Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 24/06/2026 UNTIL 0600 25/06/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. Low clouds are expected at times. Risk of local mist over night and dawn.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

At an Arria-Formula Meeting of the Security Council on ‘Bridging the Implementation Gap: Security Council Resolutions and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security’ organized by the Permanent Missions of Pakistan and China to the United Nations at UN Headquarters, Greece underlined the central importance of implementing Security Council resolutions and upholding international law.

Greek Deputy Permanent Representative Ioannis Stamatekos noted that ‘the Cyprus issue is a good example,’ stressing that ‘respect for and adherence to Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550 must serve as the guiding compass for member-states in addressing this issue.’

Referring to the Security Council’s relevant decisions, Greece recalled that, through Resolutions 541 and 550, the Council ‘called upon all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and not to recognize the secessionist, illegal entity or assist it in any way.’

Stamatekos also emphasized the broader position on the maintenance of international peace and security, stating that Greece ‘firmly believes that the maintenance of international peace and security can be achieved only through the establishment and consolidation of the rule of law.’

In this context, he reaffirmed that Greece attaches ‘great importance to the primacy of and respect for the UN Charter and international law.’

An illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally, on November 15, 1983, in the areas under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void. The illegal declaration followed the partition of the island after the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying one third of its territory ever since.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, highlighted the depth and timeliness of Cyprus’ relations with Armenia and Lebanon during a meeting he had on Wednesday with Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia. Christodoulides received the Medal of the “Prince of Cilicia” from Catholicos Aram.

“For us, Lebanon is the most important country of the region,” President Christodoulides pointed out, noting that there is close contact between the two countries. Referring to his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, he said that “we fully support his effort, we recognise his leadership”, adding that “our position is clear regarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the country, a country that faces a lot of challenges.”

President Christodoulides went on to say that Lebanon was one of the issues discussed in last week’s European Council in Brussels, noting that he highlighted the need to enhance relations of the European Union with Lebanon, and start discussions and negotiations to reach a comprehensive and strategic agreement between the European Union and Lebanon.

He further pointed out that the first time that the current President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited Lebanon was when he invited her and travelled with her in Lebanon to support the country.

Referring to Armenia, President Christodoulides said that he had visited the country as Government Spokesperson, diplomatic advisor of the then President and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasising that Cyprus is “one of the strongest supporters of Armenia in the European Union.”

He also noted that he visited Armenia recently within the context of the European Political Community meeting, adding that he was “very impressed'” with the progress that he saw in the country.

Furthermore, the President of the Republic expressed pride for the Armenian community in Cyprus, noting that “it’s part of the cultural richness of this country,” and that he always stood by their side.

Accepting the decoration on behalf of the people of Cyprus, he pointed out that “every honour is coming also with a responsibility,” assuring Aram I that he would do whatever is necessary to show that he deserved it.

On his part, Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, pointed out that “we are living in a world that is marked by so many conflicts, tensions, polarisations, and uncertainties.”

“Due to its geographical location and geopolitical position, Cyprus is in one way or another exposed to these realities of the world in general, and in the Middle East in particular, and being impacted in different ways by these tensions and conflicts pertaining particularly to the Middle East and Europe,” he noted.

Catholicos Aram went on to say that “the conflicts and the tensions that we are facing need to be seen in a broader perspective and always in their interconnectedness, such as the conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iran, and the Middle East in general.”

He also expressed the view that the role of Cyprus “is and should be one of bridge building,” adding that President Christodoulides engages in this role, regarding Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and Ukraine. “I really appreciate your role, Mr. President, and I’m aware that you have a special relationship both with Armenia and Lebanon,” he emphasised, noting that “these two countries are facing tremendous problems and challenges of different nature and scope.”

He also expressed the expectation that Cyprus’ role as bridge-building will continue with renewed efforts and more emphasis. “A long-standing relationship has always existed between our two nations and, in fact, two churches,” he pointed out, adding that “shared values and traditions, common experience, and the struggle for justice and human rights have unified our two nations and churches.”

Furthermore, Catholicos Aram said that the Armenian community in Cyprus “fully enjoys, with profound gratitude, the privileges of this country,” expressing his deep gratitude and great appreciation to President Christodoulides, the Government, and the people of Cyprus for all the facilities that they continue to provide to the community.

Presenting the insignia of the Prince of Cilicia to President Christodoulides, he noted that “it is a concrete expression of our love and gratitude towards your person and through your person to the Government and the people of Cyprus. May God strengthen you in your leadership, and in your huge responsibility as President,” he added.

