Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and a bipartisan delegation of four US Congress members stressed the importance of the steadily strengthening strategic relationship between Cyprus and the United States during a meeting held on Saturday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.

According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, the US lawmakers Nathaniel Moran, Jim Costa, Brendan Boyle and Craig Goldman, are visiting Cyprus to participate in the 91st Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue, taking place on June 19-20.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of further advancing the upgraded bilateral relationship within the framework of the strategic dialogue between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States.

President Christodoulides also referred to Cyprus’ efforts to further strengthen transatlantic relations, noting that this is one of the key priorities of the country’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“Discussions focused on Cyprus-US cooperation in the fields of energy, investment, defence and security. The two sides also reviewed developments in the Cyprus problem, the situation in the Middle East, and a range of regional and international issues,” Antoniou said.

The US Congress members, he added, praised the role of the Republic of Cyprus in promoting security and stability in the wider region.

In a post on X following the meeting, President Christodoulides described the talks as a ‘great exchange’ with a bipartisan delegation of US Congressmen on the ‘strong and ever-growing Cyprus-US strategic relationship, the enduring importance of the transatlantic partnership, and developments in our region.’

He added that, together with Representatives Nate Moran, Jim Costa, Brendan Boyle and Craig Goldman, they ‘reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthen the Cyprus-US partnership and deepen cooperation on shared priorities.’

Summer showers in Cyprus are a common seasonal phenomenon and are not linked to climate change, Meteorological Officer Andreas Chrysanthou, told CNA here on Saturday, noting this year’s summer is expected to be warm and dry, with no significant deviations from previous years.

In statements to the Cyprus News Agency, Chrysanthou said that studies by the Meteorological Department and the island’s climatology show that atmospheric instability at this time of year is “a very common phenomenon, particularly in the mountainous and interior regions,” where such conditions traditionally occur and may continue until mid-July.

He added that episodes of instability have even been recorded in August, stressing that “these summer showers are a common phenomenon, especially in the mountainous areas,” and should not be attributed to climate change.

According to Chrysanthou, the period from mid-July to mid-August is traditionally the hottest of the year in Cyprus, when atmospheric instability becomes limited due to the dry conditions prevailing over the island.

June will end with high temperatures

Referring to temperatures, he said that June is expected to end with values slightly above the seasonal average. While average maximum temperatures for the period are usually around 33-34 degrees in inland areas, this month is expected to conclude with averages of around 37 degrees.

Looking ahead, he said Cyprus is expected to experience a warm and dry summer, with the highest temperatures anticipated between mid-July and mid-August.

“During this period, we traditionally expect to reach 40 degrees again. We may even exceed 40 degrees this year in the interior areas. There are no trends indicating anything different,” he noted.

Weather until Wednesday

Regarding the weather over the coming days, Chrysanthou said temperatures are expected to rise gradually through Tuesday, accompanied by continued atmospheric fluctuations affecting mainly mountainous and inland areas.

He explained that although most parts of the island will experience mainly clear skies with occasional cloud cover, local showers and isolated thunderstorms remain possible in some inland areas, particularly on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

The instability is expected to persist until Wednesday before gradually subsiding, after which mainly clear weather is forecast.

Chrysanthou added that temperatures are expected to reach around 33 degrees in inland areas on Saturday before gradually increasing to between 35 and 37 degrees by Tuesday.

He also clarified that references to “interior areas” mainly concern the Mesaoria valley, where the flat terrain heats evenly and favours the rapid development of convective clouds and thunderstorms.

The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia is advancing plans to promote the region’s underwater archaeology and maritime cultural heritage, Mayor George Nicolettos has said. He also stressed efforts to establish a dedicated center that will present the area’s rich underwater history to residents and visitors.

Speaking to CNA following the recent presentation of the “Nissia Shipwreck,” one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in the region, Nicolettos described the wreck as a rare Ottoman-era vessel dating back to the 18th century.

Located at a depth of 28 meters in the Protaras Riviera bay, it is the only known shipwreck of its period in Cyprus and one of the few in the Eastern Mediterranean currently undergoing archaeological excavation.

According to the Mayor, the well-preserved wooden hull, along with cannons and other artifacts found on the seabed, provides valuable insights into shipbuilding, navigation, trade, and daily life during the Ottoman period.

‘The sea surrounding our area is a living repository of history,’ Nicolettos said, stressing that the protection and scientific study of underwater heritage sites are essential for preserving historical memory and passing it on to future generations.

