Category: Cyprus News Agency

The European Union is the answer to the challenges of our times, Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said Saturday in a post on X on Europe Day.

Noting that it has been 76 years since the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European project, Kombos notes that in the years following the devastation caused by the Second World War, Europe’s visionaries looked towards the future. ‘They bequeathed to us the idea of European integration, economic cooperation and political partnership’, he said.

The Republic of Cyprus, he said, ‘as the current rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, is contributing to this effort and is working towards strengthening cooperation’, ‘for an Autonomous Union, Open to the World’ and for a more competitive and enlarged EU and with the Republic of Cyprus ‘actively participating, acting and remaining steadfastly supportive of the European Union’. ‘For all European citizens, for our present and our future. For a Cyprus, reunited, free and prosperous, founded on European principles, values and the acquis Communautaire’, he concludes.

The report by Fitch Ratings reaffirming the Republic of Cyprus’ rating at investment grade A- with a positive outlook constitutes yet another distinct and independent confirmation of the sound economic policy pursued by the Government, which safeguards the stability and continued growth of the Cypriot economy, Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos said Saturday.

In a written statement, Keravnos welcomed ‘with particular satisfaction’ the Fitch report, noting that it comes ‘as a continuation of many positive assessments of the Cypriot economy by international rating agencies in recent years’.

In an international economic and geopolitical environment experiencing instability due to the ongoing wars, and given the potential risks to the global economy, with serious repercussions also for the economy of the EU and, consequently, Cyprus, he said, ‘it is indeed particularly encouraging for Cyprus’ small and open economy that international credit rating agencies such as Fitch certify the resilience of the Cypriot economy and maintain its creditworthiness at investment grade level while keeping its outlook unchanged’.

The Minister assured that the Government would consistently continue its economic policy, which, he said, is based on fiscal discipline, the reduction of public debt, and a balanced development policy that supports businesses and households ‘by creating a favourable climate for investment, making the Cypriot economy resilient in managing crises and providing the tools that enable the Government to implement targeted social policies supporting citizens and vulnerable social groups’.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance described Fitch’s rating as ‘particularly encouraging’, considering, it said, ‘the particularly difficult and volatile environment’ in which Cyprus’ economy currently operates.

‘This indicates that despite changes in international circumstances, the prospects of the economy of the Republic of Cyprus remain positive,’ the Ministry of Finance said in its own statement.

The Republic of Cyprus, it said, will continue to implement a prudent fiscal and macroeconomic policy, such as that followed in recent years, which allows the state to retain sufficient tools to manage international crises and implement policies aimed at economic stability and growth, as well as socially sensitive policies targeting the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Cyprus marked Europe Day with an official flag-raising ceremony in Nicosia on Saturday, where officials highlighted the need for deeper EU integration and greater strategic autonomy amid ongoing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.

‘The answer is, and always remains, more Europe, more integration, for a more independent and strategically autonomous Union,’ said Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, delivering a message on behalf of the President of the Republic during the ceremony.

The event took place at the Old Town Hall of Nicosia, with the participation of House President Annita Demetriou, Labour Minister Marinos Moushiouttas, diplomats, representatives of EU institutions, and other officials.

In her speech, Raouna underlined the significance of May 9 as Europe Day, describing it as a reminder of the EU’s founding principles and values. She stressed that citizens ‘honour everything the European Union represents as our common home,’ including democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and equality.

She described the European Union as an ‘unparalleled historical achievement,’ noting that 76 years after the Schuman Declaration, it remains a unique structure of peace, security, prosperity, stability and progress. She also pointed to current global tensions, reiterating that the appropriate response to today’s challenges is ‘more Europe, more integration, for a more independent and strategically autonomous Union.’

Raouna also referred to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, saying that for six months ‘the heart of Europe beats stronger in its southeasternmost corner, in the EU’s last remaining divided member state.’ She said Cyprus is working systematically and effectively to promote EU strategic autonomy across defence, security, energy and the economy.

She further addressed the Cyprus problem, stating that ‘true European integration cannot exist without the reunification of the EU’s last divided member state.’ She added that EU membership remains ‘our strongest asset’ in efforts to end the occupation and reach a viable and functional settlement.

EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis described Europe Day as a ‘particularly important moment,’ highlighting the Union’s foundational principles: peace, democracy, solidarity, respect for human rights and international law. He warned that the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and wider geopolitical pressures underline the need for unity and resilience. He also pointed to the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring stability, freedom, security and prosperity for EU citizens.

