Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 23/06/2026 UNTIL 1200 24/06/2026

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

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

Cyprus recorded a 13.5% decrease in road deaths between 2019 and 2025, the 12th largest in the EU-27, according to the 20th annual published today by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), also noting, however, that in 2025, Cyprus saw a 9.8% increase in road traffic fatalities.

In terms of road deaths per capita, the report notes that Cyprus dropped to 16th place among the 27 EU member states in 2025, down from 14th place in 2024, while Cyprus recorded a road fatality rate per capita of 46 in 2025, with the EU-27 rate standing at 43.

Furthermore, Cyprus has recorded a significantly better reduction in serious injuries during the period 2015-2025, at 29.2%, which was the 7th highest in the EU24

The report published today presents general road safety data as of the end of 2025 for the 27 member states of the European Union (EU27), as well as for Switzerland, Norway, Serbia, and the United Kingdom.

As noted, the Road Safety PIN program marks its 20th anniversary this year since its launch in 2006. Over the course of these two decades, it has become one of the most influential road safety tools, comparing the performance of the 31 participating countries, with the 20th annual report assessing progress toward achieving the EU’s goal of reducing both road deaths and serious injuries by 50% from 2020 to 2030, and reviews recent developments in EU policies that will help determine whether the target is being met.

‘It is estimated that around 19,500 people lost their lives on the roads of the EU-27 in 2025 and more than 100,000 were seriously injured. Unfortunately, there was only a very small decrease in fatalities-just 2.3%-compared to 2024. Cyprus recorded a 9.8% increase,’ the report notes.

It is added that compared to 2019-the base year for the 2030 European target-only 24 of the 31 countries participating in the RIN recorded a decrease in road traffic fatalities by 2025, while the remaining 7 saw an increase in road fatalities.

It is noted that during this period, there was only a 14.6% reduction in road fatalities in the EU-27, a figure that falls far short of the 31% reduction that would have been required to meet the EU’s target of a 50% reduction by 2030, with Cyprus recording a 13.5% decrease in road fatalities during this period, which was the 12th largest in the EU-27.

‘Despite slow progress, more than 31,000 lives have been saved in the EU-27 over the past decade. And if the reduction in road fatalities had been in line with the 2030 target, an additional 42,900 lives would have been saved. The ETSC estimates the additional economic benefit to European societies at pound 77 billion,’ the report notes.

It is also stated that the EU-27 recorded a 20.2% reduction in traffic fatalities over the past decade, while Cyprus achieved a 21.1% reduction-the 16th largest-while in terms of traffic fatalities per capita, Cyprus fell to 16th place among the 27 EU member states in 2025, down from 14th place in 2024. Cyprus also recorded a road fatality rate per capita of 46 in 2025, while the EU-27 rate was 43.

‘The reduction in serious road injuries during the 2015-2025 period in the 24 EU member states (EU24) that provided data was even more modest. During this period, a decrease of only 12.9% was recorded. Cyprus has recorded a significantly better reduction in serious injuries during this period, at 29.2%, which was the 7th highest in the EU24,’ the report continues

According to the report, the annual ‘2026 Road Safety PIN Award’ is presented to Denmark for its long-standing progress in road safety, which reduced road fatalities by 31.7% from 2019 to 2025-the second-best performance in the EU27. Furthermore, in 2025, Denmark ranked third highest in the EU-27 in terms of road fatalities per capita, with a rate of 23.

‘The EU is moving at two speeds when it comes to road safety. Some countries are moving toward achieving the goal of a 50% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by the end of the decade, while most countries appear to be falling short, and the EU as a whole is off track. ‘None of this is inevitable; it reflects the choices made by governments,’ the ETSC points out.

The report sets out a series of recommendations from the ETSC to the member states and the European Commission.

Specifically, it calls on member states to adopt and implement the ‘Safe System’ approach for road safety, managing all elements of the road transport system in an integrated manner and adopting an approach of shared overall responsibility and accountability between system designers and road users.

It also recommends seeking to accelerate progress by all available means, including the implementation of proven-effective strategies for enforcing relevant laws, in accordance with the European Commission’s Recommendation on Law Enforcement (2004/345), as well as the provision of adequate public funding to enable the establishment of targeted measures and the introduction of procedures for funding and providing incentives at the regional and local levels.

Furthermore, it recommends accelerating the collection of data on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) included in the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 and setting specific quantitative targets.

Accordingly, it calls on to the European Commission that, following the adoption of the ‘Safe System’ approach in the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030, to ensure that this approach is implemented in a comprehensive manner, in coordination with all Directorates-General (DGs) of the European Commission, as well as the creation of a new European Agency to support safe, smart, and sustainable transport.