As part of its broader strategy to highlight the municipality’s historical and archaeological assets, Paralimni-Deryneia is working with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and has submitted a request to the Department of Antiquities to examine the creation of a center dedicated to underwater archaeology and maritime heritage.

The municipality is also exploring funding opportunities for a comprehensive Maritime Culture Centre featuring digital reconstructions, interactive applications and immersive experiences designed to make the region’s maritime history accessible to residents, students, researchers and tourists.

In a further effort to boost tourism, Nicolettos announced the upcoming publication of a detailed diving guide showcasing local dive sites, their underwater history, marine life and cultural significance. The guide is expected to support the sustainable development of diving tourism while promoting responsible engagement with the marine environment.

The Mayor also highlighted the EU-funded ‘Thetis’ project, which focuses on protecting Europe’s coastal and underwater cultural heritage from climate change and natural disasters using advanced technologies, environmental monitoring and community engagement initiatives.

The situation regarding the spread of foot-and-mouth disease has stabilised, president of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Demetris Epaminondas, told CNA on Saturday, adding that adherence to biosecurity measures, the vaccinations that have been administered, and weather conditions will help stabilise the situation for a period of time until autumn.

Replying to a CNA question on the matter Epaminondas said no new positive cases have emerged from the tests conducted so far.

‘All samples taken from Limassol and the most recent ones from Nicosia were negative, and now a Cyprus-wide campaign will begin across all units, essentially surveillance, to check antibody levels from the vaccines and also to see if the virus is present elsewhere, where we did not detect it during our initial surveillance,’ he explained.

Asked about the progress of vaccinations, Epaminondas said that vaccinations are going ahead as normal throughout Cyprus, adding that, in view of the summer holidays for livestock farmers as well, vaccinations are expected to be completed, if not by the end of August, then by early to mid-September.

Asked whether there was a shortage of vaccines, the president of the Veterinary Association replied in the negative, adding that supplies are sufficient to complete the current vaccination cycle.

He added that the next shipment of vaccines for pigs is expected, at which time future needs for additional orders will be reassessed.

Regarding culls, he said that these have been completed at all facilities where they were mandated, with the exception of those granted exemptions-namely, for fat-tailed sheep and red cattle.

‘At this time, the situation has stabilised,’ commented Epaminondas, adding that the weather conditions prevailing during the summer reduce the virus’s ability to survive in the environment and, consequently, the chances of its transmission.

‘In combination with all the other measures being taken-namely, adherence to biosecurity measures, the vaccinations that have been administered, and weather conditions-this will certainly help stabilise the situation for a while and ensure we are ready for autumn,’ he further noted.

Finally, asked whether any organised effort had been launched to replace the animals that were culled, Epaminondas said that no such effort has been launched at this time, adding that this is a matter being handled by the Special Scientific Committee for the Reconstruction and Upgrading of the Livestock Sector.

‘If we remain at these numbers, we may need to import a small amount from abroad, but again, it will be very small-and may even be avoided,’ he concluded.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 20/06/2026 UNTIL 0600 21/06/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (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: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambides held on Friday a meeting with Cypriot MEP Loukas Fourlas, who is the rapporteur of the European Parliament’s Report on the healthcare workforce crisis.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Health, during the meeting, the Minister received the Report that was prepared jointly by the Health and Employment Committees of the European Parliament and will be brought to the EP Plenary for a vote in September.

The press release notes that the Report places particular emphasis on the need to adopt effective policies to attract and retain human resources, improve working conditions and create incentives for specialized health professionals to return to the sector.

It says that during the meeting held in the presence of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Elisabeth Constantinou, Fourlas presented the main conclusions and recommendations of the Report.

It is added that the Report highlights the challenges facing health systems in the European Union due to the lack of health professionals.

The Minister of Health stated that the conclusions and recommendations of the Report will be duly utilized and will be taken into account in the planning and implementation of policies concerning the health sector and its human resources.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the work and achievements of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union during a press conference on Friday following the conclusion of the European Council meeting in Brussels.

Addressing to President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, von der Leyen thanked the Cypriot team for its ‘hard work’, ‘skillful steering’ and the results it achieved throughout the Presidency.

The Commission President noted that the Cyprus Presidency took place during a particularly demanding period for the European Union, while also highlighting Cyprus role as a bridge to the Middle East.

She stressed that Nicosia’s contribution helped the EU maintain close engagement with the region at a time when dialogue was especially important.