Kadis further referred to EU maritime policy, noting that the recently adopted European Ocean Pact provides a coherent framework for ocean governance. He announced that two strategies, on coastal communities and island regions, will be presented in Cyprus in June as part of the country’s EU Presidency agenda.

The Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, Thea Pieridou, said Europe Day reflects a shared European journey and history. She noted that the ceremony carried particular symbolic weight in Nicosia, ‘a city that remains divided,’ adding that this contrast makes the moment even more meaningful. She expressed hope that the EU’s message of peace could also contribute to a lasting settlement in Cyprus.

She also referred to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola’s recent remarks that ‘Cyprus is not and will never be alone,’ and that its security is closely linked to the security of the European Union as a whole.

Earlier, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos described the Davila Bastion where Nicosia’s Old Town Hall is located, as a symbolic meeting point between past and future, noting the EU’s key role in transforming the capital.

‘The capital of Cyprus is the last divided capital in Europe,’ he added, calling it a living symbol of the need for reunification, peace and reconciliation.

The ceremony concluded with the raising of the European Union flag at the Old Town Hall courtyard, accompanied by the EU anthem, ‘Ode to Joy,’ performed by the Cyprus Police Philharmonic Orchestra.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 09/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 10/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

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

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, locally at first West to Northwest 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

South Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually locally Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually locally Southwest to West 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, later Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest 3, gradually West to Northwest Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally Northwest to North Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3, locally at first Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Aspects of Cyprus’ history and culture were showcased in Brussels, as part of the celebration of Europe Day on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union was at the center of the celebrations held at the Justus Lipsius building of the Council of the EU in Brussels, with the support of the Press and Information Office (PIO) and the Cyprus Handicraft Service.

The presiding country, Cyprus, presented folk songs performed by a Cypriot music group to citizens from all countries who flooded the ‘House of the Member States.’ A Lefkara lace embroiderer was also present, showcasing the craft that inspired the logo of the Cyprus Presidency. Throughout the day, thousands of people of all nationalities and ages living in Brussels visited the Council premises.

The Europe Day event was also attended by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who began his tour of the stands of all 27 member states from that of the presiding country, Cyprus. The President was welcomed and given a tour by Cyprus’ Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, George Ioannides. President Costa showed particular interest in the ‘Myths of Cyprus’ exhibition, its history and culture, the Cypriot embroidery that inspired the ‘soulful’ logo of the Cyprus Presidency, and the solidarity shown by Cyprus as the presiding country toward Ukraine through the distribution of informational material at its stand.

A major feature of the Cyprus stand was the ‘Myths of Cyprus,’ which brought iconic figures of Cypriot myths to life in the heart of Europe, such as Digenis, Rigaina, and Sierolotta. Through rich printed material and the use of virtual reality (VR), visitors had the opportunity to discover the heroes of Cypriot mythology, revived through the short film series ‘The Myths of Cyprus,’ produced by the Press and Information Office.

Cyprus’ musical tradition echoed throughout the Council building with traditional songs including ‘Agapisa Tin Pou Karkias,’ ‘T’ Ammathkia Ta Yiallourika,’ ‘Foni Avkoritissa,’ ‘To Yiasemin,’ and ‘Eipa Sou Htenistou Llion,’ performed by folk singer Nikoletta Demetriou and musicians Kyriakos Markoullis on lute and Christina Polykarpou on lyra.

Visitors at the Cyprus stand were especially drawn to Lefkara lace embroiderer Natali Kyrmizi, who gave a live demonstration of the craft that inspired the logo of the Cyprus Presidency. Lefkara embroideries were exhibited alongside presentations on the history of the logo.

The stand also showcased Cyprus’ natural beauty and tourism product through various short films, while visitors were given a taste of the island’s culinary delights by sampling traditional pasteli made with carob syrup.

The pursuit and goal of an autonomous, independent Union, open to the world, is directly linked to the education system, President Nikos Christodoulides, said Saturday in his address at an event celebrating Europe Day. He also announced 93 scholarships awarded by universities in Cyprus.

The event was organised at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, and was also addressed by the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna.

Six universities in Cyprus responded to the call of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and are offering a total of 93 scholarships (4 full and 89 partial) for the academic year 2026-2027, the President said.

‘The scholarships are addressed, as they should, to Cypriot and European citizens, based on the criteria set by each university, and constitute practical proof of our European identity, but also significant support for the new generation in accessing knowledge,’ he noted.

