Category: Cyprus News Agency

Tomorrow, 12 June 2026, the Pact on Migration and Asylum will start to apply in all EU Member States. Adopted in May 2024, the Pact has overhauled the EU’s migration and asylum framework and now forms the centrepiece of the EU’s new approach on migration. For the first time, the EU has a comprehensive migration and asylum framework in place, with strong external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: ‘Migration is a European challenge which must be met with a European solution. One that is effective, fair and firm. This is what the Pact on Migration and Asylum delivers – more secure external borders, solidarity between Member States and more efficient procedures for asylum and return. And to address the root causes of migration together, we continue to strengthen our relationships with global partners.’

The EU has opened a new chapter on migration and asylum of which the Pact on Migration and Asylum is a core element. It comes together with an assertive migration diplomacy, technologically advanced border protection (with the Entry-Exit System rolled out and fully applied), and new rules to make returns swifter and more effective, as outlined in the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy. The new approach is already showing strong results, with a 55% decrease in illegal border crossings compared to two years ago.

Core elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum include:

Secure external borders, with new mandatory registration and thorough security checks of all irregular migrants crossing the EU’s borders illegally, fast-track border procedures in border areas for those unlikely to be in need of protection, present a security risk or mislead the authorities, and swift returns -without the person being authorised to enter the territory of the EU.

Firm and fair asylum procedures, including shorter time limits for asylum procedures, stricter rules for abusive and subsequent applications, and rules to better prevent secondary movements.

EU-wide standards for reception conditions, ensuring dignified reception standards throughout the EU, reducing incentives for secondary movements and facilitating faster access to the labour market (already after 6 months).

A fair balance between solidarity and responsibility, with a permanent mandatory solidarity mechanism and a possibility for Member States to contribute to solidarity in a flexible way, addressing the specific situation of each Member State. It also includes clearer rules on which Member State is responsible for processing an asylum application, as well as faster processes on transferring applicants back to the Member State in charge.

Strong safeguards, to ensure compliance with fundamental rights including an independent monitoring mechanism in during the screening and the asylum border procedure.

As of tomorrow (12 June), the new rules will be fully applicable, and Member States will be able to apply the rules in practice.

To mark this milestone, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner participates tomorrow in an informal Ministerial Conference hosted by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council in Nicosia. A press conference will take place tomorrow at approximately 12:45 CEST and will be livestreamed on EBS.

Next steps

The key pillars of the new system are in place. Looking ahead, implementing this complex set of reforms requires significant legal and operational work. Member States will continue to adapt and finetune the new procedures in the coming months, with continuous support from the Commission and EU Agencies.

In parallel, the Commission, together with Member States, will continue strengthening its migration diplomacy tools and working with international partners, including countries of origin and transit, while ensuring the EU has the rules and processes in place to attract the skills it needs to boost the competitiveness of our economies.

For More Information

Pact on Migration and Asylum

Q and A

Factsheet

European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy

Regulation establishing a new Common European System for Returns

Entry-Exit System

Quote(s)

Migration is a European challenge which must be met with a European solution. One that is effective, fair and firm. This is what the Pact on Migration and Asylum delivers – more secure external borders, solidarity between Member States and more efficient procedures for asylum and return. And to address the root causes of migration together, we continue to strengthen our relationships with global partners.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

After years of intense work, we now have a robust, balanced framework to manage migration in the EU. The Pact on Migration and Asylum strengthens the protection of our external borders, it makes asylum procedures faster and more efficient and ensures the right balance between solidarity and responsibility.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

The Pact on Migration and Asylum is an important element of the reform of our migration management system. We are putting our European house in order. This creates the conditions for us to decide who can come to Europe, who can stay, and who must leave. It strengthens trust between Member States and gives Europe more control.

Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

EU agrees to accelerate defence industrial base ramp-up and simplify defence procurement

The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to simplify security and defence procurement, facilitate defence investments and support the defence industry.

The Commission proposed the defence omnibus a year ago, as part of the EU’s simplification agenda to boost Europe’s competitiveness. These measures directly address industry calls for faster, more flexible, and less burdensome defence industrial policies, strengthening Europe’s security and industrial resilience.