Referring to the results of the Cyprus Presidency, von der Leyen pointed to progress on key European priorities, including support for Ukraine, the EU enlargement process, competitiveness, the simplification of European legislation, and the advancement of a common European returns system.

She made particular reference to enlargement, noting that progress had been achieved that, as she said, ‘had not been seen in years.’

Von der Leyen also welcomed the agreement reached on the revision of air passenger rights rules, describing it as the first major reform of the framework in two decades.

She congratulated President Christodoulides and the Cypriot team for their work, noting that they could be proud of the results achieved during the Cyprus Presidency.

Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris met with Alan Mitchell, President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), noting that the Ministry takes the observations and recommendations of international bodies seriously while Mitchell expressed his satisfaction with the briefing he received on measures currently underway.

A Justice Ministry statement says Mitchell is in Cyprus as a guest at an event organised by the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), in cooperation with the Council of Europe, to present and discuss the main findings and recommendations of the CPT’s report on its 2025 visit to Cyprus.

In a private meeting with the Minister, issues were discussed concerning detention conditions, the operation of the Prisons, staff working conditions, and broader matters related to the protection of the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, a Ministry press release said.

The Minister also informed the CPT President about actions in progress aimed at improving detention conditions at the Central Prisons, as well as the planning underway for the new Prisons project. Mitchell expressed his satisfaction with the open and substantive exchange of views with the Minister and with the update he received on ongoing measures.

Particular reference was made to projects and interventions being implemented or planned, both to address existing problems and to create a more modern, functional and secure detention framework, for the benefit of both inmates and staff.

Fytiris emphasised that the Ministry treats the observations and recommendations of international organisations with seriousness, noting that improving detention conditions is a matter of the rule of law, human dignity and institutional responsibility.

He also stressed that this effort is not limited to isolated interventions but forms part of an overall plan to upgrade the country’s penitentiary system.

European integration and a comprehensive European security framework remain incomplete while part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation, the European People’s Party (EPP) said in a statement after the Party’s summit in Brussels.

‘We reiterate the need to find a solution for the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with EU law, values and principles,’ it said.

The leaders of the EPP met in Brussels on Thursday, with the main objective of preparing the European Council taking place today and tomorrow in the Belgian capital.

The meeting was hosted by EPP President Manfred Weber and was attended, among others, by Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, as well as heads of state and government of other European Union countries, including Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Portugal, Finland, Croatia, Austria and Poland.

In a statement after the summit, the EPP said that the European Union ‘must evolve into a stronger geopolitical actor if it is to effectively defend its interests, values, and security in an increasingly contested global environment’. This requires moving towards greater political cohesion to advance common priorities in the areas of defence and enlargement, as well as being more assertive on the international stage against unfair market practices of third countries hindering its competitiveness, it said.

Regarding Defence, and Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, the political group referred to the outcome of the EPP Retreat in Zagreb in January 2026, noting that it is ‘committed to taking further steps’ on the application of Article 42(7).

It noted that Europe must further increase its responsibility for its own security and defence to become sovereign. It suggested the establishment of clear activation and consultation mechanisms among member states, the creation of a toolbox of commitments that can be provided – including cyber defence support and airspace protection -, and the introduction of a framework for exercises, strategic communication and for scenario-based forward planning.

‘Building on the progress achieved in the Council on SAFE, EDIP, military mobility and the Defence Readiness Omnibus, we call for the continued strengthening of the Union’s defence readiness’, it also said.

It also declared that they ‘strongly support’ the swift completion of the omnibus on defence, among other things.

The EPP also noted that European integration and a comprehensive European security framework ‘remain incomplete while part of Cyprus is under Turkish occupation’. ‘We reiterate the need to find a solution for the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with EU law, values and principles’, they said among other things.

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.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Today, the European Commission greenlighted Bulgaria’s fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.

The Commission found that Bulgaria has satisfactorily completed 23 out of 26 milestones and targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.

The reforms and investments tied to this payment request will drive positive change for citizens and businesses in areas such as anti-corruption, digitalisation of administrative justice, vocational education and training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, sustainable transport, decarbonisation and renewable energy, agriculture, and outpatient care.

