Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Moushiouttas, addressed on Wednesday the Plenary Session of the 114th Annual Session of the International Labour Organization in Geneva, representing the Republic of Cyprus as head of a three-member delegation.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Labour, in his remarks during the discussion on the future of work and the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting decent work, the Minister emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is already transforming labour markets and societies, stressing that technological progress must serve humanity and contribute to fair, inclusive, and sustainable development, and noted that the future of work is not predetermined but depends on policy choices, regulatory frameworks, and meaningful social dialogue.

It is added that, referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Moushiouttas noted that Cyprus has placed the future of work, quality employment, and skills, placing particular emphasis on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on labour rights and the quality of work. In this context, he referred to the discussion held, at the initiative of the Cyprus Presidency, at the European Union Employment Ministers’ Council on March 9, 2026.

It is added that the Minister of Labour also highlighted the positive performance of the Cypriot economy and labour market, noting that the employment rate reached a historic high of 81.3% in 2025, while unemployment fell to 4.4%, the lowest level since 2008. At the same time, he referred to policies aimed at boosting incomes and social protection through the implementation of the national minimum wage, the renewal of collective agreements, and targeted skills upgrading programs.

In closing, Moushiouttas underscored the importance of social dialogue and tripartite cooperation in managing the transformations brought about by Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the decisions made today will determine not only the future of work but also the future of our societies, the statement concludes.

Mosquito-borne diseases once considered distant are increasingly becoming part of Europe’s public health reality, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said on Wednesday, opening a conference in Nicosia on diseases transmitted by mosquito vectors.

Addressing the conference at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, organised in the framework of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency, Charalambides said rising temperatures, environmental pressures, changing ecosystems, intensified travel and demographic shifts were altering the behaviour and geographical distribution of vector-borne diseases.

Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and West Nile virus, he said, are no longer ‘theoretical concerns confined to other regions, but signals of a changing climate and epidemiological environment that requires vigilance, preparedness and cooperation.’

The Minister said mosquito-borne diseases are one of the clearest examples of how climate change is affecting human health, adding that public health in the 21st century requires a broader approach based on prevention, sustainability and the One Health principle, linking human, animal and environmental health.

He noted that Cyprus, due to its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and its climatic conditions, is at the frontline of several climate-sensitive public health challenges. This, he said, strengthens the country’s commitment to preparedness, regional cooperation and a more resilient European Health Union.

Preparedness, Charalambides said, cannot begin when an outbreak occurs, but must be built in advance through surveillance systems, research networks, public health infrastructure and policy making.

He referred to the need for investment in early warning systems, laboratory and diagnostic capacity, vector surveillance, predictive modelling and environmentally responsible mosquito-control strategies based on scientific evidence.

The Minister of Health also said that mosquito-borne diseases are a strategic European challenge, affecting not only health security but also economic resilience, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and social well-being. Since such threats do not respect borders, he added, no member state can address them in isolation.

He said the discussions at the conference were ultimately about protecting lives, safeguarding vulnerable groups and ensuring that health systems remain resilient in the face of emerging threats.

Ole Heuer, representing the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), said Europe is facing ‘a new reality’ in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, with the challenge moving at a pace that requires early action.

He said the current burden of mosquito-borne disease in Europe remains manageable, but warned that the potential scale of the crisis is enormous.

‘Geography is no longer a protective factor,’ he said, noting that northern Europe is not immune and that the burden in southern Europe is rising quickly as temperatures continue to increase.

Heuer said the main drivers are climate change, globalisation and ecological shifts, adding that large parts of the EU are already affected by the further spread of vectors, including Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti.

He also pointed to structural and operational challenges, including the limited number of approved biocides, increasing insecticide resistance, evidence gaps on the effectiveness of control measures and differences between European countries in their capacity to respond.

Heuer said accurate, high-quality surveillance is essential, as public health action ‘starts and ends with surveillance’. He added that stronger vector-control knowledge, better tools, predictive modelling and science-based communication are also needed.

