Category: Cyprus News Agency

A bronze mini-sculpture of 18th-century Kyiv traveller Vasyl Hryhorovych-Barsky, who left one of the most detailed early descriptions of Cyprus, has been unveiled in Larnaca as a gift to the city from the Ukrainian community.

According to an announcement by the Ukrainian community in Cyprus, Barsky, known in Greek as Vasileios Grigorovits Barsky, travelled across Cyprus on foot, lived on the island and recorded its daily life, landscapes and people in rare detail. His notes are still considered among the most valuable primary sources on Cyprus of that period.

The sculpture was created with the support of Obiimy Cyprus and Sushko Philanthropy and installed as part of the Ukrainian project ‘Shukai!’, which has been telling the story of Kyiv through bronze mini-sculptures for almost ten years. The Larnaca sculpture is the first under the project to be installed outside Ukraine.

Anna Sushko, co-founder of Obiimy Cyprus and Sushko Philanthropy, said Cyprus had become a second home for many Ukrainians, adding that the initiative was a way of giving something back to the city that welcomed them.

Deputy Mayor of Larnaca Iasonas Iasonidis welcomed the contribution of the Ukrainian community to the city’s social, economic and cultural life.

Barsky, who lived from 1701 to 1747, left Kyiv on foot in 1724 and travelled for 24 years, visiting Cyprus five times and accompanying his notes with his own drawings.

The sculpture is open to the public at Obiimy Cyprus, at 12 Grigori Afxentiou Street in Larnaca, daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Job vacancy rate was at 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, according to data published on Monday by the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus.

The number of job vacancies in the 1st quarter of 2026 reached 13,905.

According to the data, the largest job vacancy rates in the first quarter of 2026 were observed in the Sectors of Arts, Sports and Recreation (5.1%), Construction (4.7%) and Accommodation and Food Service Activities (4%).

The President of Democratic Rally (DISY), Annita Demetriou, sent a letter on Monday to the President of the European People’s Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, emphasizing the need to strengthen European support for efforts to resume talks aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue.

According to a DISY press release, in her letter, Demetriou highlighted the importance of the initiatives currently underway under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General and the efforts of his Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín, to convene a new informal expanded meeting in the ‘5+1’ format.

DISY President called for the political support of the EPP for the ongoing UN-led process, as well as its mediation and support at the European level for the appointment of a new EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, in order to ensure continuity and strengthen the European Union’s involvement in the process.

As stated in the press release, Demetriou thanked the EPP and its President for their long-standing support for a solution based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council and on European principles and values, as well as for their rejection of Turkey’s position advocating a two-state solution.

The letter was also circulated to all EPP leaders.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

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

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

MEETING DATE: 15/06/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

266.651,93

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

180,380

-0,110

241.518,430

MAIN MARKET INDEX

246,120

1,050

206.584,150

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.271,920

0,290

40.759,330

CSE GENERAL INDEX

304,750

0,760

256.609,540

HOTELS INDEX

1.967,090

0,000

0,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.972,190

-0,110

50.114,390

There has been no discussion on Greek F-16 fighter jets and frigates to be permanently stationed in Cyprus, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, said on Monday.

In statements on the sidelines of an event at his office, concerning the exams of reserve officers, Palmas also stated that the recent Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed with France does not provide for the permanent presence of troops in Cyprus either.

He said that Greek F-16 are still in Cyprus and the frigate Elli is still in the territorial waters of Cyprus, due to alarm caused by the crisis in the Middle East last March, but noted that this is temporary. “We have not discussed nor the temporary neither their permanent presence” he said, adding that “when and if we re-evaluate things, we will discuss whether there will be a permanent presence.”

Regarding the bilateral relationship with Greece, the Minister said that “it is at such a high level, where we can agree on everything at any time and whatever arises.” He also reiteratd the government’s appreciation towards Greece and other countries that offered their assistance and support during the crisis.

In the early hours of March 2 a Shahed-type drone struck military facilities in the British Bases, hosted in Akrotiri, in the southern tip of Cyprus, causing minor damage, amid regional turmoil following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The attack by the Iranian-made ?unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon, prompted heightened security measures, while several countries, including Greece and France said they were deploying warships, aircraft and other air defence assets to shield Cyprus.