Flagship measures in this payment request include: anti-corruption measures, including the adoption of legislation establishing a politically and financially independent Anti-corruption Commission for preventing and countering corruption among persons holding public office, and the introduction of rules to regulate lobbying activities; measures to decarbonise the energy sector, such as improving the corporate governance of state-owned energy companies through the restructuring of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) to avoid the risk of cross-subsidisation of coal-related activities and align its structure with Bulgaria’s future energy market needs, as well as the establishment of a National Fund for Decarbonisation to support energy efficiency; boosting renewable energy by supporting almost 1,400 solar domestic hot water systems or photovoltaic systems to produce electricity in households; and a new public service contract for public rail transport to improve quality, accessibility and passenger uptake alongside a modernised legal framework promoting zero- and low-emission transport, including new electric mobility rules and low-emission zones.

More information in the press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)

Support for EU accession remains high across enlargement partners, latest surveys show

Today, the European Commission published the results of the latest perception surveys on enlargement among citizens in the Western Balkans, Eastern Neighbourhood and Trkiye. The findings show that support for EU accession remains strong across the enlargement partners, with citizens continuing to associate closer ties with the European Union with greater security, economic opportunity and better prospects for younger generations.

Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said: ‘As the latest polls show, citizens across our enlargement partners are clear about what closer ties with the European Union mean in practice: stronger peace and security, wider economic opportunities, and better prospects for the next generation’.

In candidate countries and potential candidates, surveys show that EU accession continues to enjoy public support, although levels of support vary among countries. In the Western Balkans, support is strongest in Albania (92%) and Kosovo (83%). More than 60% of respondents in Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also in favour of joining the EU, while support in Serbia stands at 31%. Expectations about the timing for accession have grown significantly in Montenegro, where 62% believe that the country will join the EU in the next five years, compared to 39% in 2025. In the Eastern Neighbourhood, support for EU accession stands at 71% in Georgia, 65% in Ukraine and 58% in Moldova. In Trkiye, 46% of respondents expressed support for EU membership.

The perception surveys were conducted through face-to-face interviews between February and April 2026. A sample of around 1,000 individuals per partner country and 2,400 individuals in Trkiye, was selected using a two-stage stratified sampling design method. The results will help inform the Commission’s outreach and engagement with the public in partner countries. They will also support the Commission’s communication on progress in the enlargement process, including as part of the annual enlargement reporting cycle.

More information on the results of the perception surveys can be found online.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel. +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16)

EU delivers pound 34 million in immediate support to Armenia as announced by President von der Leyen

Today, the European Commission has disbursed pound 34 million to Armenia to help mitigate the impact of Russia’s trade restrictions on the country’s private sector. Just two weeks after President von der Leyen’s call with Prime Minister Pashinyan, the EU is delivering swiftly on its commitments to support Armenia and its people.

This financial assistance is the first tranche of a broader package announced by President von der Leyen, which also includes trade facilitation and solidarity measures to strengthen Armenia’s economic resilience.

Building on the commitments made at the EU-Armenia Summit last month, the EU and Armenia will continue working together to strengthen business ties and expand market access for Armenian producers. Additional support will be provided to sectors affected by the trade restrictions, including agri-food products, flower production and other export-oriented industries, through trade initiatives, business matchmaking events and targeted market access initiatives. The EU-Armenia Task Force on Economic Resilience continues to meet regularly to steer and monitor the implementation of these measures.

Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said: ‘The EU stands firmly with Armenia – a sovereign, democratic and independent country. Today’s support will help address immediate economic challenges while opening new opportunities for Armenian businesses to trade with regional and European markets. This is European solidarity in action’.

On 5 July, Commissioner Kos will travel to Armenia to advance the implementation of the support package and discuss further steps to strengthen EU-Armenia cooperation.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel. +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16)

Commission selects EUROPA consortium as winner of the Frontier AI Grand Challenge, a project to build European open-source frontier AI model in all 24 EU languages

The European Commission has selected EUROPA, a European consortium led by the Italian company Domyn, as the winner of its Frontier AI Grand Challenge. The project will develop an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model covering all 24 official EU languages.

The Commission chose EUROPA to help strengthen Europe’s capacity to develop advanced AI on its own infrastructure. The project also shows that Europe has the talent, infrastructure and industrial capacity to build advanced AI systems.

EUROPA’s model will be openly available and designed to perform at the forefront of global AI capabilities. It will help ensure that more people and organisations across the Union can benefit from advances in AI, making advanced AI more accessible to businesses, researchers and public institutions across Europe’s linguistic diversity.

Launched in February 2026, the Frontier AI Grand Challenge invited Europe’s leading AI innovators to propose a model with more than 400 billion parameters, a scale associated with the world’s most advanced AI systems.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: ‘Europe can lead in advanced AI on its own terms. EUROPA will build a frontier European AI model in all 24 EU languages, showing that we can match the best while staying true to our values. This is about strengthening Europe’s ability to shape AI’s future with openness, trust and strategic autonomy at its core.’