Today’s agreement will facilitate the transfer of defence products within the EU. New EU-wide licences and broader exemptions from prior authorisation will make it simpler to transfer defence products across borders and help reduce delays.

The agreement also intends to streamline defence procurement procedures for contracting authorities and industry. This will reduce administrative burden and help accelerate defence procurement.

The provisional deal introduces faster permitting for defence projects, introducing a 42-working-day deadline for permit decisions and making approval automatic if authorities do not respond in time. This will help critical defence projects move forward more quickly.

Finally, the agreement simplifies access to the European Defence Fund to improve implementation and simplify administrative requirements for applicants, in line with industry feedback. It also reduces legal uncertainty by clarifying how EU chemicals legislation applies to the defence sector.

Next steps

The Regulations will enter into the formal adoption process by the European Parliament and the Council over the coming weeks, to ensure their rapid entry into force.

Background

In June 2025, the Commission proposed the Defence Readiness Omnibus, a landmark package aligned with the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. Designed to foster a defence-readiness mindset across the EU, the package strengthens defence investments, enabling Member States and industry to respond rapidly and effectively to escalating security threats. The package includes three key legislative files:

A proposal for Regulation to accelerate permit-granting for defence-readiness projects.

An amending Regulation covering the European Defence Fund (EDF) and REACH chemical regulations, ensuring greater alignment with defence needs.

An amending Directive to streamline intra-EU transfers of defence products and defence procurement procedures.

For more information

Defence Readiness Omnibus – Defence Industry and Space

Quote(s)

Europe’s security depends on our ability to act decisively, and that means removing barriers to innovation, speeding up defence production, and ensuring our industries can deliver when it matters most. This agreement is a critical step toward a more sovereign, resilient Europe. By simplifying rules for the European Defence Fund, cutting delays in permit approvals, and fostering cross-border collaboration, we are not only strengthening our defence capabilities but also safeguarding our technological edge. In an era of growing threats, this is how we turn policy into action, and ensure Europe remains a leader in security and democracy.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Today’s agreement on Defence Readiness Omnibus brings big change: Maximum 100 days to wait for defence industry permits instead of up to four years. Simpler procurement rules, smaller burdens. Small steps in rules, big steps in Defence Readiness. We will continue to defragment defence market.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space

EU-wide cyber exercise tests response to attacks on rail and maritime networks

Some 5,000 experts took part in an EU-wide cyber exercise on 10 and 11 June to test how Europe would respond to attacks on critical transport infrastructure. Cyber Europe 2026 was also the first EU-wide test of the 2025 EU Cyber Blueprint, which clarifies roles and responsibilities in a crisis.

Organised by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the exercise simulated a cyber attack on Europe’s rail and maritime networks. The scenario caused severe operational disruptions and escalated into a full-blown cybersecurity crisis. Participants included cybersecurity specialists from the public and private sectors, policymakers, EU institutions, industry and partner countries (the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine).

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, said: ‘Transport is essential to our economy and daily lives, but it is also a target for cyber threats. When ports or railways are hit, effects can reach far beyond transport, disrupting trade, military mobility and crisis response. As hybrid threats blur the line between civilian and military infrastructure, preparedness is not optional. Cyber threats cross borders in seconds. Europe must be able to act just as fast, together with its closest partners.’

The exercise also tested the Cybersecurity Reserve, created under the Cyber Solidarity Act to support responses to cybersecurity incidents. The lessons from Cyber Europe 2026 will help consolidate the EU Cyber Blueprint and embed cyber crisis management into the Union’s broader emergency preparedness and response frameworks.

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

EU now protects over 3,700 European food and drinks with geographical indications

The European Commission has reached an important milestone with regard to the protection of European food and drinks heritage. With 13 new products joining the register today, the EU officially protects over 3,700 geographical indications (GIs) and continues to lead globally in protecting tradition, promoting sustainability, and rewarding excellence. The new GIs include products from Finland, France, Italy, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

GIs preserve Europe’s food and drink heritage and promote quality products across the EU and beyond. They protect the names of products deeply rooted in their regions, ensuring consumers can trust their origin, quality, and traditional production methods. They apply to a wide range of agricultural products, foodstuffs, wines and spirits produced in various regions.

