Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 16/06/2026 UNTIL 1200 17/06/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure starts to affect the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but locally increased low cloud coverage over the coastal is likely for tonight and tomorrow morning.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

Research and scientific knowledge are the most important tools we have to successfully address the issues facing our societies today, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday evening noting that using the country’s scientific capital is a strategic priority and that the goal is to employ Cypriots in well-paid jobs currently filled by foreign staff.

In that context he announced that in a few days he will be travelling to London, Birmingham, the USA and the United Arab Emirates “to bring Cypriot scientists back to our country.”

President Christodoulides was speaking during the graduation ceremony of doctoral students of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), expressing his joy at participating once again in what he described as “a special celebration” for the CUT, for the academic community of our country and more broadly for the future of the nation.

After praising the work of CUT, especially in research and innovation, the President said its multifaceted contribution, confirms the correctness of the investment being made by the state, assuring that it will continue.

‘For us it is a necessary condition that the economic development we are experiencing be translated into investments in three main areas. Because one reason a state must exist is to invest in Education, Health and the welfare state,’ he said, and assured that ‘we continue to invest in CUT, in Education and in training.’

President Christodoulides said Cyprus’ comparative advantage and most important wealth is its human resources “and we invest and are ready to invest even more through collaborations and synergies in the field of research and innovation.”

“All of you, then, are not simply carriers of specialised knowledge; you are the people who can turn knowledge into solutions, innovation into growth, and scientific excellence into social benefit,” he said, adding that “Cyprus needs you.”

The President continued noting that we are a country in which 83% of our university graduates are employed immediately in the field in which they graduated, and we are a country that has a significant number of foreign workers in very well-paid jobs.

‘For all those jobs, our aim is that at some point-of course we encourage foreigners to come to our country to work-Cypriots will be employed in those very well-paid positions,’ he said, and recalled the government’s initiative to repatriate Cypriot scientists from abroad.

Saying that this effort began in London in May 2025, “with very significant results so far,’ he added that “in a few days we are going to London again, we are going to Birmingham, we will go to the USA, we will go to the United Arab Emirates to bring Cypriot scientists back to our country.”

He also assured that the Government is implementing policies that create an environment allowing young researchers to develop their work in Cyprus, to find opportunities for professional development and to participate actively in shaping the future of the country.

The Cyprus Presidency is concluding its term having achieved significant progress on the European health agenda, with the provisional agreement on the Critical Medicines Act standing out as its most important achievement, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said following the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), held on Tuesday in Luxembourg.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Charalambides underlined that the Cyprus Presidency worked with the objective of strengthening Europe’s social and health model at a time marked by rapid technological developments, demographic challenges and geopolitical uncertainty.

The Minister described the provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament on 12 May regarding the Critical Medicines Act as one of the Presidency’s most significant achievements.

At the same time, he noted that the Presidency sought to ensure that health remains among the Union’s core priorities during the next programming period, through discussions on the new MFF and the European Competitiveness Fund, both of which can contribute to strengthening innovation and the resilience of health systems.

European Biotech Act

Referring to the outcomes of today’s meeting, the Minister said that the Council reached a general approach on the Directive of the European Biotech Act.

The agreement, he noted, sends a strong political message that biotechnology is a strategic sector for Europe’s prosperity, resilience and health security. According to the Minister, the Act is expected to help unlock Europe’s innovation potential and create the conditions for new ideas to be translated more rapidly into products and therapies reaching the market, while safeguarding public health and the environment.

The Minister also noted that the first policy debate on the European Biotech Act Regulation took place, stressing that biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry are strategic sectors for the European Union’s competitiveness, resilience and autonomy.

The Minister also placed particular emphasis on the discussion concerning the strengthening of Europe’s pharmaceutical resilience and strategic autonomy.

He said that the Cyprus Presidency consistently promoted the need for a stronger and more resilient Europe in the field of health, capable of protecting patients and healthcare systems from the challenges posed by an uncertain international environment.

He added that the discussion confirmed that access to affordable medicines and resilient supply chains are strategic priorities for the European Union. Ministers also agreed on the need for closer coordination at the European level in order to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure reliable access to medicines across the Union.