Regarding the implementation of the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021 -2030 on Road Safety, it recommends scaling up road safety actions in light of the conclusions of the interim evaluation report on the framework’s implementation and continuing to support Member States in collecting harmonized data on KPIs and on serious injuries classified as MAIS3+ according to hospital criteria.

It also recommends encouraging Member States, through a formal European recommendation, to set safe speed limits in accordance with the ‘Safe System’ approach, for the various road categories, such as 30 km/h for urban roads, 70 km/h for rural roads without a median strip, and a maximum speed of 120 km/h or less on highways, as well as the implementation of best practices in law enforcement (police patrols).

On Tuesday, MEPs supported the mobilisation of the European Solidarity Fund to help Romania, Cyprus and Spain following severe floods and wildfires in 2025.

MEPs in the Budgets Committee supported the release of pound 144.1 million in EU aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), by 31 votes, 0 against, and no abstentions. The money is to help Romania, Cyprus and Spain after natural disasters that took place in these countries in 2025.

Romania (flooding): pound 14.34 million.

Cyprus (wildfires): pound 9.21 million.

Spain (wildfires): pound 120.55 million.

Spain and Cyprus have already received advance payments (pound 30 million and pound 2.3 million respectively) to support their initial recovery efforts. The Commission based the proposed amounts on the scale of the damage reported by each country, assessed in line with the fund’s rules and the resources available.

In Cyprus, two major wildfires in July 2025 affected the Limassol and Paphos regions, displacing thousands of residents, killing two people and destroying nearly 900 private properties, while also disrupting education and healthcare services. Romania experienced severe flooding in May and June 2025 following days of heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage across several regions, including to the Praid Salt Mine, where floodwaters compromised critical infrastructure and triggered widespread power outages. Spain faced prolonged drought, intense heatwaves and several major wildfire outbreaks throughout 2025, with the most destructive fires beginning in August 2025 and forcing mass evacuations and causing the death of eight people.

MEPs, in the draft report, highlight the increasing number of severe, destructive and deadly natural disasters in Europe and call on EU countries and the Commission to invest in adaptation measures to avoid deaths and economic losses.

Background

Since its creation in 2002, the EUSF has provided more than pound 10 billion in support for 147 disaster events, including 127 natural disasters and 20 public health emergencies, across 25 EU member states and six accession countries. The 2025 wildfire season stands out as the most destructive on record. The mobilisation of the EUSF requires approval by Parliament and Council, with a plenary vote expected in July 2026. Once approved, the assistance will be disbursed in a single payment to the countries concerned.

ERB ASFALISTIKI supports the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard in promoting road safety

ERB ASFALISTIKI, the largest General Insurance Company in Cyprus and a member of Eurobank, the leading banking and insurance Group in the island, is proudly continuing, for the 11th consecutive year, its close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, reinforcing initiatives related to social responsibility and prevention, and supporting actions that enhance the road safety of National Guard conscripts. The company remains firmly committed to the philosophy of ‘Observe-Anticipate-Act’, positively contributing to the cultivation of responsible road behaviour.

With the slogan « Let’s not let our dreams fall apart! », a special event was held on 19 June at the Head Offices of the ERB Cyprus Group. During the event, ERB ASFALISTIKI and the Ministry of Defence honoured ten National Guardsmen who made extensive use of the Free Bus Travel Plan.

In recognition of their consistent dedication, each National Guardsman received an honorary plaque and a tablet. This initiative aims to further encourage soldiers to make use of the scheme, thereby contributing meaningfully to reducing the risks associated with their daily transportation.

At the event, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Vassilis Palmas, the CEO of ERB CYPRUS INSURANCE HOLDINGS Group, Mr. Takis Phidia and the General Manager of ERB ASFALISTIKI, Mr. Andreas C. Stylianou gave welcoming speeches, stressing the importance of road safety.

ERB ASFALISTIKI, a powerful ‘Force of Safety’ standing by society, continues to implement initiatives that promote prevention and safety. Providing substantial support to the National Guard for the protection of its soldiers.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 23/06/2026 UNTIL 1800 24/06/2026

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.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

Cyprus is among the 17 European Union member states that will be covered by the new Horizontal Air Transport Agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan, which was signed in Brussels.

According to a press release published on Tuesday by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), the agreement is expected to enhance connectivity between the European Union and Kazakhstan by allowing any eligible EU airline to operate flights between Kazakhstan and any of the 17 member states that do not already have bilateral air services agreements with the country.