The EU’s geographical indications include protected designation of origin, protected geographical indication and geographical indications. Well-known examples include Bayerisches Bier, Champagne, Irish Whiskey, Kalamata olives, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Polish Vodka, Queso Manchego and Roquefort cheeses. Today’s additions further strengthen a system that generates over pound 75 billion in annual sales and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in rural communities. GIs account for around 15% of EU agri-food exports.

The updated EU GI Regulation, which entered into force in May 2024, has made registration faster and more accessible, while strengthening protections against misuse. A new step-by-step guide to GIs now helps producers navigate the application process.

You can find more information online.

(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Katerina Horáková – Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)

Commission welcomes agreement on key safeguards for the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport

The European Parliament and Council have today reached a provisional agreement to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) for the new emissions trading system covering buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2), helping to ensure a smooth and predictable start when the system launches in 2028. It supports the implementation of the EU’s 2040 climate objectives while enhancing resilience to volatility in fossil fuel imports.

Following the Commission’s proposal, this agreement strengthens the ETS2 safeguards by enabling stronger intervention to support market price stability and reinforcing the reserve’s capacity to operate in the longer term, while preserving the environmental integrity of the system. It sends a clear signal that the EU is committed to a predictable and reliable carbon market, providing greater certainty for citizens, businesses and those investing in the transition.

Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, said: ‘Climate action must not only be effective, but also fair and predictable. Today’s agreement strengthens the safeguards around the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport, further enhancing stability and affordability for citizens and businesses, while setting us on a more predictable path toward a low-carbon future.’

The agreement on the targeted MSR changes completes a set of measures announced by the Commissioner at the October 2025 Environment Council to secure ETS2 market stability and accelerate early investments. Together with the Social Climate Fund, these measures will contribute to a fair and orderly transition towards climate neutrality. Now, this provisional agreement needs to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

More information on the ETS2 Market Stability Reserve agreement is online.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu hosts Implementation Dialogue on supporting and empowering teachers in the EU

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, is hosting an Implementation Dialogue on supporting the teaching profession, today in Brussels.

This Dialogue aims to deepen the European Commission’s understanding of the sector in preparation for the EU Teachers and Trainers Agenda, a key component of the Union of Skills’ Education Package, which will be released later this autumn. It highlights the crucial role of education stakeholders in developing young people’s skills, critical thinking, and civic participation.

The Executive Vice-President will welcome over 20 representatives of organisations related to the teaching profession, including teachers, parents, and school leaders, as well as representatives of national and local authorities, international organisations, and sectoral social partners. Together, they will suggest priorities for EU action and initiatives supporting teachers.

The discussion will be informed by data from the first five years of the European Education Area (EEA) framework and the current Erasmus+ programming period 2021-2027. Through Erasmus+ opportunities and related initiatives, the Commission helps enhance the attractiveness of the teaching profession, promote professional developments, as well as strengthen evidence-based education policies.

Implementation Dialogues are part of the Commission’s commitment to seek feedback from society for the implementation and simplification of EU policies.

More information on the Commission’s Implementation Dialogues is available online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

Commissioner Serafin to visit Latvia for his ‘Tour d’Europe’

As part of his ‘Tour d’Europe’ to consult Member States on the next European long-term budget (MFF), Commissioner for Budget and Administration Piotr Serafin is in Latvia this week. He will meet public authorities and beneficiaries of EU funding to witness firsthand how EU-supported initiatives are improving lives and contributing to regional development in the country.

Today, the Commissioner will visit the headquarters of Aerones Engineering, in Riga. He will observe directly the impact of EU funding on the development of robotic innovation in wind turbine maintenance.

On Friday, Commissioner Serafin will meet members of the European Affairs Committee, and of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Latvian Parliament, for an exchange of views on the next MFF. He will then meet Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister of Transport. The Commissioner will finish his visit with a meeting with Andris Kulbergs, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, to notably discuss the foreseen impact of the next MFF for the country.