The Health Minister described the meeting as an important milestone for the Cyprus Presidency’s health agenda, stressing that the progress achieved in biotechnology, medical devices and pharmaceutical security strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and capacity to act in the field of health.

As he stated, these achievements reflect the Cyprus Presidency’s vision of ‘an autonomous Europe, open to the world’.

Turkey is now an authoritarian country, the rapporteur of the EP report on Turkey, Socialist-Democratic MEP, Nacho Sánchez Amor, said on Tuesday, noting that ‘there is no reason at this time to unfreeze Turkey’s accession process’ and “we must find a coexistence scheme with Turkey.”

Speaking during a debate on the EP report on Turkey, at the plenary session of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, he said that ‘we have been waiting for good news from Turkey for 10 years’, adding that in recent years there has been a lack of will on the part of the Turkish authorities with European values. ‘We are not interested in statements, we are interested in actions’, he stressed, adding that Turkey is now an authoritarian country.

Civil society in Turkey does not want to live under an authoritarian regime, Sánchez Amor pointed out, adding that ‘we do not want to kill their last hope.’ ‘In order to become a member of the EU, human rights must be respected,’ he pointed out, emphasizing that ‘there is no reason at this time to unfreeze Turkey’s accession process.’ ‘If the internal situation in the country does not change, the accession process will not be unfrozen,’ he said.

‘If we do not act correctly now, it will take decades to build the trust of civil society,’ he noted, adding that ‘we will have to find a way to coexist with Turkey’ and that Greece and Cyprus are important elements of this relationship.

We recognise Turkey’s role in security and defence issues, said Nacho Sánchez Amor, emphasising that there are problems in the mutual trust and good neighbourly relations that should exist.

In his closing remarks, he pointed out that ‘we can separate the Turkish government from its society’, noting that ‘we do not want to kill the hope of society’. Addressing the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, he called on her to reach out to civil society in Turkey, as well as to speak publicly about Turkey’s problems.

On her part, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that the report ‘reflects our concerns about Turkey, which is our key partner’. Speaking of a setback in Turkey’s negotiations with the EU, which have been frozen since 2018, and referring to the arrests and imprisonments in the country, she pointed out that the issue of the rule of law and pluralism in Turkey is at stake.

At the same time, the Commissioner noted that ‘we must strengthen efforts with Turkey on issues of common interest,’ adding that EU-Turkey relations have begun to revive on issues of common interest, such as the migration issue.

‘We are looking for ways to implement a customs union,’ she said, emphasizing that the EU has a strategic interest in stability in the Middle East and a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.

Kos said that progress on the Cyprus issue is ‘crucial,’ welcoming the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.

On behalf of the EPP, MEP Isabel Wiseler-Lima said that the Cyprus issue has not progressed. He also mentioned that the former Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is in prison, adding that Turkey has withdrawn from the Istanbul Convention.

On behalf of the Socialists and Democrats, MEP Yannis Maniatis noted that for another year Turkey is moving away from European principles and values, while violating the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, he called on Turkey to keep all its promises and open the Theological School of Halki.

On behalf of the Patriots for Europe, MEP Mieke Andriese stated that Turkey does not respect the rights of minorities, reduces civil liberties and promotes anti-Semitism. ‘Turkey has no place in the EU,’ she stressed.

On behalf of the European Conservatives and Reformists, MEP Geadis Geadi, stated that ‘the report on Turkey, in its original form, was disproportionately lenient’. ‘As shadow rapporteur I managed to improve the text in part, however it remains problematic’, he noted.

‘From the day we adopted the Report in the Committee, until tomorrow’s vote, only a few weeks have passed, during which Turkey has shown its true face again,’,he said. He also noted that there “was an attempt to institutionalize the so-called ‘Blue Homeland’, flights of Turkish fighter jets over Nicosia, harassment of aircraft carrying European Defence Ministers, violations and arrests in the buffer zone, threats against the territorial integrity of European countries.’

Addressing Sanchez Amor, Geadi pointed out that “it is a disgrace for Europe to talk about de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean and to present Turkey as a strategic a leading partner and ally,’ adding that ‘Ankara does not perceive leniency as an incentive for change, but as weakness.’

‘Turkey continues to occupy European territory, and this should bother all of you. If this is not a red line, then what exactly is it? What messages are we sending to those with expansionist ambitions towards Europe?,’ he asked.