Communication, he noted, is important because much of the response depends on behavioural change, which requires public awareness, community participation and evidence-based messages.

He stressed that the issue cannot be addressed by individual countries alone and called for a coordinated European approach, more investment in innovation and evidence, and stronger cooperation between the human health, veterinary and environmental sectors.

The conference will discuss epidemiology, surveillance, mosquito-control methods, preparedness, modelling and communication, with the participation of experts and representatives from EU institutions and member states.

The European Commission’s first-ever dedicated strategies for island and coastal communities, bringing together existing and future Commission actions, were presented on Wednesday by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto in Brussels, following the conclusion of the College of Commissioners meeting. Both strategies will be officially presented on 26 June in Paphos, in cooperation with the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

On the coastal communities strategy, Commissioner Kadis noted that coastal areas are characterised by “high diversity – from small fishing villages to major port cities”, requiring “tailored, place-based solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.” He also noted that the strategy was announced under the European Ocean Pact and covers 95 million people along 70,000 kilometres of coastline across 22 coastal Member States.

According to Kadis, coastal areas generate around pound 265 billion in gross value added annually, while facing mounting pressures from climate change, pollution, unbalanced tourism and demographic decline. “They are essential for maritime trade, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, cultural heritage and security, as many represent EU maritime borders. At the same time, they are increasingly exposed to major pressures: climate change, pollution, unbalanced tourism and demographic decline,” he stated.

The strategy’s three pillars – Prosperity, Resilience and Liveability – are underpinned by 13 flagship actions. Under Prosperity, the strategy aims to diversify the sustainable blue economy, including the dual use of fishing vessels for pescatourism, the development of a blue carbon credit certification methodology, and blue bioeconomy innovations such as algae-based fertilisers.

On the Resilience pillar, Kadis stressed the importance of leveraging “advanced digital capabilities for situational awareness, simulations and scenario planning”, and promoting the involvement of coastal stakeholders – fishers, port authorities and local maritime actors – in maritime surveillance through voluntary reporting of suspicious activities at sea.

On the Liveability pillar, the Commissioner acknowledged in response to a CNA question that the problem caused by “asymmetric” tourism in coastal and island areas is complex. “This is a more complex problem, and if we had done enough, we would not need a strategy, nor measures to address and balance the tourism burden. So it is indeed a challenge, and the strategy includes measures to address it” Kadis said. In this regard, the strategy puts forward the forthcoming Pan-European Investment Platform for Affordable and Sustainable Housing, in partnership with the EIB, alongside the future Affordable Housing Act as key tools.

Asked how Cyprus would benefit from the new strategies, Commissioner Kadis said that “all the measures that I presented can be utilised also by Cyprus.” As a prime example, he cited the dual use of fishing vessels for pescatourism – a proposal that, he noted, originated from Cyprus itself. This, he said “is an idea that we received from Cyprus, from Greek islands, and other areas of Europe.” He noted that the current regulatory framework makes it “difficult or impossible” for fishers to use their vessels for tourist activities, which would provide them with “additional income and economic viability.”

On the Prosperity pillar, Kadis underlined that sectors such as innovation, digitalisation and offshore renewable energy are “areas where Cyprus and modern Cyprus has developed a lot of activities, and these activities will be boosted for the benefit of the island community and will attract new people in the blue economy sectors.”

On the climate dimension, the Commissioner noted that Cyprus has already developed a national climate adaptation plan, adding that the strategy “explores ways to support the implementation of the measures that are included in the adaptation plans of the Member States.” He concluded that “every measure under the three pillars that we announced can be adopted and can be utilised to the conditions of the different coastal communities and different Member States, including Cyprus.”