Responding to a question regarding the recent military agreement between Cyprus and France, Palmas noted “that for one country to reach the point of signing such a military agreement with another, it means that the overall relations between these two countries are at an excellent level.”

He explained that the pact was signed within the framework of this relationship, “to further improve our relationship and to enable the troops of the two countries to be facilitated either in matters concerning exercises, training, exchange of information and other matters provided for in the agreement,” as he said. He also noted that “depending on the programs that the two armies have for joint training and cooperation, we will also adjust the way this exercise or this training or anything else will be conducted.”

When asked whether there had been discussions for the presence of French forces in Cyprus during specific periods throughout the year, he responded negatively and clarified that the agreement does not include the permanent presence of French troops in Cyprus, refuting relevant reports from recent days.

He also stressed that the status of the French forces “under no circumstances” is tantamount to that of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) which is stationed in the island, and “provides protection and security to the Republic of Cyprus.”

He explained that “based on the agreement, French troops can remain in Cyprus for a specific period of time, for example for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, in case French troops want to assist French nationals to evacuate a dangerous zone in the Middle East or the Eastern Mediterranean, and they can remain for as long as they want, to carry out and implement this mission.”

Asked about the meetings with the Deputy Minister of Defense of Brazil and whether they concern armament programs for Cyprus, Palmas said that the meetings are taking place on the sidelines of his contacts during his visit at the armament programs and military equipment exhibition in Paris. ‘We will examine ways in which we can further improve this relationship,’ he added.

Regarding a question on the government’s actions, following the approval for the participation of Cyprus in the EU financial instrument SAFE, he said that the goal is to strengthen both Cyprus’ defense and the Cypriot defense industry. “Within the framework of this dual effort, there are synergies primarily and mainly with European countries and mainly with France, in collaboration with Cypriot defense industry companies for synergies and production of weapons programs,” he said.

Monday’s EU Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine and Moldova in Luxembourg mark a significant milestone in the two candidate countries’ accession path to the European Union, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said in a written statement.

The conferences mark the formal opening of the first negotiating cluster, on Fundamentals, the statement adds.

Raouna said the development reaffirms the EU’s strategic commitment to the enlargement process, adding that the Cyprus Presidency worked ‘diligently and intensively’ to complete discussions within the Council and convene the Intergovernmental Conferences.

Since the start of the Cyprus Presidency last January, she said, the necessary consultations were advanced and the relevant processes coordinated, leading to the formal opening of the first cluster, in full compliance with the enlargement methodology.

According to the Deputy Minister, the opening of the first cluster takes Ukraine and Moldova ‘from political vision to commitment and implementation’ of the process that will bring them closer to the European family.

EU enlargement, she added, is both a strategic investment and a necessity, as it contributes to security and stability at a time of geopolitical upheaval.

Raouna also said that the Cyprus Presidency remains committed to the enlargement process and has worked to deliver tangible results for all candidate countries, on the basis of the merit-based principle.

The 27th EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Conference is also taking place in Luxembourg on Monday, under the Cyprus Presidency, for the provisional closure of two more negotiating chapters. Raouna noted that Montenegro remains the frontrunner in the enlargement process, recalling that, under the Cyprus Presidency, agreement was reached to begin work on drafting its Accession Treaty to the EU.

The 40th General Assembly of the Cyprus Universities Rectors’ Conference, convened by the University of Cyprus

The 40th General Assembly of the Cyprus Universities Rectors’ Conference took place on 12 June 2026 at the University of Cyprus, chaired by the President of the Conference, Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides.

Discussions during the Assembly focused strongly on student-centred issues, highlighting the importance of active student participation in placement programmes, skills development initiatives and lifelong learning activities.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on the role of universities in actively contributing to the ongoing dialogue aimed at shaping the regulatory framework for paid internships.

The Assembly also reaffirmed the value of the tool developed by the Conference to increase the visibility and accessibility of doctoral-level research produced by Cypriot universities. In particular, the Cyprus Repository of Doctoral Dissertations brings together the full collection of doctoral theses awarded by Cypriot universities, providing broader access to research outputs and enhancing the visibility of scientific knowledge with significant societal impact.