‘We are not asking for special treatment for Cyprus. We are demanding equal treatment for Turkey. Europe cannot condemn the occupation in Ukraine and tolerate the occupation in Cyprus,’ he stressed.

On behalf of Renew, MEP Malik Azmani noted that Turkey and Erdogan have chosen their own path, citing Turkey’s actions in recent years as an example.

On behalf of the Greens, MEP Vladimir Prebilic said that Turkey is the country with the worst record in persecution and imprisonment. It is time for the EU to defend its principles and values, he pointed out.

On behalf of the Left, MEP Giorgos Georgiou said that the report ‘includes many truths, but in the end, it does not speak openly. This is the well-known EU recipe,’ he noted.

‘The reports on the Cyprus issue, the bizonal bicommunal federation, the rejection of the two-state solution, the return of Famagusta, the missing persons, the end of Turkey’s assimilation of Turkish Cypriots, the resumption of talks from the point where they were interrupted are important and positive,’ he stressed.

‘At the same time, Erdogan’s Turkey is sliding towards dictatorship. Democratic regression, non-existent rule of law, arrests, imprisonments, abolition of mayors, provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean’, he pointed out.

‘Turkey is considered an important strategic partner. It is already being offered participation in SAFE, high-level political dialogues, entry visas, the EIB has returned to Turkey and the upgrading of the customs union’, he said, adding that ‘defence and so-called security, armaments and economic interests outweigh political ethics’.

‘Let Turkey take from Europe. However, it must also give democracy to its citizens, respect for its neighbours and International Law and, above all, a resolution of the Cyprus problem with a fair and sustainable solution for the benefit of all Cypriots’, he underlined.

‘Now is the time for the EU to assist one of the last attempts to resolve the Cyprus problem before the bells of final partition ring,’ he noted.

On behalf of the Europe of Sovereign Nations, MEP Tomasz Froelich noted that ‘Turkey does not need the EU and we are to blame for that.’ Turkey sees that the EU is applying double standards, he pointed out, adding that discussions and negotiations should be stopped.

In her response, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, noted that the EU has not been negotiating with Turkey since 2018. At the same time, she expressed the desire to provide more money in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for civil society in Turkey.

EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas said that Turkey continues to illegally occupy European territory in Cyprus, continues to threaten Greece with war and continues to cause instability in the Eastern Mediterranean daily, noting that these are recorded in the report.

‘And yet, as the European Union, instead of demanding practical compliance, we are looking for ways to reward Ankara,’ he pointed out, adding that the report talks about an upgraded Customs Union and strengthening cooperation with Turkey in the field of Security and Defence.

‘The message we are sending is wrong and dangerous, that occupation, threats and aggression not only have no cost, but are also accompanied by European gifts,’ he stressed.

‘The message we must send is one and must be unanimous. This Turkey has no place in the European family,’ he noted.

Socialist and Democratic MEP, Costas Mavrides, said that ‘the report contains important references to the inhumane oppression by the Islamist Erdogan regime within Turkey as well as to Turkey’s relations with the EU.’

At the same time, he noted that ‘Turkey illegally occupies EU territory in the Republic of Cyprus, threatens Greece with war if it exercises its sovereign rights and now, with the doctrine of the ”Blue Fantasy” (and not the Blue Homeland), seeks to institutionally invade the sea from the Aegean to Cyprus.’

‘Instead of sanctions against the violator and occupier and enemy of the EU, the report gives Turkey a strategic role for Eurodefence, calls for an upgrade of trade relations with the EU without fulfilling its obligations to the EU and especially to the Republic of Cyprus’, he underlined, stressing that ‘Turkey is formally an ally in NATO and a real enemy of Europe’.

EPP MEP, Michalis Hadjipantela, stated that ‘fifty-two years after the Turkish invasion, my country remains under occupation. As refugees in our own country, we are deprived of the right to live freely, where we were born’, he pointed out.

At the same time, he noted that ‘Turkey is violating the basic principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law’, adding that ‘the country’s authoritarian regime is moving away from every European principle and value’.

‘Today, the United Nations is making a new effort to resume the talks. Unfortunately, the recent statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Fidan, on a two-state solution are torpedoing this process,’ he noted.