‘Today is a day of celebration, a day of particular symbolic character as we celebrate Europe Day. It is, at the same time, a day of deeper significance, since, among many other things, it reminds us of the fundamental values of unity, cooperation and solidarity that constitute our common European project’, he said.

‘We are at an historic juncture and moment for our country’, President Christodoulides said, noting that from 1 January 2026, the Republic of Cyprus is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in its history. For six months, he added, ‘our country has been at the centre of European developments, coordinating policies, bridging differing views and, successfully, taking into account the results of our Presidency so far, of which we are proud, contributing to decision-making that affects hundreds of millions of citizens.’

At the same time, he noted, the Cyprus Presidency is taking place in a period of major geopolitical upheavals, technological transformations and major challenges for European security, competitiveness and democratic stability.

He underlined that ‘the message of our Presidency is clear and unambiguous, it is more timely than ever, as demonstrated by daily developments: An autonomous Union, an independent Europe, open to the world’.

‘This is a clear and unambiguous message about how we envision the European Union, the need for a Union that strengthens its cohesion, resilience and competitiveness. A Union that invests in knowledge, innovation, science and sustainable development’, the President said, expressing the strong belief that ‘this internal strengthening, the further integration and achievement of the goal and strategy of autonomy, that is, goes hand in hand with but also strengthens its extroverted face and its position as a reliable, international partner’.

‘We are therefore working for a Europe open to the world that creates ties, builds bridges, cultivates partnerships, promotes dialogue and embraces diversity. A Europe that respects and accepts diversity, that breaks down walls and opens new paths and perspectives’, he stressed.

‘It is in this context that our pursuit and goal of an autonomous, independent Union, open to the world, is directly linked to our education system,’ he pointed out, adding that ‘in order to build precisely the Europe that we envision and deserve, we need young people who think critically, who innovate, who collaborate and respect diversity in a multicultural environment.’

In the field of Education, President Christodoulides said, ‘we are investing in basic skills, innovation and collaboration, while strengthening programmes with particular added value, such as Erasmus+, but also supporting the role of teachers in an era of rapid change.’

In her address, the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, noted that the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency concern the development of an inclusive, high-quality and future-oriented European education area.

‘We adopt actions and plans that develop basic skills, strengthen cooperation, inclusion and the student-centred approach, not as theoretical concepts, but as experiences that are lived within the school and strengthen its role as a space for creation, participation and respect for diversity’, she noted.

In the same context, she said, ‘we promote a more inclusive Erasmus+ Program, so that all learners have equal opportunities for participation and learning experiences in Europe’.

‘We recognise the decisive role of our teachers, who with dedication and professionalism guide and inspire children. In a constantly changing environment, we actively support their empowerment, so that they can carry out their work with security and confidence’, she added.

To the same extent, she said, ‘we strengthen Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training, as key pillars of sustainable development and social cohesion’. To this end, she added, ‘among other things, we are incorporating innovative approaches to teaching and learning, upgrading curricula and investing in modern logistical infrastructures, so that our youth can respond to modern challenges.’

In her address, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, said that on May 9 ‘we celebrate our great European family, and we honour everything that the European Union represents and everything that makes us proud as European citizens’.

Noting that Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Raouna pointed out that ‘for six months, Cyprus is the voice of all 27 member states and this in itself is a source of pride but also an enormous responsibility, which we, as Government, have undertaken with full awareness of the importance of this national mission’.

‘Since 1 January 2026, therefore, the heart of Europe beats from its southeasternmost tip, from the last occupied Member State of the European Union, proving again and again that Cyprus may be geographically located on the periphery of the EU, but in terms of its substantive contribution to the European project, it is at its core’, she underlined.

Cyprus, she added, is ‘exercising the Presidency of the Council of the EU as a reliable and beneficial Member State, which negotiates consensual solutions in the common European interest and which works tirelessly, methodically and effectively under the vision of an ‘Autonomous Union, Open to the World’ to achieve greater autonomy for the EU in all areas, for even more opportunities for our young men and women – in education, employment, innovation and research’.

Raouna also said that there was ‘nothing more fitting’ than celebrating Europe Day together with youth. The very idea of Europe is closely linked to youth because it is synonymous with the future, with innovative thinking, imaginative ideas, creativity, progress, evolution and renewal, she said.

The future of Moldova is European, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday, following a meeting with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu in Chisinau, the the first ever official visit by a Cypriot President to the country.

