it was a very important work and we achieved very important results’, he added.

‘At the same time, for me, this is an important occasion also to present the Strategy for Islands. The Strategy for Islands was an important new approach of the European Commission. We worked very well, we have 17 million people that live in the islands and the message that we want to give is that this is an important tool for the future, in particular also to use better the new approach of the new European budget, the next MFF. We have the opportunity also to use the resources with this strategy and also to face the big challenge of the cost of insularity. Now we have to continue our work with the government to achieve these very important results’, he noted.

Asked about his visit today to Ayios Ioannis village in Limassol District, followed by a visit to Troodos Observatory, an EU funded project, as part of ‘Right To Stay’ initiative, the EC Executive Vice-President said that this is another important dossier.

‘The Right To Stay is a crucial issue for the future of Europe. We have the goal to give more competitiveness to Europe, but at the same time we have an important risk on the depopulation of the internal rural areas and the remote areas’, he continued.

‘Today I am visiting these villages and this is the new approach that we are having because the idea is to prepare this strategy for the Right To Stay, to create also an integrated policy between the region and the other policies like agriculture, fisheries, transport, tourism, this is the idea that we want to have. Also, in the last weeks we presented this call for evidence and we received more than 700 contributions. I think it is a very important message that there is a great interest in this way and now we are working because we will present this strategy in the first months of the next year’, he further explained.

‘But in all my missions I am visiting these villages because the idea is also to see directly on the ground to understand better the real needs that these territories have’, he concluded.

The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) has completed conservation works at the mosque and adjacent school building in the village of Agios Thomas/Aytuma, within the framework of the ‘Support to cultural heritage monuments of great importance for Cyprus’ project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to UNDP Cyprus, the mosque, referenced in written sources from the early 19th century, stands at one of the highest points of the village and is a notable example of a modest rural religious structure built with local stone.

The adjacent school building, constructed in a rectangular ‘makrinari’ layout, reflects the same vernacular craftsmanship.

The conservation works focused on stabilising the structures while preserving their historic character.

Interventions included cleaning, structural repairs restoration of key features, alongside improvements to the surrounding area and visitor access.

The press release notes that beyond the conservation effort itself, the project reflects the TCCH’s work to protect the shared cultural heritage of Cyprus as a common legacy for all communities.

“By restoring sites of cultural and historical significance across the island, the Committee contributes to building trust, encouraging dialogue and fostering a greater sense of shared ownership of the island’s rich and diverse heritage” it says.

Since its establishment, the TCCH has overseen the conservation of more than 200 cultural heritage sites across Cyprus, ranging from religious monuments and secular buildings to archaeological landmarks.

“Through its bicommunal approach, the Committee continues to demonstrate how practical cooperation can deliver tangible results, strengthening confidence and promoting mutual understanding between communities” it concludes.

Thousands of emails have been sent to Members of the UK Parliament in recent weeks as part of the #HandsOffCyprus campaign organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom to mark 52 years since the beginning of the Turkish invasion and the continued occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus.

According to a statement issued by the Federation, the online campaign has already generated thousands of messages to more than half of all Members of the House of Commons, with the aim of keeping the Cyprus issue high on the United Kingdom’s political agenda.

The central message of this year’s campaign is that the British Government should make every possible effort to encourage Turkey to return to the negotiating table for a Cyprus settlement based on the agreed United Nations framework, in accordance with international law and the European Union acquis.

Federation President Christos Karaolis thanked the Cypriot community for its support of the campaign so far, noting that each year the initiative succeeds in reaching more than 50% of British MPs.

‘This sends a clear message to every Member of Parliament that the British Cypriot community remains firmly committed to finding a solution to the Cyprus issue. We must continue our efforts to make it clear that Cypriots wish to see an end to Turkey’s illegal and ongoing occupation,’ Karaolis said.

The Federation is encouraging those who have not yet taken part in the campaign to contact the MP representing their constituency and to share the initiative with relatives and friends, stressing that the process takes only a few seconds and helps ensure that the Cyprus issue remains on the UK political agenda.

The #HandsOffCyprus campaign is organised annually by the British Cypriot community ahead of the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion. Its objective is to inform and raise awareness among British MPs about developments concerning Cyprus and the community’s position in support of the reunification of the island.

The online campaign, available at cypriotfederation.org.uk/mp, enables participants to send their message in less than 30 seconds. According to the Federation, it is a simple action with significant political impact, conveying a clear message to both the British Government and Parliament.

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.

Economic sentiment in Cyprus improved marginally in June, with the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-CypERC) rising by 0.2 points compared with May, supported by stronger confidence in the retail trade and construction sectors as well as a further improvement in consumer sentiment.

According to the latest economic survey results, the increase in confidence in retail trade and construction more than offset a deterioration in business sentiment in the services sector, leading to the slight overall rise in the indicator.

Confidence in the retail trade sector strengthened as businesses reported improved assessments of recent sales, expected sales and stock levels. In the construction sector, sentiment rose significantly, driven by more favourable views regarding order books and upward revisions to employment expectations.

By contrast, the Services Confidence Indicator declined, reflecting less favourable assessments by firms of their recent business situation and turnover, as well as weaker expectations for turnover in the coming months.

In the industrial sector, confidence remained unchanged from May levels. Improved assessments of finished product stocks were offset by less favourable perceptions regarding current order books, while production expectations remained stable.

Consumer confidence increased for a second consecutive month in June, supported by more optimistic expectations regarding both households’ financial situation and the overall economic outlook for Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the Economic Uncertainty Indicator increased in June but remained below the levels recorded in March and April. Higher uncertainty was reported among consumers and firms in the services and construction sectors, although overall uncertainty remained relatively low, particularly among households and construction companies.

The survey on economic sentiment in Cyprus is conducted by the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus in cooperation with RAI Consultants Ltd as part of the Joint Harmonised European Union Programme of Business and Consumer Surveys. The project is funded by the European Union, the Ministry of Finance and the University of Cyprus.