‘The European Union must exert the necessary pressure so that Turkey complies with its obligations and contributes substantially to the solution of the Cyprus problem, a problem of invasion and occupation,’ he underlined.

‘The Cypriot people deserve a free, secure and reunited homeland,’ he stressed.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described the partial general approaches reached on the three key files of the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as ‘a major achievement, not just of the Cyprus Presidency, but for the European Union’.

‘We have worked intensively with strong focus, transparency and inclusiveness on all of these files over the past months, and the agreements that have been reached today are a vital stepping stone to enable us to progress towards the goal of reaching a timely agreement on the MFF by the end of 2026,’ Raouna said.

Referring to the revised negotiating box and the agreements on the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and Global Europe, she said: ‘All of this put together represents a package, and thanks to this, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place.’

The main achievement of Tuesday’s General Affairs Council was the agreement on partial general approaches on the three key regulations at the core of the future MFF: the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP) Regulation, the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and Global Europe. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described the outcome as ‘a major achievement, not just of the Cyprus Presidency. It is a major achievement for the European Union.’

‘We have worked intensively with strong focus, transparency and inclusiveness on all of these files over the past months, and the agreements that have been reached today are a vital stepping stone to enable us to progress towards the goal of reaching a timely agreement on the MFF by the end of 2026,’ Raouna said. She stressed that the three sectoral files, together with the revised negotiating box (Nego Box) presented last week with the first concrete figures, should be viewed as ‘a package’.

‘All of this put together represents a package, and thanks to this, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place,’ she said. Raouna reiterated the Cyprus Presidency’s proposal for a moderate 2% reduction in the negotiating box compared with the European Commission’s initial proposal, describing it as a compromise reflecting the different positions within the Council. ‘This compromise represents all voices in the Council, as we have heard strong voices calling for a more ambitious budget and at the same time very strong voices calling for significant cuts,’ she said.

She explained that reductions were applied across all headings while maintaining the allocation balance between different areas of spending. ‘We did so while maintaining our ambition. And at the heart of our approach is modernization,’ Raouna underlined.

The Deputy Minister also stressed that the agreement did not mark the end of the negotiations. ‘We are not at the end of the road,’ she said. ‘But what we have done is take a decisive step that takes us to the next phase towards our common objective of reaching a timely agreement by the end of 2026.’ According to Raouna, the European Council later this week will provide political guidance on the future MFF, building on the work carried out by the Cyprus Presidency and following the presentation of the negotiating box.

Asked whether negotiations had meaningfully advanced compared with last week’s presentation of the Nego Box, Raouna said she was ‘absolutely sure’ that progress had been made. ‘Of course there are disagreements. This is not new. It was the case since the very beginning when we assumed our presidency,’ she said.

She added that the difference now was that ‘we have for the first time a negotiating box that has figures and we have the partial general approaches, and that takes us to the next stage.’

Review for Rule of Law

—-

The General Affairs Council also reviewed developments concerning the rule of law situation in Hungary, within the framework of the ongoing Article 7 procedure, following the formation of the new Hungarian government.

European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath said the Commission welcomed Hungary’s commitment to restoring the rule of law but stressed that there would be no shortcuts. ‘We will not take any shortcuts in this process. We will work hand in hand to address all of the issues for the good of Hungary, its people, and of the European Union,’ McGrath said.

He pointed to several recent developments, including the end of the state of emergency on 13 May, steps concerning independent media and civil society organisations, reforms to strengthen the anti-corruption framework, and Hungary’s intention to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). McGrath said the Commission would continue to monitor progress in the coming weeks and months.

Regarding Hungary’s position on the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, he clarified that member states are not obliged to implement relocations, as the pact provides for a flexible solidarity mechanism, including different forms of support.

European Democracy Shield

—-

The Council also held an exchange of views on the European Democracy Shield and the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, with participation from candidate and potential candidate countries. ‘Strengthening democratic resilience has been a key political priority of our Presidency,’ Raouna said.

‘Defense of democracy does not stop at the borders of the European Union. It requires cooperation, it requires partnership and shared commitment with neighbours and partners,’ she added.

She also highlighted progress achieved during the Cyprus Presidency on enlargement, including the holding of three Intergovernmental Conferences on the same day with Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro.