Sandu said Moldova admires Cyprus’ path, expressing the position that her country deserves the same chance for stability, prosperity and peace and that the EU accession is the most important project for her country which proceeds to numerous reforms towards that end.

President Christodoulides paid an official visit to Moldova on Saturday, where he met with his Mold?van counterpart Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace.

Following the official welcoming ceremony, the two Presidents held a meeting, followed by remarks to the media.

In his remarks, according to an announcement by the Presidency, President Christodoulides said, noted that this was his first visit to the country, and one made during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

He called President Sandu ‘a true European’, noting that she represents the resilience and strength of the Moldovan people.

‘And today, on May 9, as we celebrate the creation of the European Union – the greatest political project that continues to grow, integrate, inspire – we also celebrate the courage, strength, and perseverance of the Moldovan people’, he said, adding that the heart of the European vision, as captured by the great European founders ‘is alive and thriving here in Moldova’.

It is no coincidence, he said, that this first official bilateral visit to the country by a Cypriot President takes place on Europe day. He also said that it was no coincidence for two main reasons.

‘The first is that Cyprus has placed Enlargement at the core of the Cyprus Presidency. Our guiding vision is for an ‘Autonomous Union, Open to the World’; and an integral part of European strategic autonomy and openness is enlargement’, he said.

He said Cyprus’ journey to its 2004 accession ‘was the most significant national project in our modern history’. ‘It transformed and modernised the country, improved quality of life for Cypriots, and firmly anchored us in the European family. It brought prosperity, opportunity, growth. A secure space’, he said, adding that this was the future that awaits Moldova. ‘This is the future we are working together to make a reality. And I am confident we will. We have acted decisively on this share goal’, he said.

He noted that Moldova has made ‘remarkable progress’ since it was granted candidate status in June 2022, noting that this was ‘real proof of Moldova’s commitment’. ‘From the very start of our Presidency, we have actively engaged, working hand in hand with Moldova, and with the European Commission and have successfully concluded the technical preparations for the remaining negotiating clusters’, the President said.

He said that the Ministerial Meeting held in March – the first for Moldova on enlargement since opening accession negotiations in 2024 – served as a clear demonstration of the EU’s commitment to Moldova’s path.

‘The Cyprus Presidency’s objective remains the formal opening of the negotiating Clusters, beginning with Cluster 1 (Fundamentals), this June. These form the backbone of accession negotiations – rule of law, justice reform, fundamental rights. I am confident that, by joining forces, this goal is within our reach’, he said.

He noted that enlargement is a merit based processed, and when candidates like Moldova deliver, ‘we must deliver as well’.

Parallel to these negotiations, he added, ‘we are focused on results that yield immediate impact to the Moldovan people. Through the EU Growth Plan, we are ensuring that the benefits of Moldova’s European path reach communities across the country’.

Indeed, he said, following the successful completion of key reforms, the European Union has recently released a further 200 million euros to act as an engine for the Moldovan economy. ‘This investment is not just a figure, but a commitment to doubling your economy, modernising your infrastructure, and creating the high-tech jobs that allow your young people to thrive here at home’, he said.

President Christodoulides also said that the two countries’ bilateral relationship ‘is also growing’. ‘Following our discussions in Nicosia last December, during Maia’s visit, I am pleased to note that negotiations have officially commenced on a bilateral Social Security agreement, which is only the beginning of a series of agreements that we intend to finalise in the coming months. This will build on our existing air connectivity, to facilitate exchanges for our people and businesses’, he said.

He also thanked President Sandu for Moldova’s principled stance on the Cyprus question, ‘on our ongoing efforts to end the 52-year long foreign occupation and reunite our country based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and EU law, values, and principles’.

He also reiterated Cyprus’s ‘steadfast support for Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. We salute the brave and hard-working people of Moldova. And we stand with you. The future of Moldova is European, and you can count on the Cyprus Presidency to bring this future closer’, he said.

On her part, according to the statement, President Sandu, speaking through an interpreter, said, among other things, that President Christodoulides’ visit comes at a very important moment when Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

She added that each country that shares the EU values has a place within the European family, adding that the enlargement of the EU is a strategic response to all the threats that we come across.

Cyprus knows very well what it means to have its sovereignty threatened and its territorial integrity infringed, and what it means to be part of a strong family, President Sandu said, adding that belonging to the EU strengthens the country and creates space for development.