The islands strategy, presented by Executive Vice President Fitto, covers all EU islands across 16 Member States, with a total population of around 17 million, including the three island Member States – Cyprus, Ireland and Malta – home to 6.6 million inhabitants. It is structured around four pillars: economic development, connectivity, competitiveness and innovation – under which the cost of insularity is analysed for the first time; energy security, environmental protection and climate resilience; communities, demography and quality of life; and security and crisis preparedness, with governance as a horizontal enabler.

On Cyprus specifically, the strategy acknowledges that while GDP per capita is broadly in line with the EU average, stakeholders from the island emphasised the structural economic constraints stemming from insularity and, in particular, the small size of its market. Cyprus is explicitly named as a “remote region” for the purposes of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), enabling it to benefit from State aid for air and maritime transport services for its residents, with higher aid intensities for airports and ports.

Of particular relevance are the explicit references to ETS exemptions covering Greek islands: Member States may exempt shipping companies from the obligation to surrender allowances for emissions released until 31 December 2030, for voyages between ports of islands with no road or rail link and fewer than 200,000 permanent residents and ports under the jurisdiction of the same Member State. An equivalent exemption is provided under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. On this point, Commissioner Kadis, responding supplementarily, said that “the Commission will give due attention to the situation of the European islands, and consider the potential issues that may affect their competitiveness, connectivity and cost of living as part of the upcoming ETS review, which is planned for July, as well as the reviews of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and FuelEU Maritime.” He added that “at this moment, we cannot say more – this is something that will be discussed in the context of the reviews that are upcoming.”

Presenting the islands strategy, Executive Vice President Fitto underlined its significance as a political commitment at the highest level. “This is the first time that we present this strategy for islands, and this is a clear commitment of the European Commission” he said, noting that it had been preceded by intensive work with stakeholders and local authorities, and that he had personally visited many island areas across Europe where the problem “is very crucial and important.”

On funding, Fitto noted that pound 12.5 billion is available for islands in the current 2021-2027 programming period, with resources redirected through the cohesion policy mid-term review towards key priorities including competitiveness, housing, energy and water. Looking ahead to the next MFF, he described the strategy as a tool for Member States within the new budget structure built around national and regional partnership plans, which will integrate results from cohesion, agriculture and fisheries. “The approach is integrated,” he stressed, noting that he coordinates three additional Commissioners with the aim of “creating the conditions for an integrated approach to these different matters.”

A central finding of the islands strategy is the concept of the “cost of insularity”, analysed in a new OECD report published alongside it. Transport costs can exceed mainland benchmarks by over 300%, local government spending per capita can be 30-50% higher, and housing prices in some island municipalities may be 75-130% higher than on the mainland. In Sardinia, the economic cost of insularity can amount to as much as 36% of GDP per capita. The Commission announced it will carry out an in-depth analysis of the cost of insularity and best practice mitigation measures, with a particular focus on the transport sector.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday congratulated India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming ‘the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history’.

In a post on X, President Christodoulides congratulated Modi on becoming ‘the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history’, noting that ‘this remarkable milestone reflects years of dedicated service and leadership’.

Cyprus, he said, values its strategic partnership with India and is committed to further deepening cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

An exhibition titled ‘Crafting Nature’ opened on Tuesday in Copenhagen, by Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou. The exhibition is organized in the framework of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and is included in the international 3daysofdesign 2026 event, introducing Cyprus as a place with rich history. The exhibition is hosted at Gyldne Sal in the historical Moltkes Palace.

‘Crafting Nature’ – curated by the art historian Thalea Stefanidou – is a production of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus Handicraft Service and is supported by the Embassy of Cyprus in Denmark.

A Deputy Ministry of Culture press release said that through handcrafted art works, Cyprus is introduced as a place with rich history, as well as a vibrant component of contemporary creation. In the exhibition, 17 Cypriot artists present their work inspired by the natural environment of their island, making use of materials such as clay, stone, glass, wood, metals, and threads, transferring in this way contemporary artistic thought and activity into the European creative present, while at the same time they reinterpret and extend tradition into new visual and meaningful elements.