According to DG MOVE, the agreement replaces restrictions contained in existing bilateral agreements under which air services could only be provided by airlines owned or controlled by nationals of the respective Member State or Kazakhstan.

The European Union and Kazakhstan will now proceed with the completion of their respective internal ratification procedures so that the agreement can enter into force in the near future.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou highlighted the progress achieved during the Cyprus Presidency on issues concerning the future of European agriculture, support for farmers, and negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Following the conclusion of the second day of the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council under the Cyprus Presidency, held on Tuesday in Luxembourg, the Minister stated that over the past six months the Presidency had worked to strengthen the resilience, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the European agricultural sector.

She noted that the work of the Cyprus Presidency focused on supporting farmers, enhancing food security, and keeping agriculture at the core of the European Union’s strategic autonomy at a time marked by climate pressures, market volatility and international uncertainty.

Referring to Tuesday’s Council meeting, the Minister said that the latest market developments and their potential implications for European agriculture were discussed. According to her, despite the overall resilience of EU agricultural markets, challenges related to input costs, extreme weather events and animal health issues remain.

She stressed that ministers agreed on the need to remain vigilant and ready to act whenever necessary.

The future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027 was also a central topic of discussion. According to Panayiotou, ministers exchanged views on the need to strike the right balance between greater flexibility for Member States and the preservation of the CAP’s common European objectives.

She underlined that the discussion highlighted the need for a simpler and less bureaucratic CAP that would allow farmers to focus more on production and less on administrative procedures.

The Minister noted that the future CAP should continue to support farm incomes, strengthen food security, ensure fair competition and take into account the differing needs of agricultural systems across Member States.

She also stated that the Cyprus Presidency is handing over the Council Presidency to Ireland, expressing confidence that the work initiated over the past six months will continue with the objective of building a more resilient, competitive and sustainable European agricultural sector.

Balance between common objectives and national specificities

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During the press conference, the Agriculture Minister was asked to comment on the fact that proposed amendments would make certain CAP interventions optional for Member States.

In response, the Minister stated that the primary objective is to maintain a balance between common European objectives and the specific needs of member states.

She stressed that the CAP should remain a common policy for the entire European Union while also taking into account the different conditions and specific circumstances prevailing in each Member State.

Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI), through its Trade Centre in Paris, participated for a second consecutive year in the international technology and innovation fair VivaTech 2026, held in Paris from 17 to 20 June 2026, boosting the country’s profile as an emerging regional hub for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

A Ministry press release on Tuesday said this year’s edition – marking VivaTech’s tenth anniversary – displayed record participation, attracting over 200,000 visitors from 165 countries, more than 15,000 startups, 4,500 exhibitors (61% from abroad) and 1,155 speakers.

Central themes of the fair, which was attended by figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, included artificial intelligence and productivity, green technology, space and deep tech, it added.

The Trade Centre organised and coordinated Cyprus’ information pavilion, which featured five innovative Cypriot companies. The companies presented their technological solutions, drawing interest from the professional audience, including representatives of major international groups, and made significant contacts.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Cyprus’ successful presence at VivaTech 2026 “confirms the importance of international networking and outward-looking promotion for further development of the innovation sector.”

It forms part of MECI’s broader efforts to promote the country as an emerging digital and technology hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe and to attract high-value investment, the press release concluded.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 23/06/2026 UNTIL 0600 24/06/2026

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

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in cooperation with the European Commission, is organising in Paphos on 25-26 June 2026 the High-level conference “Strengthening islands and coastal communities of the European Union” with the participation of President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Commissioners, ministers from the Republic and other EU member states, and officials from European institutions.

According to a statement from the Cyprus Presidency Secretariat, the Conference in Paphos will include the presentation of the Commission’s two new, comprehensive strategies for islands and coastal areas by Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto and the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.

The event will mark the adoption of the EU strategies for Islands and Coastal Communities, presenting the European Commission’s vision to strengthen economic competitiveness and diversification, support the sustainable blue economy, respond to climate change, enhance resilience and connectivity, and foster inclusive and vibrant communities while promoting the right to stay in these territories.

The conference will provide a platform for high-level policy dialogue on how EU policies, programmes and national strategies can better address the specific challenges and opportunities of island and coastal regions across the Union.

On the afternoon of 25 June, participants will tour an area of Paphos with co-financed projects, from Grigori Afxentiou Street to Khan Ibrahim.

The Conference proceedings will take place on 26 June, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with addresses by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of Malta. A group photograph will be taken at 10:30 a.m. The Conference will conclude at 1:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the Cyprus Presidency’s YouTube channel.