She noted that Moldova fully and firmly supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and the reunification of Cyprus in full compliance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

She added that Moldova admires the path of Cyprus and believes that Moldova deserves the same chance for stability, prosperity and peace and that the EU accession is the most important project for her country which proceeds to numerous reforms towards that end.

President Sandu expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its support to Moldova’s accession process and noted that today’s visit will deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 09/05/2026 UNTIL 1200 10/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

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

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1130

Date: 09/05/2026

CNA/EA/GV/2026

Fitch Ratings affirmed Cyprus’ long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘A-‘ with a Positive Outlook.

Cyprus’ ratings, Fitch said, reflect income per capita levels above the ‘A’ median, strong fiscal outturns and policy credibility supported by EU and eurozone membership. These strengths are balanced by slightly weaker governance indicators than peers, vulnerabilities in external finances and a backdrop of regional political tensions related to the division of the island, it notes, adding that the Positive Outlook is driven by continued debt deleveraging and favourable growth prospects that are increasing fiscal and external resilience.

On resilience to external challenges, according to the rating agency, the war in Iran and its impact on energy prices ‘constitutes a challenge for Cyprus, affecting growth, inflation and its external balances’. ‘Cyprus is more exposed than other EU countries given its geographical location and energy matrix, but for now we believe the impact on credit metrics will be moderate and temporary’, it said, adding that this is supported by accelerated economic diversification, solid macro fundamentals and much-improved public and private balance sheets in recent years. It notes, however, that an escalation or prolongation of the conflict could lead to higher risks, particularly if it weighs more heavily on tourism, trade and investment.

As regards growth, it said that following a strong performance in 2025 (3.8%) they forecast GDP growth will slow to an average of 2.6% in 2026-2027, below medium-term growth potential (3%) but similar to the ‘A’ median of 2.4%. ‘We expect private consumption to weaken as inflation rises and financing conditions tighten’, it said. Investment, it said, will be supported by the end stage of the Recovery and Resilience Framework and a large pipeline of private projects, but a more pronounced shift in sentiment poses a key downside risk. ‘Labour indicators have remained very strong, and we expect unemployment levels to remain low and stable over the forecast period’, it adds.

Sectoral Diversification: Services sectors, particularly tourism and real estate, remain vulnerable to shifts in external demand-March-April hotel booking figures already point to this-affecting output and potentially employment. However, Cyprus has seen a rapid rebalancing in the last decade from tourism toward higher value-added services (mainly IT), which now constitute the largest share in gross value added within the services category. This diversification enhances growth resilience and supports ongoing productivity gains.

Fitch expects harmonised inflation to increase to 3.9% in 2026 (from 0.8% in 2025) before moderating towards 2% thereafter, while noting that Cyprus’ fiscal performance ‘continues to outperform eurozone and ‘A’ rated peers, supported by a strong commitment to sound public finances and favourable macro-backdrop’.

It also notes that public debt ‘is on a firm downward path’, having declined by almost 60pp of GDP in 2020-2025, ‘one of the sharpest declines of all rated sovereigns’.

According to the rating agency, Cyprus’ current account deficit (CAD) improved to 6.4% of GDP in 2025, ‘(still the highest in the eurozone), thanks to strong performance in services exports’ noting that they expect the CAD will widen modestly in 2026-2027 as the trade deficit widens and tourism exports are affected by the Middle East war. Reliance on large volumes of capital flows in the context of geopolitical and security risks, and potential shifts in investor sentiment highlight a persistent vulnerability, it said.

Fitch also notes that Cyprus’ banking sector ‘has seen a stark recovery from its banking crisis over a decade ago, with legacy challenges largely addressed’. The system has robust solvency, liquidity and profitability, with lending picking up in 2025, it said, adding that the common equity Tier 1 ratio stood at 25.8% in December 2025, ‘the highest in the EU, providing banks with large buffers in the event of a cyclical downturn’. The non-performing loans ratio continues to fall, reaching 1.6% at end 2025 according to the Central Bank of Cyprus (from a peak of close to 45% in 2015), it said.

Department of Meteorology

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 09/05/2026

Station TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Highest Lowest Humidity at

1200 UTC

Nicosia (Athalassa) 32 16 19

Larnaka Airport 31 17 21

Limassol 28 15 55

Pafos Airport 25 16 78

Frenaros 30 16 39

Prodromos 21 10 31

Polis Pafos 25 13 77

CNA/EA/GV/2026