Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Police are on full alert, carrying out intensive checks on the road network ahead of the August 15 public and religious holiday in Cyprus, as increased traffic is expected on both motorways and the wider road network, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas, Police Headquarters Communications Officer Michalis Michael has told the Cyprus News Agency.

He said the Police had drawn up the necessary action plans and would be on the roads throughout the period, both to ensure road safety through traffic checks and to aid motorists wherever and whenever necessary.

‘With regard to the August 15 period, when increased vehicle traffic is expected both on the motorways and the wider road network, the Police have drawn up the necessary action plans,’ he said.

According to Michael, increased traffic is expected mainly on the motorways, as well as on other roads leading to mountainous and coastal areas, where greater numbers of people are expected due to the long weekend.

Michael stressed that Police traffic checks, aimed at preventing serious and fatal road collisions, are carried out daily and are not limited to the August 15 period.

This week also sees the continuation of the pan-European campaign by ROADPOL, the European Roads Policing Network, in which the Cyprus Police are participating, with a focus on speeding.

Michael said the campaign began on August 3 and will conclude on Sunday, August 9.

However, Michael added that Police intensive checks cover all serious traffic offences and are not limited to speeding. The focus, he said, is on behaviour that is responsible for main causes of serious and fatal collisions, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to wear a seat belt or helmet, and using a mobile phone while driving.

At the same time, he said that checks and public awareness efforts concerning the use of personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, had also been stepped up in recent days.

Asked whether there were any areas of the road network currently considered to be particularly high-risk, Michael said that, due to the expected increase in traffic, particular attention would be required on motorways, as well as on roads leading to mountainous and coastal areas.

‘There will be more vehicles on the roads,’ he noted, stressing the need for increased vigilance among all drivers.

Concluding, Michael urged member of the public to exercise caution when travelling.

‘Let us all be extremely careful on the roads, drive responsibly, respect other road users and remember that every choice we make on the road can affect human lives,’ he said.

CNA/ELA/EAN/MK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

The Cyprus-Greece passenger ferry link will operate normally in 2027, while a decision on whether the state subsidy for it will continue from 2028 onwards will be taken within 2027, Acting Director of the Shipping Deputy Ministry Kyriakos Aliouris told CNA.

Speaking to CNA on Saturday, Aliouris said the existing contract, which began in 2022 for three years with an option for a further three-year extension, has been extended until 2027. ‘Until next summer, the contractor is obliged to provide the services under the terms of the contract,’ he said.

‘So at this moment there is no issue. Next year the route will operate normally, namely the Greece-Cyprus maritime link,’ he said.

Regarding the subsidy beyond 2027, Aliouris said the Shipping Deputy Ministry had collected data during the five years of operation which would be assessed before a decision is taken.

‘We have collected quite a lot of statistical data, which will obviously help us, as a Deputy Ministry and as a Government, to assess and decide with responsibility,’ he said.

A new proposal will have to be submitted to the Council of Ministers on whether the subsidy should continue and, if it does, a new tender will be required to select a contractor.

‘It is premature and risky at this stage to say anything, whether it will stop or continue. No decision has been taken,’ he said.

Aliouris noted that the decision should be taken within 2027, after the current operating season is completed and the available data assessed. ‘When this year ends, we will look internally at all the data and then decide to proceed with our recommendation to the Council of Ministers,’ he said.

He described the route’s performance as positive, saying that ‘this year is going very well’ and that ‘people have embraced the route.’

Asked about comments by Scandro Holding Ltd CEO Charalambos Manolis that the route could not continue without a renewal of the state subsidy, Aliouris said the issues raised were known to the Deputy Ministry.

He explained that the subsidy was introduced because there were no available data on demand, as there had been no maritime link between Cyprus and Greece for years. ‘We had no data at all. We did not know whether, or to what extent, people would use it,’ he said.

He added that the route also has a social and humanitarian dimension, serving people with a fear of flying or health problems, as well as passengers wishing to travel to Greece with their pets or cars.

Aliouris said the data collected over the past five years now provide a clearer picture of demand, while a private operator would need to find ways to make the route viable throughout the year. Passenger traffic, he added, has increased annually, both in passengers and vehicles, as well as pets, with ‘this year being better than the last five.’