In her address, the Deputy Minister pointed out that the participant artists become ambassadors of contemporary artistic thought and practice of Cyprus while being in an active discourse with other European designers and trends of the European design field.

Their combined work and this exhibition, she said, “reflect the rationale of the Cyprus Presidency: that Europe’s cultural fabric is not static; it is woven through continuous exchanges, reinterpretations, and creative transformations”.

The exhibition will remain open until 25 June 2026.

The Informal Ministerial Meeting on the European Pact on Migration and Asylum will be held on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, in Nicosia, as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, chaired by Deputy Minister of Migration, Nicholas Ioannides.

According to a statement by the Cyprus EU Presidency Secretariat, the Summit marks the milestone of the entry into force of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and offers an opportunity to highlight the importance of implementing the Pact, as well as its role in shaping a common, effective, and comprehensive European approach to managing migration and asylum.

As noted, on Thursday, June 11, at 6:45 p.m., participants in the Informal Ministerial Meeting will visit areas of Old Nicosia and the buffer zone (starting at the Freedom Monument in the Archdiocese area), while the meeting’s proceedings will take place on Friday, June 12, at the Conference Center in Nicosia.

It is noted that the Informal Ministerial Meeting on the European Pact on Migration and Asylum will focus on the launch of the Pact and the next steps for its effective implementation across the EU.

In particular, the first working session, titled ‘From Negotiation to Implementation,’ will provide ministers with an opportunity to examine the transition from political agreement to operational implementation. Discussions will focus on preparations at the national level, legislative adaptation, new procedures, Information Technology (IT) systems, staff training, border procedures and screening procedures, as well as the main lessons learned by Member States during the implementation phase.

It is added that during the working lunch, EU and international organizations will present their views on the implementation of the Pact, highlighting in their remarks the support provided to Member States, including technical guidance, operational assistance, training, capacity building, coordination, and expertise on legal, IT, and fundamental rights issues.

It is further noted that the second working session, titled ‘Beyond Implementation: The Way Forward,’ will examine the future of European migration and asylum policy, during which ministers will discuss ways to ensure that the Pact remains effective, credible, and sustainable, while addressing future challenges such as migratory pressure, returns of migrants, border management, solidarity, cooperation with third countries, efforts to combat migrant smuggling, and legal migration routes.

Ministers’ arrivals and statements at the conference center will begin at 9:00 a.m., while a press conference will be held at 1:45 p.m., the statement concludes.

The good performance of the economy to date must be accompanied by a deliberate policy aimed at preserving its positive features, outgoing President of the Cyprus Fiscal Council, Michalis Persianis said, in his address accompanying the Council’s 2025 Annual Activities Report.

Persianis noted that while the economy continues to maintain the momentum of the past two years, with solid figures, strong resilience, and robust growth, medium-term risks are emerging that could potentially reach crisis levels in the coming years.

Specifically, he said that growth has moderated compared to previous years, but the economy still ‘has steam left in the engine’ despite pressures that are mainly external in nature. Employment remains at full levels, and inflation, despite expected upward pressures in 2026, remains contained within forecasts. According to Persianis, public finances continue on what appears to be a successful trajectory: rising revenues, declining debt, continued budget surpluses, and comfortable liquidity levels.

In last year’s Annual Report, the CFC had already highlighted emerging medium-term risks, with costly needs beginning to surface and potentially reaching crisis proportions in the years ahead. It had also expressed concern regarding the long-term sustainability of a structure that finances recurring, permanent expenditures through non-recurring revenues. Such expenditures relate to climate issues, defence, energy, natural disasters, housing, and transportation.

As he pointed out, another highly significant factor is the careful management of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including ensuring that its benefits, whether wage-related, technological, or otherwise, are widely distributed and retained within Cyprus, particularly if factors emerge that could attract such investments to other destinations.