Concluding her final General Affairs Council press conference, Raouna reflected on the achievements of the Cyprus Presidency under the motto ‘A more autonomous Union, open to the world’.

She highlighted progress on the MFF, support for Ukraine through the pound 90 billion loan and the 20th sanctions package, simplification initiatives, competitiveness measures, migration and security files, including agreement on the Returns Regulation and approval of 18 national defence investment plans under the SAFE regulation. ‘From the very outset, we acted as honest brokers,’ Raouna said. ‘We have worked consistently with transparency, with perseverance, with a clear focus on results.’

‘Cyprus may be a small member state, but it is a small member state with a big European soul,’ she said.

McGrath praised the work of the Cyprus Presidency, saying it had taken place ‘at a critical juncture for the European Union’ and had been delivered ‘to a very high standard’.

The Cyprus Presidency will hand over to Ireland on 1 July 2026, beginning the new trio Presidency with Lithuania and Greece.

DIKO and Socialists and Democrats MEP Costas Mavrides will abstain from vote on the European Parliament report on Turkey.

Speaking on Tuesday to Cypriot journalists in Strasbourg, Mavrides pointed out that the EP report on Turkey includes several correct references but also some ‘seriously wrong ones’, as he said. The positive references include – among others – the call for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus, the reference to the presence of Turkish settlers in the Turkish-occupied areas of the island and the call for respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, as he said.

Among the negative points of the report, the DIKO MEP noted – among others – that the report attributes a strategic role to Turkey in areas such as the defence and security of Europe, praises Turkey’s role in the prevalence of the jihadist regime in Syria and calls for the resumption of negotiations to upgrade the EU-Turkey Customs Union, without Turkey first fulfilling its legal obligations to the EU concerning Cyprus emanating from the existing Customs Union Agreement.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Mavrides stated that amendments that he had submitted, for the EU acquis to be taken into account in the event of a Cyprus settlement, were ‘deliberately’ deleted from the report. He added that the report includes a commitment to convergence in the negotiations on the Cyprus issue, which, he said, provide – among other things – that in Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish-occupied territories the illegal user and not the legal owner will have the first say.

For the above reasons, Costas Mavrides explained that he will abstain from the vote on the report, while expressing the belief that the report will be easily voted in favour.

At the same time, he noted that in the vote on the report in the Foreign Affairs Committee, various MEPs from Cyprus and Greece voted in favour of the report or abstained, subsequently praising the report and its rapporteur. He pointed out that he was ‘astonished’ by their stance, adding that he made a public appeal to them to reassess their stance during the final vote in the Plenary of the European Parliament.

At the same time, Costas Mavrides noted that, in view of the debate in the EP Plenary on the protection of children from the risks posed by social media, he proposed a horizontal ban on access to social media by young people up to 15-16 years of age. He also proposed that social media be used only in a controlled environment, such as at school. He also referred to an expert report requested by the EP, which records the negative effects of the use of social media by young people and calls for measures to be taken by the European Commission.

Finally, Mavrides, as the EP’s negotiator for the S and D on Montenegro’s accession to the EU, expressed the belief that Montenegro will become the 28th member of the EU in 2028.

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides is traveling to Rome to participate in a meeting with the Ministers responsible for migration issues of Greece, Italy and Malta, which will take place Wednesday, at the invitation of the Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi.

A press release says that the meeting is a follow-up to the decision taken at the level of the leaders of the four Mediterranean EU member states to cooperate in relation to the migration challenges that may arise, due to the security situation in the Middle East.

The main objective of the meeting is to further strengthen coordination between the four states, with a view to maximizing the effectiveness of national and European responses in the event of a significant increase in migration flows.

The discussions will focus on the assessment of developments in the region, the need for timely preparation and joint action, synergies with the European Commission, as well as the prevention of a recurrence of conditions similar to the 2015 migration crisis.

Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on strengthening operational cooperation to tackle migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, as well as on the protection of the EU’s external borders, taking into account the principles of responsibility and solidarity, with respect for international and EU law.