If the government decides to continue state support and launch a new tender, factors including fuel prices and regional conditions will be taken into account when determining the level of the subsidy, he noted.

‘There is no question of the link being interrupted during the current or next period,’ Aliouris stressed, noting that the existing contract covers 2027.

‘People should not worry. This year will end normally, with the last trip taking place on September 1 from the port of Piraeus. And in 2027 the connection is secured, as the contractor is obliged under the existing contract to continue providing the service,’ he assured.

Regarding the period from 2028 onwards, Aliouris reiterated that no decision has yet been taken. The Deputy Ministry will assess the available data after the current season and submit its recommendation to the Council of Ministers within 2027.

CNA/DV/??/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 08/08/2026 UNTIL 0600 09/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1004hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but early morning increased low cloud, local mist and fog patches are likely.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning West to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northwest 4, gradually Northwest to North 3 Slight to Moderate, gradually Slight

South Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, soon South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

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

East Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times offshore 4 to 5 Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, later 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, later Southwest to Northwest 3 Slight

CNA/PC/MK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Future planning in tourism sector, air connectivity and the main goal to turn Cyprus into a year-round destination were discussed at a meeting Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis had with the new leadership of hoteliers’ association, PASYXE.

Koumis noted, according to a press release by the Deputy Ministry, that the protection and sustainable management of tourist destinations is now the biggest challenge for everyone, following the crisis in the sector.

The Deputy Minister and the hoteliers discussed the course of Cyprus tourism and both expressed satisfaction over the actions taken.

On the agenda of the meeting were also issues related to new tourist markets for Cyprus and strengthening the existing ones, as well as promoting the country abroad.

Koumis noted that it is extremely important for the public and private sectors to invest together in the ‘Destination Stewardship’ effort, adding that this cooperation has led to successful results over the years.

PASYXE Head Yiannos Pantazis said that during the meeting they confirmed the common understanding that tourism sector thrives when there is good cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He added that they are already working so that in 2027, the sector will return to the 2025 results.

CNA/KCH/GV/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

The total number of vehicle registrations increased by 11.5% in the period January-July 2026, reaching 34,787, compared with 31,200 in the same period of 2025. At the same time, the Statistical Service’s ‘Motor Vehicle Registrations’ report shows a slight decrease of 3.8 per cent in new vehicle registrations and a 24.1 per cent increase in used vehicle registrations.

According to figures published on Friday by the Statistical Service, in July 2026 total motor vehicle registrations reached 5,420, marking a 3.3 per cent increase compared with 5,246 in July, with a slight rise of 2.2 per cent in registrations of saloon cars (4,244 in July 2026, up from 4,154 in July 2025). It is also noted that the number of bus registrations has increased by 72.7 per cent, with 19 buses registered in July 2026 compared with July 2025, whilst the number of moped registrations has fallen by 25.8 per cent.

Increase in registrations of hybrid saloons

——————————

According to the report’s data, there has been a decline in the share of petrol-powered saloon cars and an increase in that of hybrid models. Specifically, during the period January-July, registrations of passenger saloon cars totalled 26,841 (an increase of 11.1% compared with 24,158 in the corresponding period of 2025), of which 8,614 (32.1%) were new and 18,227 (67.9%) were second-hand cars.

There was an 11.8% decrease (from 3,581 to 3,159) in the number of hire cars, as well as a decline in the share of petrol-powered saloon cars, which fell to 35.5% in the period January-July 2026 (from 43.3% in the corresponding period of 2025). There was also a slight decrease in the share of diesel cars (from 8.5% in 2025 to 8.0% in 2026) and electric cars (from 4.8% to 4.6%). By contrast, the share of hybrid vehicles rose from 43.3 per cent to 51.9 per cent.

Bus registrations also rose, reaching 130 in the January-July 2026 period, up from 89 in the same period of 2025. Furthermore, registrations of goods conveyance vehicles rose to 4,074 in the period January-July 2026, compared with 3,608 in the corresponding period of 2025, marking an increase of 12.9 per cent. Specifically, light goods vehicles rose by 12.1 per cent to 3,324, road tractors (tow trucks) by 15.2 per cent to 152, heavy goods vehicles by 16.1% to 491, and hire vehicles by 16.6 per cent to 197.

At the same time, registrations of mopeds 50cc increased by 12.9 per cent to 3,167 in the period January-July 2026, compared with 2,806 in the same period of 2025.