According to the Fiscal Council President, financing these needs, together with the eventual exhaustion of development-related expenditures, will pose a major planning challenge. ‘The planning and implementation of medium- and long-term strategies has been a persistent weakness of the Republic of Cyprus,’ Persianis emphasised.

He added that despite certain developments, such as the political decision to improve the management of the Social Insurance Fund, the broader picture remains unchanged. ‘Cyprus is doing well, but the risks lie in the years ahead,’ he noted.

Furthermore, he stated that the external environment is increasingly contributing to these risks. Imbalances in the global economy and international markets are growing, and early signs have already begun to appear in Cyprus. Among them is the rise of shadow banking and financial institutions operating outside regulatory oversight. ‘Bank lending to such entities has now exceeded 10% of the total, creating a channel through which risk is transferred from high-profit, high-risk businesses to traditional financial institutions,’ he said.

Government debt markets are also experiencing pressures, although these are not yet strongly felt in Cyprus due to the successful debt reduction and management policies of recent years. According to Persianis, financial markets increasingly reflect less of the overall health of economies, having become detached from the real economy and serving less effectively as intermediaries to direct savings toward the most productive investments. Public finances are also facing gradually increasing pressures in international markets. ‘These imbalances will eventually need to be corrected, and Cyprus cannot remain unaffected,’ he said.

Therefore, he argued, Cyprus’ strong resilience and inherent strengths must be reinforced. ‘The good performance achieved so far is not enough unless it is accompanied by a conscious policy of preserving the positive elements of the economy, such as the rapid increases in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) seen in recent years,’ he added.

However, Persianis pointed out that the growth of FDI without a clear strategy or supporting policies, while undoubtedly a blessing for the country, has also brought significant risks, widening inequality, social pressures, and deterioration in areas such as energy, housing, and transportation. None of these outcomes were or are inevitable if a specific policy for managing and distributing the benefits of FDI is adopted, he noted.

A similar picture exists in many other aspects of the economy, he added. ‘What we lack is better organisation and a less short-term, even myopic, approach to analysis and policymaking,’ he said, highlighting the importance of developing clear strategies with explicit goals for energy, demographics, FDI, and broader development policy.

According to Persianis, this can still be done relatively easily while there remains a window of opportunity, one that, he warned, will not remain open indefinitely.

Members of Congress reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for Cyprus and the deepening of US-Cyprus and US-Greece relations, during speeches delivered in Capitol Hill at the PSEKA Conference, stressing the importance of democracy, regional security, energy cooperation and the need for a peaceful and just future for Cyprus.

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander said that ‘the relationship between the United States and Cyprus and Greece is stronger than ever before,’ describing it as a relationship grounded in ‘a commitment to the democratic values and the freedoms that make us who we are as people’.

She underlined that disputes should be resolved ‘peacefully, under law, and whenever possible through diplomacy,’ while noting that, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she sees ‘every day’ the importance of the US relationship with Cyprus and Greece.

Referring to the National Defense Authorization Act, Goodlander said Congress has ‘an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and to advance it through that important piece of legislation’.

On Cyprus, she said that after ’50 years of division, the status quo is just not acceptable,’ adding that ‘the people of Cyprus deserve a future that is peaceful, that is secure, that is free from occupation.’ She stressed that Cyprus deserves ‘a future where human rights are respected, where sovereignty is upheld’.

Congressman Jim Costa also highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, saying that ‘the relationship between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is critical’ and that ‘the partnership between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is stronger today than ever before’.

He said the three countries share a commitment to ‘democracy, freedom, security, and the rule of law,’ describing Cyprus as ‘a valued strategic partner’ in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He added that Cyprus is essential to ‘advancing peace, economic opportunity, energy, security, and regional cooperation,’ while expressing support for ‘a future in which Cyprus is reunited, secure, and at peace.’ He also said he stood ‘proud as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues’.

Congressman Jimmy Patronis described the US-Cyprus relationship as ‘not simply a diplomatic partnership,’ but ‘an alliance rooted in freedom and democracy’.

He praised the work of the Cypriot-American and Greek-American communities, saying their advocacy ‘has educated lawmakers,’ ‘shapes policy,’ and reminds Congress that ‘our nation and our principles are worth defending.’

Patronis warned that advocacy must continue, noting that the next Congress may include ‘as many as 70 new members of the House of Representatives’ who will need to understand the importance of Cyprus and the region.

He said that, because of the community’s efforts, ‘the relationship to the United States and Cyprus is much stronger than ever,’ but added that ‘our work is not finished.’

He called for continued efforts to ‘strengthen our defense’ and expand ‘economic and energy partnerships’ in support of ‘stability and security in the region’.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed that Cyprus and Greece remain a bipartisan issue in Congress, saying that advocates have helped ensure that ‘there is no political issue in the United States Congress in regards to Cyprus and Greece.’

He said the issues facing Cyprus and the broader Hellenic community have been ‘among my top priorities throughout my time in Congress’.

Meeks emphasized that US foreign policy and national security are ‘best protected when we focus on what we can achieve alongside others’ adding that the United States is ‘better off when we work with allies and partners on the international stage’.

Referring to Cyprus, he said that ‘more than 50 years ago’ Turkish forces ‘invaded and continued to occupy parts’ of the island, and warned that instability in the region is now being amplified by ‘Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine’ and ‘the ongoing war in the Middle East’.

He said US-Cyprus cooperation is ‘more critical right now than ever’ to ensure that the Mediterranean is ‘safer and more prosperous.’

Meeks also expressed support for advancing legislation to address arms embargo restrictions, saying that Congress should allow US-Cyprus security cooperation ‘to continue to develop.’ He concluded that members of Congress ‘will stand with you’ and ‘will be your voice,’ adding: ‘We won’t stop until justice is had’.

Congressman Pat Ryan, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said he approaches the Cyprus issue ‘with great humility’ and comes each year to learn more from the community. He referred to ’51 years’ of gathering to discuss ‘a grave injustice,’ and said Congress must reaffirm ‘a true sense of identity and freedom’.

Ryan said he has supported bipartisan legislation related to Cyprus, including measures concerning the embargo and efforts to ensure that Congress does not forget ‘what happened 50-plus years ago.’ He underlined the importance of backing statements with ‘real action and dedication,’ particularly on ‘defense and national security’

Throughout the speeches, lawmakers praised the role of PSEKA and the Hellenic and Cypriot-American communities in keeping Cyprus high on Washington’s agenda.

They repeatedly described Cyprus as a strategic partner of the United States, underlined the importance of shared democratic values, and called for continued bipartisan action in support of Cyprus’ security, sovereignty and reunification.

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.

Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianos, has said that Cyprus is entering ‘a new phase of development’ in the energy sector, underlining the country’s growing role in regional energy security, cooperation with the United States and the Eastern Mediterranean’s contribution to Europe’s energy diversification.

Speaking on Tuesday, during the PSEKA (International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus) Conference in Washington DC, Damianos referred to his participation in the Atlantic Council forum, the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and the ‘3+1 discussions’ in Washington, stressing that these gatherings ‘highlight the growing importance of cooperation, dialogue, and strategic partnerships in shaping the future of energy”.

The Minister presented Cyprus’ progress in hydrocarbons exploration, noting that since 2011 ‘eleven exploration wells and four appraiser wells have been drilled’ within the Republic of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, leading to ‘six significant natural gas discoveries.’ He referred to Aphrodite in Block 12, Cronos, Euclid and Calypso in Block 6, as well as Glaucus and Pegasus in Block 10, saying that the combined discoveries are estimated at approximately ’20 ESF,’ representing ‘a significant natural gas resource of strategic importance for Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and for Europe”.

Damianos stressed that these developments come at ‘a particularly important time,’ as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2026, placing ‘energy security, competitiveness, and a green transition at the heart of the European agenda”.

Referring to the Aphrodite project, he said that the first exploration licence awarded to Noble Energy in 2008 marked ‘the beginning of American involvement in Cyprus’ hydrocarbons exploration’ and led to the discovery of Cyprus’ first significant offshore natural gas field.

Chevron, together with its partners, is now advancing the development of Aphrodite, he said. According to the Minister, the project is based on the commercialization of natural gas through a production unit within Cyprus’ EEZ and its transportation by subsea pipeline to Egypt.

Damianos noted that a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Cyprus, Egypt and the licence holders in February 2025 ‘established the framework for implementation,’ while further commercial agreements, including a host government agreement and a gas sales purchase agreement, were initiated in March 2026 in Cairo. Production from Aphrodite is expected in 2030-2031, following the final investment decision. He said the project demonstrates how ‘international partnerships can transform energy resources into tangible economic and strategic benefits,’ while contributing to ‘regional stability and energy diversification.’

The Minister also highlighted ExxonMobil’s presence in Cyprus’ EEZ as ‘another important pillar of Cyprus-US energy cooperation.’ He said the ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy consortium has achieved two major discoveries, Glaucus in 2019, estimated at ‘4.8 TCF,’ and Pegasus in 2025, estimated at ‘2.1 TCF.’ Both were officially declared commercial discoveries on 3 March 2026, while development options are currently under evaluation.

On Block 6, Minister Damianos referred to ‘significant progress’ by the ENI and TotalEnergies consortium, noting that the Cronos discovery, announced in 2022, contains approximately ‘3.1 TCF’ He said that on 19 May 2026 the Council of Ministers approved the development and production plan for Cronos, as well as the relevant agreements for its implementation. Under the approved plan, gas will be transported to Egypt, processed and then sent for LNG production and export, ‘primarily to European markets.’

‘These developments demonstrate the substantial potential of Cyprus’ natural gas resources and the value of partnerships with leading American energy companies,’ Damianos said, adding that Cyprus-US cooperation can create ‘high-quality jobs,’ attract ‘responsible project capital’ and enhance Europe’s energy resources, while maintaining ‘strong environmental and geopolitical safeguards.’

He emphasized that cooperation with the United States ‘extends well beyond pipelines.’ He referred to the 3+1 partnership between Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States, saying it promotes cooperation ‘at both political and technical levels in support of peace, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.’ He also described the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum as ‘an important platform for coordination among producing, consuming and transiting countries,’ adding that Cyprus remains committed to ‘a market-orientated and cooperative approach to natural gas development.’

Damianos also referred to the modernization of Cyprus’ domestic energy market, saying that the introduction of a competitive electricity market in April 2025 marked ‘a major milestone.’ He noted that Cyprus, as ‘an isolated island system with a rapidly growing share of renewable energy,’ faces challenges including the need for energy storage, grid flexibility, interconnections and solutions to address renewable energy potential.

In this context, he highlighted the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, to be launched in Houston, describing it as an initiative of particular importance. Through its pillars of ‘R and D and academic partnerships, business-to-business engagement and collaborative learning on energy systems,’ he said the Center can help address key bottlenecks and accelerate practical solutions.

He added that Cyprus supports the ‘3+1 Renewable Energy Works Improvement Initiative’ proposed by the United States, through which Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States cooperate on clean energy technologies, innovation and policies aimed at reducing emissions and strengthening energy security.

The Minister said the government’s energy and industrial policy is guided by three objectives: reducing operational costs through energy efficiency, enhancing productivity and competitiveness through digital transformation, and expediting the green transition through circular economy actions and sustainable practices.

‘Cyprus and the United States maintain a strong partnership based on common values, mutual trust and a shared commitment to stability, prosperity and regional cooperation,’ he said, adding that the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to ‘responsible, transparent and forward-looking energy policies.’

Cyprus’ Ambassador to the United States, Evangelos Savva, described Cyprus as a ‘lynchpin’ and a key partner in its region, saying that the bilateral relationship with Washington has undergone ‘a sea change’ over the past decade. He said Cyprus is no longer seen by the United States ‘as a problem’ or ‘as an issue that was a headache,’ but rather ‘as a partner in a very critical strategic space”.

Ambassador Savva pointed to the 6 November 2018 statement of intent signed in Washington between Cyprus and the United States on security and defence cooperation, calling it ‘the real landmark in the relationship.’ He said this changed how Washington viewed the Republic of Cyprus, including in areas such as evacuations of non-combatants, energy security and wider regional policy.

He also referred to the East Med Act of 2019, the strategic dialogue, the defence dialogue and the energy dialogue with the United States, saying that all these developments are ‘absolutely crucial’ for the bilateral relationship. He added that the inauguration of the East Med Energy Center in Houston was possible because of the East Med Act and the broader transformation in US engagement.

Savva stressed that strengthening Cyprus as ‘a reliable and credible partner and ally of the United States’ also serves the objective of reaching the right solution to the Cyprus problem. ‘By making ourselves indispensable to US interests,’ he said, Cyprus will be in a stronger position when the time comes for negotiations, so that it will not be pressured to accept ‘the continuation of troops’ or ‘the continuation of guarantees.’

Greece’s Ambassador to the United States Antonis Alexandridis said Cyprus remains ‘a question of international law,’ ‘a question of justice’ and ‘a question of sovereignty.’ He noted that for 52 years the Republic of Cyprus, ‘a member state of the European Union,’ has stood partly occupied by a foreign military force.

Alexandridis described Nicosia as ‘the only and last divided capital of our Union,’ adding that “I can only make a simple and very straightforward declaration, a solemn declaration, that we have been always, currently, and will always be, to your support’.

At the same time, the Greek Ambassador said the occasion was also a moment ‘to celebrate,’ pointing to Cyprus’ ‘vibrant democracy,’ ‘booming economy’ and role as ‘a hub of energy.’ He also referred to Cyprus’ humanitarian role, citing the Amalthea initiative for Gaza, and said that with new projects, the GSI, the 3-plus-1 framework and future cooperation, ‘the future can only be better”.

The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Papaellina, took part in the deliberations of the first day of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CoSP19), which is held in New York between June 9-11, 2026, with a series of high-level interventions and initiatives in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Welfare, Papaellina co-chaired the High Level Lunch for Heads of Mission of EU Member States, together with the Director of the European Commission’s Directorate for Equality and Non-Discrimination, Ana Carla Pereira. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Upgraded European Disability Strategy, with an emphasis on strengthening inclusion, autonomy and supported decision-making.

At the same time, in her speech at an event organized by the European Union to support organisations for people with disabilities and civil society, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the relevant UN Convention, the Deputy Minister highlighted the cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with representative organisations of people with disabilities, presenting good practices and their contribution to the formulation of modern policies and legislative reforms.

The announcement further notes a parallel event of the Cyprus Presidency on supported decision-making for people with disabilities, which the Deputy Minister chaired. The event was co-organised by Cyprus, the European Commission, Ireland, Peru, Kenya and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), bringing together government officials and representatives of international organisations and civil society.

In her remarks, the Deputy Minister stressed that supported decision-making is a fundamental human right and a basic precondition for meaningful equality, dignity and self-determination for persons with disabilities.

The proceedings of the first day concluded with the statement of the Republic of Cyprus to the plenary session of the Summit, which was delivered by the Deputy Minister, reaffirming the country’s “commitment to promoting the rights, equal participation and independent living of persons with disabilities.”

It is added that Cyprus’ participation in CoSP19 confirms its “active role” in international efforts to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and promote policies that ensure their full and effective social inclusion.