More information on Commissioner Serafin’s Tour d’Europe is available in its dedicated website.

As thousands of workers in the EU lose their life every year in work-related incidents, European and Cypriot officials highlighted on Thursday morning, at a conference, in Nicosia, efforts to enhance occupational safety and health across the bloc. Mario Nava, Director-General of the Commission’s DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, stressed the need for evidence-based actions, awareness, and for the law to keep apace with change, while William Cockburn, the Executive Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, noted the very high human cost, as well as the “substantial economic cost” estimated at around 3% of GDP. Stelios Himonas, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance noted that non-fatal accidents fell almost 40% in a decade in Cyprus.

Nava, speaking at the Occupational Safety and Health Conference, titled ‘Positive Safety Culture towards Vision Zero’, held at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, in the context of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, congratulated the Cyprus Presidency on delivering results and commented on Cyprus’ good examples on health and safety at work.

He stressed the phenomenal progress made over the last 20 years in the EU labour market, with the increase of employment. ‘Because of that, we really need to seize the momentum for quality jobs’ he said, noting that no job can truly be called quality job if it harms the health or endangers the life of the workers. ‘When workers are protected, businesses thrive, health is preserved, and productivity rises. And when life is safeguarded, families and communities flourish,’ he said.

Nava argued that the legal obligation of occupational safety is actually the bedrock of competitive, inclusive and sustainable labour markets. ‘We are in a world where labour has become a scarce resource’, he said, noting the need for an estimated 90 million more workers worldwide. ‘That means we need to compete for workers. And if we need to compete for workers, having good health and safety conditions is the bare minimum.’

Quoting data, he said that the fatal accident since 1994 have fallen by 70% in the EU and 70% in Cyprus since 2005.

Nevertheless, he noted that every year in the EU, 3,300 workers lose their life, amounting to 1.6 for every 1,000 employed people. ‘It’s still a lot. That’s the area where we want to work, because behind each statistic there is a human tragedy,’ he said.

He noted that challenges are changing, referring to the climate change that affects more EU countries now than 30 years ago, but also digitalization, AI, psychosocial risks, stress, burnout, harassment.

‘Vision Zero is the way to respond,’ he said, arguing that we need evidence-based actions, awareness, and for the law to keep pace with change.

Nava also mentioned the importance of Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD6) to be discussed on June 23 in a trilogue, noting that it can prevent about 1,700 lung cancers, and about 20,000 other incidents, asking for Cyprus Presidency’s contribution to bring it home.

He also mentioned the Quality Jobs Act, expected to come out at the end of this year.

Additionally, Nava said that there are a lot of good examples to take from Cyprus on the subject, mentioning the focus on fall prevention, the Safepass scheme, the collaboration with trade unions.

Particular mention was also made to Cyprus Presidency’s success on Regulation 883, regarding workers’ mobility in the EU. Nava said that ‘for us in Brussels, it was an incredible thing’, noting that an agreement ‘escaped’ from the hands of many Presidencies. ‘Probably the Cypriots didn’t know it was impossible, and that’s why they did it’, he said.

Concluding, he said that we need to make sure that we achieve an ecosystem which at the same time is a culture of prevention, where safety comes first and not afterwards, with big data guiding action, and with a very strong and bold enforcement to ensure compliance.

On his part, William Cockburn, Executive Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, said that no loss of life or serious injury is acceptable as a price and that life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within society.

‘Accidents and illnesses are not something that we should accept as a cost of work. Everybody has the right to return home safe and healthy after a day’s work,’ he said.

Noting that in Europe there still is a very high human cost, he added that there is also ‘a substantial economic cost,’ with estimates putting it at around 3% of GDP.

‘We need to communicate the issue more effectively to those who are not in our world. We need to explain that it’s an entirely avoidable burden,’ he said, adding that we know what measures are successful, mentioning safety culture, leadership commitment, worker engagement, communication, risk assessment and a continuous cycle of learning and making that part of the identity of the organization.

Cockburn said that the Agency’s research is delivering insights for policy and regulation. He noted that significant proportion of mainly very small enterprises don’t think about occupational safety and health at all, with the Agency calling them ‘the avoiders’. There is also another group where they act in response to a trigger, for example, an accident, a visit from the labour inspectorate, and then there’s a group of good performers, who are happy to take the tools and guidance and are on the active lookout for best practices.

‘But Vision Zero means reaching out to the avoiders. Vision Zero means engaging with all of those small enterprises, not only the good performers,’ he said.

In the absence of the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, Stelios Himonas, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry delivered an address. As he said, despite the progress achieved, occupational accidents and diseases continue to have an unacceptable human and economic cost.

‘A shared ambition that unites us is the pursuit of Vision Zero,’ he said, referring to a future in which occupational accidents and diseases are prevented, and where mental health, well-being, and dignity at work are fully safeguarded and promoted.

Himonas said that the Cyprus Presidency has attached particular importance to strengthening the cultural dimension of occupational safety and health.

Referring to practices in Cyprus on the subject, he said that we promote preventive strategies based on risk assessment and early intervention, we combine effective enforcement with guidance and support for enterprises, we take targeted action in high risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, and we invest in continuous education and training, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Quoting the data for Cyprus, he said that the progress has been particularly encouraging, with non-fatal accidents falling almost 40% in a decade.

He mentioned that ‘Vision Zero’ is not merely an abstract aspiration, but a tangible and achievable objective, ‘provided that we act with unity, determination, and shared responsibility.’

He also noted that these efforts align closely with the broader priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in advancing the rights and protection of all workers. ‘Strong enforcement of occupational safety and health standards is not an isolated objective, but an integral part of a wider commitment to a more resilient and equitable European labour market,’ he said, referring to the successful conclusion by the Presidency of Regulation 883 on the coordination of social security systems, that marks an important step forward in facilitating fair and well-regulated mobility across the Union, while safeguarding equal treatment and legal certainty for mobile workers.

‘Let us seize the opportunity of the Cyprus Presidency to reaffirm our common commitment deepen our cooperation and accelerate progress towards this shared Vision Zero, transforming this objective from an aspiration into a tangible reality for every worker across Europe,’ he concluded.

The Conference continues on Thursday afternoon with an exchange of national initiatives and experiences on health and safety issues, aimed to lead at a Vision Zero environment, with discussions between representatives from Cyprus, the Netherlands, Latvia, Denmark, Finland, and field experts.

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

MEETING DATE: 11/06/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 242.971,94

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

178,090

0,300

240.034,890

MAIN MARKET INDEX

239,330

0,630

200.856,700

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.233,510

0,600

39.091,880

CSE GENERAL INDEX

296,980

0,270

240.767,540

HOTELS INDEX

1.903,260

0,000

0,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.946,530

-0,750

41.504,440

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

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas conveyed on Thursday Nicosia’s wish to see more interest on the part of the European Union over the Cyprus issue.

Speaking on the sidelines of a military exercise at Kalo Chorio Shooting Range, in Larnaca District, Palmas also replied to reactions from Turkey to a bilateral Cyprus-France agreement, saying that the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state recognized by all international organisations, noting that it is legitimate to enter into cooperation and sign agreements.

Responding to a comment that the European Union should be more involved in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, he noted that Europeans are aware of the Cyprus problem. ‘We would like more interest and more involvement on their part, but international relations on our planet are also shaped based on the national and interstate interests of the member states,’ he added.

‘Since there are bilateral and other interests, our field of action is at a level where we are really fighting to be able to convey our views, our positions and the injustice that Cyprus is suffering’, Palmas pointed out.

Referring to the signing of a military agreement with France, the Minister of Defence noted that ‘in order to be able to sign such a military agreement, first excellent political relations need to prevail between the states that sign this agreement.’

“Therefore, within the framework of this excellent political relationship that the Government and the President of the Republic have developed with various states of the international community, we were able to sign an agreement that has mutual respect and a mutual content in matters concerning joint exercises, joint training, exchange of information on various issues related to the security of both countries and of course other issues that make life easier for all those participating in various activities related to the bilateral relationship in this agreement,” he explained.

When asked if there will be any joint exercises soon, Palmas said yes, noting that the National Guard carries out exercises at a bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral level, as well as exercises that contribute to extroversion and knowledge of the broader environment of military issues concerning the international community.

Referring to the SAFE programme, the Minister of Defence stated that ‘we are in the six months during which we will draw the first funds from the SAFE regulation, which we signed and for which we got approval by the member states of the European Commission in order to be able to participate in this regulation.’

Responding to another question, Vasilis Palmas stated that ‘there are bilateral collaborations and relations with many other countries, with which we have signed cooperation agreements. However, this cooperation with France, because it is combined with our excellent political relationship, allows us to have an agreement that is on a different level than some other agreements that we may sign with another state.’

Asked to comment on the Turkish President’s reaction to the Cyprus-France Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Minister of Defence pointed out that ‘the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state recognised by all international organisations and is legitimate to enter into cooperation and sign agreements’. ‘At the same time’, he continued, ‘Turkey should finally do its self-criticism after 52 years in order to create the conditions (for lifting) the illegality, occupation and invasion on its part for a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus problem.’

Responding to a question about the presence of Greek aircraft in Cyprus, Vasilis Palmas said that ‘every day the General Staff of the National Guard at an operational level and the Ministry of Defence at a political level evaluate the overall situation we have in the region geographically, geopolitically, politically and operationally and depending on the conditions and data that are created daily, we also adapt the security and protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus’.

‘Whatever changes, and if it needs to change, will always be in consultation with the Greek Government’, he underlined.

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.

The negotiating package for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034) was published on Thursday afternoon by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Presidency describes it as a ‘mature and revised’ negotiating framework, which for the first time presents concrete figures rather than ranges across the four headings. At the same time, work is being advanced on the legislative files concerning the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), and the Global Europe programme. The document consolidates, in a single text, specific budgetary amounts and is intended to serve as a convergence basis for further political negotiations, without representing a final outcome.

The overall package, based on the draft proposal put forward by the European Commission in July 2025, is approximately 2% lower than the original proposal, corresponding to a reduction of around pound 32.8 billion. In terms of scale, it amounts to roughly 1.23% of EU Gross National Income (GNI), or 1.13% when excluding the repayment of NextGenerationEU debt. The adjustment is distributed across all expenditure categories, although not in a strictly horizontal manner, as the specific political and institutional characteristics of each policy area are taken into account.

In the first heading, which includes cohesion policy, agriculture, and fisheries (the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy), the Commission’s initial proposal had already resulted in real-term reductions compared to the current MFF, with particularly significant cuts in fisheries funding, which had been reduced by around 70% in committed appropriations. The new negotiating package foresees an increase of the relevant envelope to pound 2 billion in current prices; however, even with this adjustment, the level remains approximately 38.5% lower than the current MFF.

At the same time, within cohesion policy, the issue of Member States with Gross National Income below 90% of the EU average is highlighted, as the initial design did not sufficiently address their investment gap in areas such as transport and the environment, prompting discussions on targeted support. Within the Common Agricultural Policy, adjustments have already been introduced to increase flexibility in the use of funds, including the possibility of transferring resources from flexibility reserves to CAP interventions, in order to address implementation needs.

For the headings 2 and 3 covering competitiveness, defence, security, research, and external action, a uniform adjustment of around 3.9% is proposed for each. These areas had already seen significant increases in the Commission’s original proposal, and the current adjustment is therefore described more as a moderation of growth rather than a genuine cut. Despite these changes, funding levels remain clearly above those of the current programming period, maintaining the EU’s strategic emphasis on priorities such as European defence, technological development, and competitiveness.

It is noted that specific allocations for overseas territories and treaty-based obligations of Heading 4, such as the Euratom programme, are not affected, while in the fourth heading the adjustment is limited to 0.5%, reflecting the available budgetary margin.

In terms of architecture, the new framework presented by the Cypriot Presidency maintains the central role of the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), which serve as the main mechanism for national allocations and underpin policies such as cohesion and agriculture. At the same time, it strengthens the logic of multi-level governance and partnership, with increased involvement of regions.

The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) consolidates competitive programmes without pre-allocated national envelopes and focuses on areas such as research and innovation, defence and space, clean technologies, digital transformation, and health. Negotiations on this instrument are reportedly at an advanced technical stage.