?he reduced tax rate on fuels will remain in effect for another two months, from 1 July to 31 August 2026, following a decision approved on Wednesday the Council of Ministers, with the cost estimated at a total of pound 12 million.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in statements at the Presidential Place, that when extending the application of the measure, factors that were taken into consideration include the fact that despite the trend of decelerating energy prices, they are still at higher than normal levels due to geopolitical developments.

In statements after the Cabinet meeting, Letymbiotis recalled that the measure for the reduction of the consumption tax had been implemented following a decision of the body on 26 March, in effect since last April, and was part of a total package of 8 measures, totalling 200 million euros, in the context of supporting families, workers and businesses in this period of increased energy prices as a result of geopolitical developments.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 24/06/2026 UNTIL 1200 25/06/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, while low clouds are expected at times. Risk of local mist of fog patches over night and during dawn.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

The heatwave affecting Western and Central Europe is helping keep temperatures in Cyprus close to normal for the season, while only a temporary rise is expected on Sunday and Monday, ‘but nothing extreme,’ Meteorological Service Officer Andreas Chrysanthou told CNA on Wednesday.

Chrysanthou said Western Europe is experiencing very high temperatures, mainly in Spain and France, while temperatures are also expected to be well above normal in areas such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and southern England.

He said the heat surge is moving in from the south, with warm air masses mainly from Africa being trapped near the surface due to prolonged high pressure over Western Europe.

The Meteorological Service official noted that the very high temperatures in Western and Central Europe are expected to last at least until Saturday, while the pattern appears likely to start weakening from the weekend onwards.

As regards Cyprus, he said the phenomenon is not affecting the island to the same extent. On the contrary, he added, the situation in Western Europe is favouring the development of a trough of low pressure from the north over Cyprus, bringing cooler air masses to the island.

‘We will have a temporary rise lasting one to two days, but nothing extreme in our area for the time being,’ he said, adding that Cyprus remains under conditions close to normal levels.

Chrysanthou also said the trough of low pressure may bring rain to Cyprus’ mountainous areas from Friday to Sunday.

Asked about the possibility of thunderstorms, he said the combination of low pressure, high temperatures and increased humidity can create atmospheric instability and favour summer showers or thunderstorms.

On whether the heatwave is linked to El Nino, Chrysanthou said there is no direct connection. He explained that the phenomenon currently being recorded in Europe is linked to the pressure pattern over the Atlantic Ocean, while the effects of El Nino on Europe are not immediate and may appear over time.

He added that similar episodes may recur during the summer, recalling that a heat dome phenomenon was recorded in Western and Central Europe in August 2025.

The Council of the EU under the Cyprus Presidency, has reached a common negotiating position on Wednesday, on a proposal to simplify rules and procedures in the areas of industrial emissions, the circular economy, and geospatial data. The proposal is part of the “Omnibus VIII” simplification package, which aims to reduce unnecessary administrative costs while maintaining the EU’s high standards of environmental protection.

Today’s agreement falls within the framework of the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, signed by the presidents of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission on 24 April 2026, on the margins of the informal leaders’ meeting in Nicosia, which sets the objective of concluding work on all simplification packages by the end of 2027.

In her statement, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, said that “the Cyprus Presidency, from day one, has turned its commitment to simplification into tangible results. Today, we deliver on the environmental package, introducing clearer, more proportionate rules that reduce unnecessary burdens while safeguarding the European Union’s high standards of environmental protection. This is a result that supports both our citizens and our businesses, and strengthens the EU’s competitiveness and sustainability alike.”

The package comprises targeted measures amending six legislative acts, including a regulation on speeding up environmental assessments (RSEA), a regulation and a directive on simplification and reduction of administrative burden, and an amendment to the INSPIRE directive on spatial data.

Due to strong reservations from a vast majority of member states, Council negotiations on two proposals concerning extended producer responsibility (EPR) were discontinued, ahead of the upcoming comprehensive review of the EPR framework under the circular economy act, expected in autumn 2026. Work will continue on the environmental assessments regulation, with the aim of reaching a negotiating position on that proposal as well.

Regarding the main amendments, the proposed regulation amends the batteries regulation, reducing redundant reporting and simplifying removability and replaceability requirements for light means of transport batteries, with a targeted 18-month postponement for certain product categories. The proposed directive simplifies reporting obligations under waste legislation and reintroduces the chemicals inventory as a monitoring tool, with a clear compliance deadline of July 2030. The INSPIRE directive is being modernised to align with the EU’s data acquis, reintroducing data sharing between public authorities and minimum interoperability requirements.