CNA/MIR/AGK/202S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 07/08/2026 UNTIL 1800 08/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1003hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weathe? over the coastal areas will be mainly fine, but during the night and in the morning locally increased low cloud coverage will be present at times. Risk of local mist and/or fog patches, mainly over the east.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3 to 4, later near the coast Northwest to Northeast 3

Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4

Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

South Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast Northwest to Northeast 3

Slight, gradually near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, soon South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to South 3, gradually South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight

North Coast

Night

South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3

Slight

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4

Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight

Time of issue: 1700

Date: 07/08/2026

CNA/ME/GV/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) will host the 40th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) in Paphos from 1-4 September, focusing on digital innovation, technology and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

According to a CUT press release, this will be the first time the EHPS conference is held in Cyprus, coinciding with the Society’s 40th anniversary.

Held under the theme “Digital Innovations in Health: Harnessing the Power of Technology and Artificial Intelligence”, the conference will explore the role of digital technologies and AI in diagnosis, treatment, patient-healthcare professional communication and public health. It will also address the scientific and ethical dimensions of integrating new technologies into healthcare, with an emphasis on evidence-based and person-centred approaches.

Among the keynote speakers is Dr Nikos Middleton, a member of CUT’s academic staff.

The local organising committee is based at CUT and is chaired by Angelos Kassianos, Assistant Professor in Health Psychology at the Department of Nursing and a member of the conference’s Scientific Committee.

Dr Kassianos described the event as a milestone for the University and Cyprus’ research community, saying it offers an opportunity to welcome leading international scientists to the island and showcase the research being conducted in Cyprus.

The scientific programme will include keynote lectures, presentations on the latest developments in the field, workshops, roundtable discussions, presentations and research paper sessions. The conference will be held in a hybrid format, the press release noted.

CNA/EC/MK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 07/08/2026 UNTIL 1200 08/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1005hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but during the night and in the morning locally increased low cloud coverage will be present at times. Risk of local mist and/or fog patches, mainly over the east.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, later near the coast Northwest to Northeast 3 Slight

Morning West to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast Northwest to Northeast 3 Slight, gradually near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, soon South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast to South 3, gradually South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Southwest to West 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3 Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Slight

CNA/PC/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures this Friday.

Temperatures inland are expected to peak around 40°C, with the alert remaining active between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm (local time)

CNA/EC/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Consumer satisfaction with mobile services in Cyprus remains high, reaching 8.4 out of 10 compared with 8.5 in 2025, while some service quality problems and satisfaction with complaint handling have slightly worsened, according to a survey by the Office of the Communications Commissioner.

The sixth survey on consumers’ perception of the quality of mobile services was carried out in May 2026 among 1,207 people, including 812 in urban areas and 395 in rural areas.

According to the findings, better prices and offers remain the most important factor when choosing a provider, cited by 46% of respondents, followed by reliability at 27% and network coverage at 24%. When asked to name the single main reason for choosing a provider, 24% cited better prices and offers.

Lower charges and better offers are also the main reason for switching provider, cited by 37%, while 17% pointed to better call coverage offered by another provider.

Overall satisfaction with mobile services stood at 8.4/10, marginally down from 8.5/10 in 2025, while satisfaction with value for money rose to 8.2/10 from 8.1/10.

As regards problems occurring at least once a month, 27% reported poor mobile internet connection quality, up by two percentage points from last year. Complete loss of service was reported by 24%, poor call quality by 21% and dropped calls by 17%.

A further 15% reported calls being transferred directly to voicemail, 11% delays in sending text messages and 6% delays in receiving voice messages. Such problems were reported more frequently by people aged 18-29.

Seventeen per cent of respondents said they had reason to complain about their mobile service over the past 12 months, compared with 16% in 2025. Of those, 41% filed a complaint with their provider, down from 44% the previous year.

Satisfaction with the handling of complaints fell to 5.1/10 from 5.6/10 in 2025.

Finally, 20% of consumers said they were open to the possibility of switching provider, while a further 2% were actively looking to switch. Among those considering a change, 68% said they had experienced some form of mobile service quality problem.

The survey was carried out by Pulse Market Research Ltd using a structured questionnaire prepared by the market observatory team of the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation (OCECPR).

CNA/HT/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY