Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU presided over the 2nd EU-Ukraine Accession Conference and the formal opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations, which Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna described as “a milestone of historic significance” for Ukraine’s European path.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening following the conclusion of the EU-Ukraine Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, Raouna stressed that the opening of Cluster 1 “concerns the values that lie at the very heart of the European Union: democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, accountable institutions, and good governance.”

“Today is a milestone day. There are some days that are hard to put into words,” Raouna said, noting that the decision reflects the EU’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine and the conviction that “Ukraine’s future lies within the European family.”

The Cyprus Presidency, she underlined, approaches enlargement from a unique perspective. “In Cyprus you see a member state that is itself a victim of invasion and ongoing occupation,” she said, stressing that the Presidency had brought “this unique understanding of the devastating consequences of the violation of territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.” Referring to the attacks on Ukraine the previous night, the Deputy Minister expressed “full solidarity” with the Ukrainian people.

On the road ahead, Raouna acknowledged that “the path ahead remains demanding and much work remains to be done,” adding however that “every step matters, every reform matters.”

“Today, as we open this new chapter in Ukraine’s accession journey, we reaffirm a simple but powerful message: Europe stands firmly with Ukraine. Europe remains united,” she concluded.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos described the day as a “mega Monday,” noting that “everyone had been waiting for this moment for a long time.” She called it “the single biggest step towards Ukraine’s EU membership since opening negotiations in December 2023,” adding pointedly that this time “no one had to leave the room for a coffee break” – a reference to former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s withdrawal from the table of 27 to allow unanimity to be reached.

Kos also expressed hope that the remaining negotiating clusters would be opened in July, hinting that a possible date had already been agreed. “We could have a terrific Tuesday in July,” she said.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka thanked the Commission and the Cyprus Presidency for their “leading role” in securing unanimity among all 27 member states. “This is truly a Rubicon, a milestone,” he said, adding that “European integration is the dream of the entire Ukrainian society.”

The agreement on air passenger rights enhances transparency and predictability, said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, and European Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas, at a press conference at Strasbourg on Monday evening.

Earlier on Monday, the provisional agreement on the revision of air passenger rights rules, reached by Parliament and Council negotiators, received the unanimous approval of the European Parliament delegation in the so-called ‘Conciliation Committee’.

The agreement aims to protect passengers from travel disruptions, such as denied boarding and delayed or cancelled flights. The rules had not been updated since 2004.

In her statement, Metsola noted that the EP has always been a champion of air passenger rights. The agreement makes it easier for passengers to enforce their rights, she pointed out, adding that greater transparency is ensured. ‘The agreement will strengthen passenger rights, it will have more transparency and predictability,’ she stressed.

Responding to a question, the EP President said that it took commitment, political will and courage to reach the agreement, underlining that the undertaking ‘was not easy at all.’

On his part, the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, noted that the agreement is a success, noting that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is particularly proud of reaching the agreement. ‘The agreement is the result of a joint effort, compromise and European cooperation,’ he stressed.

‘The modernised framework will provide predictability and fairness to millions of passengers,’ he pointed out, adding that after 13 years of discussions, passengers will have clearer and simpler rules. The agreement also covers practical issues concerning passengers, he added.

Responding to a question, he said that the regulation not only upgrades the rights of all European passengers, but is important for all island states.

European Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said that ‘today is a good day for Europe. We have improved passenger rights. The news is also good for air carriers,’ he stressed. The reform maintains what passengers know and value, he noted, adding that flight procedures are being simplified.

The agreement provides greater clarity for both air carriers and passengers, he said, noting that the price of the ticket without and with luggage will be displayed.

EP Rapporteur Andrey Novakov said that price transparency for hand luggage has been established. ‘It took us 13 years to reach an agreement, but it will be valid for another 100 years,’ he said.

On his part, EP Rapporteur Virginijus Sinkevicius said that Cyprus had shown real leadership. ‘Now was Cyprus’ moment, an important European moment’ he stressed. ‘Europe speaks with one voice and manages to protect its citizens’ he added.

According to a press release issued by the European Parliament, under the agreement, air travellers retain the right to be compensated or rerouted and claim compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, if it is cancelled less than 14 days before the flight, or if they are denied boarding.

The Government will do “whatever is necessary” for a full investigation into the case concerning the findings of the Independent Authority Against Corruption, based on the announcements of the Legal Service and always within the framework set by the Constitution and the relevant legislation, President Nikos Christodoulides said.

Speaking Tuesday to reporters on the sidelines of an inauguration event in Analiontas village he was asked to comment on the report of the Independent Authority Against Corruption.

“What I wish to reiterate is that, institutionally and in accordance with the relevant legislation, we await the report to be submitted to the Legal Service, to be examined and for the next decisions to be announced. As the executive power, what I can say with certainty is that, on the basis of the relevant announcements by the Legal Service, we will do whatever is necessary for a full investigation of this specific case,” he said.

At the same time, he stressed that “our Government is fully committed to transparency, accountability and the need to strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions.”

He added that “as the executive power, we will do what we must do once the relevant announcements are made by the Legal Service, as provided for by the relevant legislation.”

Asked about calls by both the former President of the Republic and author Makarios Drousiotis for the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General to recuse themselves from examining the case, President Christodoulides reiterated that the Government is awaiting the decisions of the Legal Service.

“We await the announcements of the Legal Service and, as the executive power, what I can assure you of, what I can assure the Cypriot people with absolute certainty, is that we will do whatever is necessary, always within the Constitution and the relevant legislation, for a full investigation of the case,” he concluded.

The Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) on Tuesday issued a detailed announcement of its findings into the investigation of the allegations in the book ‘Mafia State’, in which it says that former President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and other officials, individuals and legal entities, may be potentially criminally liable of corruption.

The probe of the IAAC is based on the book “Mafia State” written by journalist Makarios Droushiotis, who in the past worked as advisor to former President Nicos Anastasiades.

The IAAC, that stresses the principle of the presumption of innocence, lists the names of individuals for “possible criminal offences of corruption”.

Former President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, is found in seven cases to have possibly committed offences in trading in influence, abuse of power (crime), abuse of power (misdemeanor), or attempt to commit a criminal offence.

Other individuals included in the probe, that may have committed offences of corruption, are former Minister of Agriculture Nikos Kouyalis (abuse of power, misdemeanor), former Deputy Attorney General Rikkos Erotokritou (abuse of power, misdemeanor), Eva Rossidou Papakyriakou, former Head of Unit for Combating Money Laundering, MOKAS (abuse of power- misdemeanor, attempt to commit a criminal offence, neglect of official duty), George Varnava, former MP (abuse of power- misdemeanor or attempt to commit a criminal offence), Haris Solomonides, Former President of the District Court (indictment of a public official), Efthymios Bouloutas, CEO of Laiki Bank (trading in influence, money laundering), Ioannis Soteriadis, Senior Police Officer (abuse of authority-misdemeanor), Dmitry Rybolovlev (trading in influence), Andreas Hadjikyriakos (trading in influence).

Other individuals or legal entities are Stathis Lemis, Partner at Nikos Chr. Anastasiades and Partners Law Firm (trading in influence, money laundering), Fanos Philippou Partner at Nikos Chr. Anastasiades and Partners Law Firm (trading in influence, money laundering), the Law Firm Nikos Chr. Anastasiades and Partners (trading in influence, money laundering), A. Neocleous and Co. LLC (bribery of a public official, active bribery of public officials and corporate liability of a Legal Person) and Panayiotis Neocleous, Attorney (conspiracy to pervert the course of justice).

The Report and the evidence collected will be forwarded to the Attorney General and to the Tax Commissioner.

During the investigation, a total of 214 sessions/hearings were held for the purpose of taking testimony or evidence, 150 individuals testified as witnesses, evidence was submitted by 41 legal entities and government departments. The total number of documents submitted reached 793. The Report consists of approximately 3000 pages.

The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus thanked the Government of Austria for making its first financial contribution with a donation of pound 20,000.

In a statement issued on Monday, CMP said that the funds that were received on 12 June 2026 will contribute to the Committee’s goal of identifying and returning the remains of missing individuals in 2026, bringing to an end the uncertainty which has affected the families for so many years.

The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus was established in April 1981 under the auspices of the United Nations by an agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, following a call to establish a mechanism made in two UN General Assembly resolutions.

The CMP Project on the Exhumation, Identification and Return of Remains of Missing Persons in Cyprus became operational in 2006 and the European Union continues to be the project’s main financial contributor.

So far, 1,069 missing persons from both Cypriot communities have been identified and returned to their families for dignified burials.

CMP relies on donor support to implement its bi-communal project.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.

A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, upon agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning to their relatives the remains of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots, who went missing during the inter-communal fighting of 1963-1964 and in 1974.

According to statistical data published on the CMP website by February 28, 2026 out of 2002 missing persons 1,714 were exhumed and 1,065 were identified. Out of 1,510 Greek Cypriot missing persons 764 were identified and 746 are still missing. Out of 492 Turkish Cypriot missing persons 301 were identified and 191 are still missing.

Cypriot neurologist and researcher at Boston University, Dr. Antreas Charidimou, together with Professor Marcel Verbeek from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, has been awarded $9 million in funding from the Leducq Foundation to establish a new international research network for cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

According to a statement by the American university, the funding was awarded as part of the Leducq Foundation’s highly competitive International Networks of Excellence program and will support the TRAFFIC – Translational Framework For Innovation in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy – for five years, with the network coordinated by Boston University in the United States and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, involving research teams from many countries.

As noted, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, known internationally as CAA, is a common condition affecting the small blood vessels of the brain in older adults and is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid -beta protein in the walls of cerebral blood vessels, constituting a major cause of hemorrhagic strokes, while it is also associated with cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

It is added that despite its prevalence, CAA remains difficult to diagnose early, and there are still no targeted treatments; with the international TRAFFIC network aiming to improve understanding of the disease’s mechanisms, develop new biomarkers, and contribute to earlier and more accurate diagnosis. The research team will combine advanced brain imaging techniques, molecular biomarkers, experimental models, and clinical data from patients worldwide.

CAA is among the most common pathologies affecting the aging brain, yet fundamental unanswered questions about how the disease develops and progresses continue to limit clinical progress, including our ability to diagnose it accurately and early,’ said Dr. Charidimou, adding that ‘ny bringing together complementary expertise across clinical, molecular, and experimental research, TRAFFIC is designed to address these gaps while fostering the next generation of CAA investigators. We hope this network will have a lasting impact on the field and ultimately improve care for patients at risk of brain bleeds and cognitive decline.’

The network includes leading researchers from the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, with participation from Boston University, Radboud University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, and the University of Rhode Island.

This distinction highlights the international presence of Cypriot scientists at the forefront of medical research, particularly in a field of direct relevance to an aging population, strokes, and dementia, the announcement concludes.

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna presented a concise overeview of Cyprus’ six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union as she arrived at the final General Affairs Council (GAC) under the Cypriot Presidency in Luxembourg on Tuesday morning. Describing the past six months as “a long and demanding journey, but above all a hugely rewarding journey”, Raouna stressed that Cyprus had worked with a clear vision and a clear objective of delivering tangible results for the European Union.

“Throughout these six months, the Cyprus Presidency worked with a very clear methodology and with a very clear vision,” she said, adding that “across all strands of our work, we worked with perseverance, with strong focus, with a lot of hard work and with transparency and inclusivity towards all Member States.”

“We were driven by a very clear goal: to bring tangible results, to be a results-driven Presidency that delivers under our overarching motto, ‘An Autonomous Union, Open to the World’,” she noted. “Today, 14 days before the end of the Cyprus Presidency, I am both particularly pleased and humbled to be able to say that we have delivered results on the European agenda across all five of our priorities, contributing to a European Union that is stronger, more resilient and more autonomous,” she added.

Referring to the achievements of the six-month term, the Deputy Minister highlighted progress in security and defence, ranging from support for Ukraine and the pound 90 million Ukraine Support Loan to the 20th sanctions package and military mobility. “Military mobility has progressed significantly at the Council,” she said, while on migration she pointed to results in “the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration, as well as the completion of negotiations on the Returns Regulation.”

Raouna placed particular emphasis on competitiveness, describing it as “a key pillar” of the Cypriot Presidency. “We have advanced seven Omnibus packages, comprising 20 proposals, and have already completed work on around nine of them, with work continuing even today,” she said.

She also referred to progress on the reform of the Customs Union, describing it as “the biggest revision of the Customs Union,” as well as agreements reached in the area of connectivity. “Yesterday, we reached a very important agreement on Air Passengers’ Rights,” she said, adding that an agreement had also been secured on Regulation 883 concerning the social security rights of workers.

Turning to Tuesday’s agenda, Raouna noted that discussions would focus on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a file which, she said, had been “one of our most challenging files from the very beginning.” As she said, “we worked with the same methodology, with hard work and in close cooperation with all Member States in order to be able to deliver.”

Raouna recalled that on June 11 the Cyprus Presidency presented the first revised negotiating box (NegoBox) containing concrete figures. “In our view, this proposal is a decisive step towards achieving our goal of reaching an agreement by the end of 2026” she said, adding that “we took on board the positions, often very opposing positions, of Member States and reflected them, with full respect, in a compromise proposal.” As she stressed, the proposal “is certainly not the end of the line, but it paves the way forward to be able to reach an agreement by the end of 2026.”

Concluding, Raouna underlined that enlargement had been a top priority of the Cyprus Presidency. “Cyprus is the last Member State of the European Union that remains divided and under occupation, and it understands well the transformative power of enlargement and the fact that it is the best security guarantee,” she said.

Referring to Monday’s Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro in Luxembourg, she described it as “a truly milestone day on enlargement,” noting that “we held three IGCs on the same day.” As she added, “we are proud to have contributed to creating more momentum in the enlargement process.”

Migration and development: the EU needs a holistic policy approach

Coherent approach combining development cooperation and migration management essential

Should focus on preventing the instrumentalisation of migration

Cooperation key to ending smuggling and human trafficking

On Tuesday, MEPs adopted a report on reinforcing development cooperation to address irregular population movements and their root causes in EU partner countries.

The report, adopted in plenary on Tuesday with 344 votes in favour, 237 against and 66 abstentions, argues that a holistic approach combining development cooperation and migration management is essential to deliver security and solidarity both within the EU and in countries of origin and transit.

Coherent EU policy

MEPs restate the connections between migration and development cooperation, calling on the Commission and EU member states to extend their commitment to policy coherence for development to migration policies, in full respect of human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They argue EU development policy should continue to prioritise poverty eradication, inequality reduction and sustainable development, in line with the SDGs, while also focusing on long-term investments based on the needs of partner countries – including when addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement.

The EU’s approach must, MEPs say, be prepared and implemented in a fully coherent manner, with a pragmatic and mutually beneficial, results-oriented approach aimed at bringing stability and economic opportunities to partner countries, including migration flow countries of origin and transit.

Root causes

MEPs pinpoint issues where the EU can provide tailored support for partner countries, such as on fragile geopolitical contexts, the impact of climate change, the role of agriculture, empowering young people, promoting and supporting sustainable economic development, and capacity-building to support education, healthcare, and democratic consolidation.

Cooperation

MEPs say the EU should promote cooperation with partner countries on migration, based on solidarity, shared responsibility, and respect for human rights. Cooperation is also essential in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling, and it should also focus on preventing the instrumentalisation of migration.

They argue that strict border controls without alternative legal pathways for migration shift the routes, introducing different steps in the journey and new transit countries, thus increasing the precariousness of the journey and the exposure of migrants to smuggling networks, extortion and violence.

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Speaking after the vote, rapporteur Lukas Mandl (EPP, AT), said: ‘Europe is the world’s largest investor in development cooperation, surpassing any other global actor. Europe’s soft power must not be underestimated in promoting universal values such as human dignity and individual freedom. Development cooperation also plays an important role in addressing Europe’s own challenges. The European Parliament has now clearly stated that the EU’s international partnerships should contribute to tackling irregular migration and help address the demographic crisis through labour migration.’

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 16/06/2026 UNTIL 0600 17/06/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1013hPa (hectopascal)

Weak 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

The agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be a significant development for stability in the Middle East, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday during a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on developments in the region.

Kallas said that recent days create ‘reasonable grounds for cautious optimism’, noting that the agreement has the potential to pave the way for more substantive talks on Iran’s nuclear program and overall regional stability. She added that, if fully implemented, the agreement is also expected to contribute to reducing pressures on global energy markets.

She stressed, however, that any settlement, in order to be sustainable, must be fully in line with international law and be accompanied by verifiable implementation mechanisms. She also underlined that the Straits of Hormuz must remain open and free from encumbrances for navigation.

The High Representative praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, as well as the contribution of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, noting that their diplomatic action had been decisive in preventing a generalised conflict and in reaching the agreement.

She said that the European Union has been in contact with the countries of the region in order to explore ways to contribute to the next phase of the process, using both its economic and diplomatic influence and its expertise on issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

At the same time, Kallas pointed out that the greatest challenges still lie ahead, making it clear that the EU rejects any measure that would burden shipping in the Straits of Hormuz. She recalled that the EU Council recently adopted new sanctions against individuals involved in Iranian actions that threaten freedom of navigation, while the European naval operation ASPIDES continues to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Referring to Yemen, she underlined that the Houthis continue to pose a serious threat to shipping, adding that the EU maintains an increased naval presence in the region.

Referring to Lebanon, Kaja Kallas described the situation as “particularly fragile” and stressed the need to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. At the same time, she reiterated the EU’s support for the Lebanese authorities, in particular in their efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

On the Palestinian issue, she expressed concern over the plans to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, arguing that they are not in line with international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.

The High Representative of the European Union also said that during the Foreign Affairs Council, several member states had asked the European Commission to prepare concrete proposals for possible trade measures in relation to illegal settlements. She said that she would convey this request to the College of Commissioners and ask for the preparation of a list of options, including measures that would prevent the import of products originating in illegal settlements.

At the same time, she said that she would ask the Commission to assess issues related to the rules of origin of products, a matter also raised by member states.

Kallas reiterated the EU’s firm commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. She stressed, however, that there was no progress in implementing a peace plan for Gaza, while the humanitarian crisis in the region was worsening.

“We cannot wait any longer,” she said, calling for immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. She added that Hamas must be disarmed and that border crossings must be fully reopened, in line with the comprehensive plan under discussion.

In conclusion, the High Representative assured that the European Union will continue to work with all its partners to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Middle East, from Gaza and Lebanon to the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Spanish EPP MEP Antonio López-Isturiz described the ceasefire as a “temporary band-aid” and not a solution, arguing that Iran’s theocratic regime remains strong and continues to pose a threat through its regional allies and organisations. He called on the EU to strengthen coordination in the areas of defence, intelligence and security, to maintain sanctions against Iran and to reduce energy dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

On his part, Portuguese MEP for the Patriots for Europe, Antonio Tanger Correa, pointed out that Europe should not confuse an agreement with peace, stressing that organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah remain a key obstacle to stability. He called for their complete weakening and an end to funding structures that, as he said, seek the destruction of Israel.

Latvian MEP for the European Conservatives and Reformists, Rihards Kols, described any de-escalation effort as positive, but noted that an agreement with Iran is not enough on its own to ensure regional stability. He underlined the need to protect Israel’s security and strengthen cooperation with the Gulf states.

In an intervention, Cypriot ELAM and the European Conservatives and Reformists MEP, Geadis Geadi, noted that ‘in the Middle East and the wider region, there are currently two diametrically opposed paths. On the one hand, the forces of instability, fanaticism and violence, and on the other, the forces of cooperation, security and development.’

‘There are the extremist Islamic regimes, which in collaboration with the various terrorist Islamic organizations are causing chaos,’ he pointed out. ‘There is also the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, which is the key to the region, the way out of chaos,’ stressed Geadi.

‘Through every crisis, opportunities are created. One of these is the 3+1 cooperation scheme, between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, with the participation of the United States of America. A partnership created with the aim of strengthening stability, security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in the sectors of energy, natural gas, defence and the economy,’ he said.

‘In an era of geopolitical changes, the protection of the Republic of Cyprus is a strategic necessity for Europe and the Western world,’ he concluded.

Belgian Renew MEP, Hilde Voutmans, focused on the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, citing the death of a Palestinian baby in the West Bank. She called on the EU to ban trade with Israeli settlements and increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

German Green MEP, Hanna Neumann, noted that international law must be applied consistently towards both Iran and Israel, calling for sanctions against violent settlers and the maintenance of restrictive measures against Tehran.

Irish Left MEP, Lynn Boylan, criticised the EU for inaction in the face of Israel’s violations of international law and called for a ban on trade with the settlements, arguing that the European institutions have the legal basis for such measures.

Responding on behalf of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, made it clear that sanctions against Iran would remain in place. She stressed that the EU maintained a common position in favour of a two-state solution and the provision of humanitarian aid but acknowledged that there was still no unanimity among member states on trade and sanctions. She also stressed that accountability for violations and addressing the refugee issue were essential conditions for a sustainable peace in the Middle East.