Significant progress is also noted on the Global Europe programme, which reshapes the EU’s external financing architecture by combining development cooperation with the Union’s broader geopolitical priorities. The aim is to enhance the EU’s credibility as an international partner while preserving the predictability and stability of development assistance.

The negotiating framework is not a final agreement but a key intermediate stage designed to establish a realistic basis for convergence among Member States. The objective is to create the conditions for a political agreement by 2026, allowing sufficient time for Member States to prepare their national programmes for the post-2027 period.

In May 2026, the total number of State Employees reached 55,382, recording an increase of 77 employees (0.1%) compared to May 2025, according to data published on Thursday by the Statistical Service.

Employment in the Civil Service declined by 1.2%, while it increased in the Educational Service and in the Security Forces by 1.4% and 0.6% respectively.

Compared to May 2025, the largest increase in total State Employees is observed in the category of employees with contracts of indefinite duration (2.1%) and the only decrease is observed in the category of employees with contracts of definite duration (-3.1%).

Focusing on employee categories by Service, the largest percentage increase in employment is recorded in employees with contracts of indefinite duration in the Educational Service (24.7%), while the largest percentage decrease in employment is observed for employees with contracts of definite duration in the Security Forces (-89.8%), mainly attributed to the completion and non-renewal of specific definite duration contracts in July 2025.

For the period January – May 2026 the average total number of State Employees increased by 0.2% compared to the corresponding period of 2025.

Cyprus is entering a new era in the field of space technologies with the official presentation of EarthView Cyprus, the new strategic partnership between ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence and Cyta for the provision of Earth Observation services and the development of innovative services and applications.

A press release from the ERATOSTHENES says that the announcement of the cooperation was made in the context of the High Level Forum ‘From Space to Solutions: Leveraging Space Technology, Earth Observation and AI for Real World Impact’, Monday, under the auspices of the Cyprus EU Presidency.

Demetris Skourides, Cyprus’ Chief Scientist represented President Nikos Christodoulides.

EarthView Cyprus leverages the Satellite Data Acquisition Station (sDAS), which was developed through the EXCELSIOR Horizon 2020 Teaming project, which led to the creation of the ERATOSTHENES.

Operating from Cyta’s satellite station in the Pera Orini community, it leverages Cyta’s long-standing experience in satellite services and allows for the reliable acquisition and exploitation of satellite data in near real-time.

The press release says that EarthView Cyprus is a key element in strengthening the capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus in the field of satellite Earth Observation, as it supports high-value-added applications in critical areas such as environmental monitoring, climate analysis, early disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture and civil protection.

At the same time, Cyprus’ strategic geographical location allows for immediate coverage of a wide area stretching from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa, contributing substantially to the provision of timely and reliable data.

Chief scientist Demetris Skourides said that the project is an important step in the national effort to develop advanced space and digital capabilities that will enhance the country’s resilience, competitiveness and sustainable development.

CEO of the ERATOSTHENES Center of Excellence, Professor Diophantos Hadjimitsi said that in collaboration with Cyta they utilize infrastructure, know-how and innovation to transform satellite data into services and solutions that respond to real needs of society, the economy and the environment.

Lefteris Christou, Cyta’s Director of International Wholesale Market said that the project marks a new chapter for Cyprus in the field of satellite earth observation, strengthening the country’s position on the European space map.

Cyprus’ role in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative of the International Labour Organization, is expected to be further strengthened through its participation in the Steering Group that leads the Coalition during its new term.

This position was expressed during a meeting in Geneva between the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushouttas, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, whom the Minister invited to visit Cyprus.

Moushouttas is in Geneva to attend the 114th International Labour Conference of the ILO.

A Ministry press release said that during the meeting they discussed matters concerning the ongoing reform of the ILO in the context of the broader modernization of the United Nations system, as well as technical cooperation with the Organization on Cyprus’ pension system and its sustainability.