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. +32 2 299 27 17)

Joint statement by European Commission and High Representative ahead of World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, we will recognise the strength and resilience of the more than 117 million people displaced globally. Forced from their homes by conflict, persecution, violence and human rights violations, they continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage in rebuilding their lives and contributing to the communities that welcome them.

As the world’s leading humanitarian donor, the EU and its Member States support refugees, asylum seekers and host communities, while promoting international protection standards, access to essential services and durable solutions. Through its international partnerships, including with the United Nations, the EU works to address the root causes of displacement and strengthen stability in crisis-affected regions and encourages other regions to do the same. In 2025, the number of displaced people worldwide fell for the first time in a decade, pointing towards the importance of this approach.

President von der Leyen co-hosts EU-Moldova Summit in Brussels

On Monday, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa will host the second EU-Moldova Summit. Together with President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, they will take stock of the significant progress achieved in EU-Moldova relations and discuss the next steps in Moldova’s EU accession process following the opening of negotiations on the so-called ‘fundamentals cluster’. This cluster covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, notably the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions.

Days after the opening of these historic negotiations with Moldova, as well as Ukraine, the Summit with Moldova will send another strong signal of the EU’s continued commitment to the country’s European path. Leaders will discuss progress in implementing Moldova’s Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan, which has already unlocked pound 504 million in EU funds. The Summit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest, including connectivity, energy, education, people-to-people contacts between Europeans and Moldovans, and defence against hybrid threats.

President von der Leyen and President Costa, together with President Sandu, will deliver opening remarks at 11:45 CEST. Following the Summit, they will hold a joint press conference at +/-14:30 CEST, livestreamed on EBS.

(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel. +32 2 298 56 91; Markus Lammert – Tel. +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel. +32 2 296 27 16)

Commissioner Síkela visits Brazil to strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials, transport and digital

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela will visit Brazil from 19 to 24 June to advance the European Union’s strategic partnership with Brazil under Global Gateway.

The Commissioner’s visit seeks to strengthen mutual cooperation on sustainable infrastructure, critical raw materials, clean energy, digital connectivity and transport. It comes in the context of the EU-Mercosur Agreement, which will create new opportunities for European companies with the support of the Global Gateway strategy.

In São Paulo, the Commissioner will visit the Metro Line 6 construction project, the largest infrastructure project currently under construction in Latin America. It significantly improves the city’s mobility, and is being built by a consortium of European companies. He will also hold discussions with European companies and financial institutions active in Brazil.

In Minas Gerais, he will visit the Viridis rare earths mining site and demonstration plant. This project is one of the four priority projects selected to accelerate EU-Brazil collaboration on secure and sustainable supply chains. In Rio de Janeiro, he will open the EU-supported Future Affairs Forum, announced by High Representative Kaja Kallas during her visit to Brazil in September 2025. The Forum serves as an EU-Brazil forum to deepen mutual partnership on digital transformation and technology. The Commissioner will also meet with Aloizio Mercadante, President of the Brazilian Development Bank.

In Brasília, the Commissioner will open the 2nd EU-Brazil Investment Forum together with Geraldo Alckmin, Vice-President of Brazil. He will also hold a number of meetings with senior representatives of the Brazilian government, including Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira, and Minister of Presidency, Miriam Belchior.

Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

EU, Canada and China host major annual meeting on climate action with G20 countries and United Nations partners

On Monday and Tuesday, 22 and 23 June, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, Canada’s Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Julie Dabrusin, and China’s Minister for Ecology and Environment, Huang Runqiu, co-convene the 10th Ministerial on Climate Action, in Brussels. Taking place a few days after the Bonn Climate Change Conference, this is a major annual meeting on international climate action, and an important milestone towards COP31 in November. It is attended by ministers from the G20 group of countries and other key parties in the UN climate negotiations.

Commissioner Hoekstra will deliver opening remarks together with the other two co-chairs. Following the opening speeches, thematic sessions will focus on key political issues for COP31. On Monday, ministers will discuss the multilateral process and expectations for the upcoming UN climate negotiations. They will also exchange on climate finance, how to accelerate global climate action and deliver on ambition and implementation. On Tuesday, discussions will be dedicated to enabling a just transition and strengthening international climate cooperation, followed by concluding remarks by the co-chairs.

You can follow the opening session live on EBS and find more information on the Commissioner’s agenda online.