The incoming Irish Presidency, which takes over in July, is expected to continue discussions on the remaining elements of the package and enter trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament once both co-legislators adopt their negotiating positions.

The Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry and the Cyprus Trade Center of the Republic of Cyprus in London, in collaboration with Invest Cyprus, represented Cyprus with a pavilion at the technology and innovation fair ‘London Tech Week,’ which took place from June 8 to 10, 2026, at the Olympia Exhibition Center in London.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the Cypriot pavilion attracted a significant number of visitors, who were informed about the strategic advantages Cyprus offers for technology and innovation companies to establish operations, while developments in the Cypriot ecosystem were also presented, highlighting the country’s prospects as an emerging technology hub in the fields of information technology, communications, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital services.

It is noted that particular interest was expressed in Cyprus’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem, as well as in the opportunities the country offers as a base for companies seeking access to the markets of the European Union (EU), the Middle East, and North Africa. As stated, this interest reflects the steadily growing international recognition of Cyprus as an attractive destination for investment in the fields of technology and innovation.

At the same time, representatives of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Invest Cyprus held a series of meetings with executives from technology companies, investors, representatives of startups, investment funds, growth accelerators, universities, and other stakeholders in the international innovation ecosystem. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on global technology trends and to explore prospects for collaboration that could contribute to the further development of the Cypriot ecosystem.

It is added that participation in ‘London Tech Week’ also offered a significant opportunity to showcase the Republic of Cyprus’s recent reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation, research, and the digital transformation of the economy, with particular emphasis on policies that facilitate the establishment and growth of technology companies, as well as the creation of a friendly and competitive business environment.

‘London Tech Week’ is the most important annual technology and innovation exhibition in the United Kingdom and this year attracted 250 exhibitors, including national pavilions from countries such as Estonia, Indonesia, Spain, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Tunisia, and the Philippines. The exhibition was visited by approximately 40,000 people, including representatives of innovative and startup companies, investment funds, research organizations, educational institutions, and consulting firms.

‘Cyprus’s participation in an event of this scale and international scope reaffirms the Government’s commitment to promoting the country as a modern, innovative, and globally connected business hub. At the same time, it highlights the role of YEEB, the Cyprus Trade Center in London, and Invest Cyprus in attracting high-quality investments and strengthening the outward orientation of the Cypriot economy,’ it is noted.

Cyprus is currently home to a significant number of international technology companies, while the information and communications technology sector ranks among the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, further strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the press release concluded.

The Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, Michael Damianos, departs today, Wednesday, for Brussels and Luxembourg, where he will sign the final texts of two Regulations implementing the tariff aspects of the EU-US Joint Statement and will chair the Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy (Energy), as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to a statement, Damianos will co-sign tomorrow, Thursday, in Brussels, together with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the final texts of the two Regulations that complete the legislative process for the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement, which was agreed upon on August 21, 2025.

It is noted that the Regulations will contribute to maintaining stable and predictable trade relations between the two sides, while safeguarding the economic interests of the European Union.

It is added that on June 26, 2026, in Luxembourg, the Minister will chair the meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council (Energy), with the main item on the agenda being the pursuit of an agreement on the Council’s position (general approach) regarding the European Networks Package.

As stated, the Package aims to improve cross-border interconnectivity, promote electrification, and accelerate permitting procedures for energy networks, while strengthening the resilience and security of European energy infrastructure.

It is further noted that EU ?nergy ?inisters will also exchange views on the design of the Union’s post-2030 energy framework to achieve the 2040 climate target, as well as on the energy implications of developments in the Middle East and the coordination and response measures needed to ensure the Union’s energy security and supply adequacy.

The Council of the European Union on Wednesday agreed its negotiating position on the revision of the sustainability transparency framework for financial products marketed in the single market, with the aim of reducing administrative burdens for market participants and making it easier for investors to understand and compare sustainable finance products.

According to a Council press release, the revision concerns the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which has been in force since 2021 and sets out how financial market participants must disclose information on environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and impacts.

In a statement cited in the press release, Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, said that updating and simplifying the rules will enable financial market participants to communicate their sustainability efforts more clearly, while allowing investors to understand and compare related financial products more easily.

Above all, the Minister added, the review will make a significant contribution to creating a more integrated single market by supporting investments that enhance the EU’s competitiveness as well as its environmental and social objectives.

The position adopted by the Council constitutes its negotiating mandate for the launch of talks with the European Parliament on the revised SFDR Regulation, once the Parliament has established its own position.