As part of the Assembly, meetings were also held with key partners of the Cypriot higher education sector. Discussions with representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth explored opportunities for collaboration with the Educational Psychology Service in developing enrichment programmes for gifted and talented students. In addition, a meeting took place with the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes to explore joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest. The assembly also held an introductory meeting with the newly appointed President and Vice-President of the Council of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.

The Cyprus Universities Rectors’ Conference remains committed to strengthening cooperation among Cyprus’ universities, promoting the value of higher education and research, and further enhancing Cyprus’ role as a dynamic and influential partner within the European and international higher education and research landscape.

Cyprus recorded an employment rate of 82.3% among recent graduates aged 20 to 34 in 2025, remaining very close to the European Union average, according to data published by Eurostat on Monday.

More specifically, the employment rate of recent graduates in Cyprus stood at 82.3%, with the rate reaching 81.3% for men and 83.3% for women.

According to Eurostat, at EU level the employment rate of young people who had recently graduated from upper secondary or tertiary education reached 83.0% in 2025, compared with 82.3% in 2024.

The highest employment rates among recent graduates were recorded in Malta (91.0%), Germany (90.6%) and the Netherlands (90.1%), while the lowest were observed in Greece (62.4%), Italy (71.8%) and Romania (72.7%).

Eurostat also highlights that, at EU level, male graduates had a higher employment rate (84.4%) than female graduates (81.5%).

In a total of 18 EU Member States, employment among recent graduates was higher for men. However, in some countries, including Cyprus, women recorded higher employment rates than men. The largest gaps in favour of women were registered in Greece (11.8%), Estonia (5.0%) and Finland (4.4%).

The Turnover Value Index of Wholesale Trade (Division 46) during the first quarter of 2026 recorded an increase of 11.2% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Monday.

For the same quarter, the Turnover Value Index of Sales and Repair of Motor Vehicles (Division 45) recorded a decrease of 3.6% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

According to data published by the Statistical Service, wholesale trade recorded growth across all economic activities, with the exception of wholesale trade on a fee or contract basis, which registered a decline of 18.5%.

A significant decrease of 9.4% was also recorded in the sale of motor vehicles, although vehicle maintenance and repair services, as well as the sale of vehicle parts and accessories, recorded increases.

All samples examined so far for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have tested negative, the President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association and member of the epidemiological team on FMD, Dr. Dimitris Epameinondas, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Monday.

He said 121 infected units currently remain, noting that some final samples are still pending from the Limassol district.

Regarding the likelihood of easing measures, Epameinondas said authorities are awaiting the overall picture from sampling results and the completion of vaccinations before discussing potential timelines.

‘The positive element is that surveillance and tracing samples received so far from Limassol and Nicosia have tested negative,’ he said.

‘We will know tomorrow about these final samples. We hope the last samples from the Limassol area will also be negative,’ he added.

‘With the completion of the final samples, surveillance and tracing within a three-kilometre radius will be concluded,’ he said.

He noted that culling operations were completed on Friday and that ‘there are no pending issues.’

On vaccinations, Epameinondas said immunisation will begin today in units in Paphos and Limassol that had not been vaccinated due to vaccine shortages.

‘Vaccines have been received. Vaccinations will begin today with the aim of achieving 100% coverage nationwide,’ he said.

Regarding checks along the Green Line, he said police patrols have begun along the ceasefire line, along with measures at crossing points.

‘The existing measures will be supplemented by additional steps currently being discussed with the army and the police,’ he added.

On next steps and possible easing of restrictions, he said authorities are awaiting the complete sampling results and completion of vaccinations, and are now considering the next phase, including whether and when measures could be eased.

‘To begin discussing easing measures and set timelines, we must first complete vaccinations and have a clear epidemiological picture of Cyprus based on sampling results. These are two key criteria for assessing the next stage,’ he stressed.

Regarding livestock replenishment, he said that given the losses recorded, internal replenishment can be carried out easily and there is no need for imports.

Epameinondas stressed that if the final samples in the Limassol area are also negative, it would be a very positive development.

‘This would mean the positive unit in Pahna was the first outbreak in Limassol and that there were no others, meaning we managed to prevent the spread of the virus within the district,’ he said.

In response to a question on how the virus reached the Pahna unit, he said there are some indications, but the epidemiological report and sampling analysis are still pending, adding that further details would be given later.