Houngbo expressed his appreciation to the Minister for Cyprus’ participation in the Global Coalition for Social Justice and for Cyprus’ implementation of actions to support the Coalition’s objectives. The statement notes that Cyprus’ role in the Coalition is expected to be further strengthened through its activity within the Steering Group leading the Coalition during its new term.

Moushouttas thanked the Director-General for the ILO’s longstanding cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus and the Organization’s contribution during the work of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, and reiterated his invitation to Houngbo to visit Cyprus in early autumn.

European University Cyprus and Deloitte Reward Academic Excellence

European University Cyprus (EUC) is proud to collaborate with Deloitte following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, aimed at recognising and supporting academic excellence among its students.

This award honours the student who achieves the highest average grade in the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, celebrating dedication, perseverance, and outstanding academic performance. We congratulate Ioakim (Makis) Andreou, a distinguished fourth-year student graduating with a BSc in Economics and Finance, whose exceptional achievements reflect his commitment to excellence and serve as an inspiring example to his peers. His success highlights the importance of strong academic foundations for future professional growth.

Award recipients serve as role models, inspiring fellow students to cultivate strong study habits, perseverance, and professional attitudes. The scholarship promotes not only academic achievement but also discipline, commitment, and leadership-qualities that are essential for long-term success.

EUC highly values its partnership with Deloitte and remains committed to fostering talent, promoting innovation, and preparing graduates to become the next generation of industry leaders.

Photo by Deloitte (from left to right): Prof. Simona Mihai Yiannaki, Chair of the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance; Makis Andreou, Fourth-Year Student, BSc in Economics and Finance; Yiannis Leonidou, Audit and Assurance Partner, Deloitte; and Prof. Pieris Chouides, Dean of the School of Business Administration and Digital Technologies.

The UK remains firmly committed to achieving a fair and enduring settlement based on the agreed international framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, British High Commissioner Michael Tatham said at a reception in his residency for this year’s King’s Birthday Party.

“As a guarantor power, we will continue to do all we can to support progress towards that goal,” he stressed.

The High Commissioner also referred to the current Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, saying that “to have achieved so much against a difficult regional and global background speaks volumes for the focus, discipline and agility of all those involved”.

He noted that during this Presidency the UK and the EU have been working to build a closer partnership in both economic and security matters and thanked Cyprus for the support the Cypriot Presidency has given to that effort, expressing hope that the next UK-EU Summit will “turn that work into concrete progress – and it will be a staging post to a still closer partnership in the future”.

He addressed the Cypriot Foreign Minister, saying that “through you, let me congratulate the Republic of Cyprus on a highly effective Presidency, delivered in very challenging circumstances”.

“To have achieved so much against a difficult regional and global background speaks volumes for the focus, discipline and agility of all those involved. In particular, I welcome the steps taken to strengthen EU support for Ukraine and tighten sanctions against Russia – an area where the UK and EU continue to stand side-by-side”.

The High Commissioner also referred to the conflict in the region saying that it “has, of course, been a central concern for both the UK and Cyprus. Moments of crisis test even the closest partnerships. If this period has taught us anything, it is that the harder the situation, the closer partners need to work”.

“And I believe that lesson has been applied in the very intensive top-level political dialogue we have seen throughout this period – between you and the UK Foreign Secretary and Minister for Europe; between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and between our officials at every level” he stressed.

It has also been evident, he went on to say, ” in the exceptionally close cooperation between our respective armed forces, working together so that our defensive assets are combined and coordinated to ensure maximum protection across the island of Cyprus”.

Referring to the situation in Cyprus, he said that “one of my most vivid memories of the past year has been seeing a High Commission-supported project run by the United Sports Cyprus NGO which brings young children from both communities together to play basketball. Watching Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot children – representing the future of this island – playing together so naturally as teammates brought home to me how much human potential is held back by the island’s division”.

The High Commissioner thanked “all those working patiently and persistently to overcome that division, including members of the Technical Committees, some of whom are here this evening”.

Moreover, he said that the High Commission “was proud to support the conference in the UK in February that brought together the co-chairs of all the Technical Committees”.

“The longer I live in Cyprus, the more strongly I feel that the future lies in a reunited island. In bringing to an end this tragic division and all its consequences” he concluded.

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.