As noted in the press release, Cyprus, as a frontline member state that has faced disproportionate migratory pressures in recent years, is attending the meeting with the aim of promoting practical solutions, based on its successful experience in dealing with irregular flows and strengthening cooperation with other Mediterranean member states.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 16/06/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

360.083,71

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

179,740

-0,350

351.337,950

MAIN MARKET INDEX

246,730

0,250

302.847,110

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.243,120

-0,880

36.713,290

CSE GENERAL INDEX

305,540

0,260

348.980,910

HOTELS INDEX

1.907,100

-3,050

6.853,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.969,370

-0,140

46.133,800

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

The 27th EU-Montenegro Accession Conference marked the provisional closure of two additional negotiation chapters, bringing the country one step closer to European integration. Specifically, Chapter 2 on the free movement of workers and Chapter 28 on consumer and health protection were provisionally closed.

Speaking on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency, on Monday evening, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna emphasized that the development carries particular significance, as it was the third Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro held during the Cyprus Presidency.

‘Today marks another important milestone in Montenegro’s accession process, in our shared European journey,’ the Deputy Minister said, describing the outcome as ‘tangible progress that demonstrates the steady pace of Montenegro’s accession negotiations and the continued commitment it has shown in advancing the reforms necessary for EU membership.’

Raouna stressed that the provisional closure of the two chapters is not merely a technical achievement but ‘reflects concrete efforts to align legislation, strengthen institutions, and deliver results that directly improve the lives of Montenegro’s citizens. These are reforms that bring Montenegro ever closer to the standards, values, and opportunities that define our Union.’

Referring to the Cyprus Presidency’s record on enlargement, Raouna noted that earlier in its term it secured agreement in the Council on establishing an ad hoc working party on Montenegro’s Accession Treaty, describing it as a crucial step in preparing the final phase of the accession process.

‘Today’s achievement is not only about closing two chapters. It is really about opening further opportunities. It is about reinforcing confidence, and it sends a message to all enlargement partners: dedication and hard work lead to results,’ she said.

Concluding her remarks, Raouna reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to Montenegro’s accession path: ‘We remain fully committed to advancing Montenegro’s accession path and to maintaining momentum in the weeks and months ahead. The Cyprus Presidency will continue to work until the very last day. The Cyprus Presidency promised that it would deliver results on enlargement. And it has.’

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos congratulated Montenegro on its progress and announced that the Commission intends to approve next week a financial package for Montenegro that will propose ways of adapting the EU budget to a Union of 28 member states. ‘We are preparing,’ Kos said.

Responding to a question from the Cyprus News Agency on whether accession by 2028 is an ambitious target, the Commissioner stated that ’28 by 2028′ remains achievable, provided Montenegro continues implementing the necessary reforms, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, media freedom, and democratic institutions.

Addressing the same question, Raouna noted that what determines the progress of any candidate country and the speed of its EU path is how quickly it implements the required reforms and how genuinely committed it is to the accession process.

‘We know all too well the conditions of this accession process, and Cyprus remembers very well how arduous the road to joining the European Union is. There is a reason why it is so demanding, but it is worth it. I believe Montenegro has demonstrated that the commitment is there,’ she said.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic described the day as a ‘Mega Monday,’ reaffirming his country’s ambition:

‘Montenegro is neither delaying nor improvising. We keep our word and deliver results. By the end of the year, we intend to close all negotiating chapters so that Montenegro can become the 28th member state of the European Union in 2028.’

Cyprus ranks among the best-performing countries in the European Union in terms of bathing water quality, with all 123 bathing sites monitored across the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus classified in the highest category of ‘excellent quality’ in 2025.

According to the latest annual EU Bathing Water Report, Cyprus joins Austria, Bulgaria and Greece among the countries where more than 95% of bathing waters were assessed as being of excellent quality. In Cyprus case, the figure reached 100%, as all 123 bathing sites evaluated during the 2025 bathing season received the highest possible rating.

As stated in a European Commission announcement published on Tuesday, 85% of bathing sites monitored across Europe were classified as having ‘excellent quality’ water, while 96% met at least the EU’s minimum quality standards. Only 1.5% of bathing sites were rated as being of ‘poor quality’. According to the Commission, the overall picture remained broadly stable compared with 2024.

The assessment was based on data from more than 22,200 bathing sites monitored during the 2025 season across all EU Member States, as well as Albania and Switzerland. In Cyprus, a total of 1,198 water samples were collected and analysed from the 123 officially reported bathing sites.