Category: Cyprus News Agency

‘This Memorandum remains null and void, contrary to international law and cannot serve as a lawful basis for maritime delimitation or produce legal consequences for third States,’ Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis stressed, on Monday, delivering a joint statement on behalf of Greece, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union at UNHQ on the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.

The statement addresses the recent decision of the Libyan House of Representatives to approve the 2019 Turkish-Libyan memorandum on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea, which, it says, ‘raises serious concerns for regional security and stability.’

According to the joint statement, the decision also highlights a broader challenge to the international legal order that ‘ensuring that arbitrary bilateral arrangements do not undermine established rules of international law or prejudice the rights of other States.’

Gerapetritis noted that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and customary international law, provides the legal framework for maritime delimitation. These rules are described as ‘essential to ensuring predictability, legal certainty and peaceful relations between States.’

He also warned that accepting bilateral arrangements that disregard applicable international rules and principles ‘would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the international legal order and the principles underpinning the peaceful resolution of disputes.’

The statement says the ‘so-called Turkish-Libyan Memorandum’ is incompatible with these fundamental principles. ‘It disregards geographical realities and the maritime entitlements of all relevant coastal States, including the maritime entitlements of islands under UNCLOS.’

‘The subsequent decision of the Libyan House of Representatives does not alter this legal reality,’ it added.

The participants reaffirm their commitment ‘to the reunification of Libya’s institutions and to a united and prosperous Libya.’ They stressed that a stable Libya, actively engaged in regional cooperation, is essential to peace and security across the Mediterranean. Libya’s political transition and relations with neighbouring countries, they add, ‘must be guided by respect for international law and good-neighbourly relations.’

The statement also refers to bilateral talks between Greece and Libya on maritime delimitation, noting that Greece has pursued them ‘in good faith and in accordance with international law, and stands ready to continue these efforts.’

‘Respect for international law is essential to regional stability and a rules-based international order,’ Gerapetritis concluded.

Cyprus is among the EU Member States where cyberattacks attributed by Member States to activities linked to Russia were recorded, according to a briefing by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) on hybrid warfare, published on Monday.

According to the EPRS, in July 2026 EU Member States condemned malicious Russian cyber activities involving both state and non-state actors, ranging from intelligence services to cybercriminal groups, hacktivists and private companies.

The briefing states that Cyprus, France, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland were among the countries where intrusions into government networks or acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure had been recorded.

The EPRS notes that cyberspace is increasingly being used as a means of conducting hybrid activities, as cyberattacks can disrupt critical infrastructure and essential services, be used for espionage or information manipulation, and affect military command and communications systems.

The agreement for the construction and installation of infrastructure for the development of the Cronos natural gas field in Block 6 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone was signed at the Presidential Palace on Monday, in the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides, with Eni describing the project as a strategic milestone for Cyprus’ energy future.

Before the ceremony, President Christodoulides met with representatives of Eni, as the project moved into its execution phase following the Final Investment Decision taken by Eni and TotalEnergies on 28 July 2026.

‘Cronos is a strategic project: it is a demonstration of our execution in action,’ Eni Chief Operating Officer for Global Natural Resources Guido Brusco said, noting that it combines exploration success, fast-track development, regional integration and the use of existing infrastructure.

Brusco said the project is Eni’s first development project in Cyprus and marks the company’s commitment to becoming a long-term partner in the country’s energy future. He also described it as a historic milestone for Cyprus, as the country’s first hydrocarbon development project.

Cronos unlocks new gas resources for Europe

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Brusco stressed the project’s European dimension, saying Cronos would unlock new gas resources developed by European companies and intended mainly for European markets.

‘At the historical juncture of global energy transition, energy security and stability, Cronos development unlocks new European gas developed by European companies, designed to supply gas mainly to the European markets, to ensure secure, affordable and low-emission energy,’ he said.

Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michalis Damianos said the project would bring Cyprus closer to producing its first natural gas and contribute to European energy security through diversified supplies and regional cooperation.

‘For Cyprus, however, the importance of Cronos extends well beyond its estimated resources,’ Damianos said, describing it as the country’s first hydrocarbon development project and a step towards turning offshore discoveries into ‘concrete economic and strategic value’.

He said that, amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty, additional and diversified sources of supply were increasingly important. ‘Through projects such as Cronos, the Eastern Mediterranean can contribute to Europe’s energy security and reinforce its links with reliable regional partners,’ he said.

Cronos is estimated to contain more than 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and is expected to reach a production plateau of up to 500 million standard cubic feet per day. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2028.

Under the development plan, gas will be transported to Egypt and processed through existing facilities, including infrastructure associated with the Zohr field, before being liquefied at the Damietta LNG terminal for export primarily to European markets.

Damianos said the use of established infrastructure could improve project economics, avoid unnecessary duplication and accelerate the delivery of gas to international markets. The project creates ‘a regional value chain linking Cyprus’ resources, Egypt’s infrastructure and European demand’, he said.

He also highlighted the longstanding strategic relationship between Cyprus and Egypt, thanking the Egyptian Government and authorities for their contribution to establishing a viable route for commercialising Cronos gas.

First gas sales expected in 2028, two more wells planned

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According to CNA sources, the first sale of natural gas from Cronos is expected between March and July 2028, while Eni is planning two additional wells in Block 6 by the end of 2026, as it believes further gas resources could be discovered.

Eni and ExxonMobil have exchanged data and are examining the possibility of cooperation, CNA has also learnt. ExxonMobil has considered plans to transport natural gas to Egypt and bring gas to Cyprus from Block 4. The possibility of a pipeline linking Block 4 with Vasilikos has also been considered by ExxonMobil. No final decisions on these plans have been announced.

Contracts cover main development works

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The contracts signed cover the main engineering, procurement, construction, installation and drilling activities required for the development of the field.

The work packages involve Baker Hughes for subsea production systems; Dalmine for gas export and MEG pipelines; TechnipFMC for production flexible flowlines; McDermott for transportation and offshore installation of subsea equipment and pipelines; Oceaneering for umbilicals; CMHI for the Floating Control Unit; Petrojet for a new onshore gas pipeline connecting Zohr and Damietta; and Saipem for offshore drilling services using the Saipem 10000 rig.

Eni has been active in Cyprus since 2013 and operates Block 6, in which it holds a 50% interest alongside TotalEnergies, which holds the remaining 50%. Eni also operates Block 8 and has interests in Blocks 7 and 11, operated by TotalEnergies.

A Byzantine church temple and a clay-processing tank were uncovered during the 2026 excavation at the site of Kophinou Agios Herakleios and Menogeia- Limnes, Larnaca district.

The excavations were conducted by the field project of the Archaeological Research Unit and the Archaeological Summer Field School of the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Cyprus, titled ‘Settled and Sacred Landscapes of Cyprus’ (SeSaLaC), from June 15th to July 24th, 2026. The project was directed by Athanasios Vionis, Associate Professor at University of Cyprus, and Dr. Doria Nicolaou.

The Department of Antiquities said in a press release on Monday that the 2026 excavation at Kophinou Agios Herakleios revealed significant findings inside the previously uncovered single-aisled church. “The excavation uncovered a near-complete floor made of large gypsum slabs and identified the position of the templon (sanctuary screen), marked by lime-mortar strips on the floor”, it noted.

“The confirmed presence of a dome is a key finding of the season, characterised by curved voussoirs forming part of the dome’s drum and a square bay (3.20×3.20 m) from the second and third pilaster pairs. The excavated single-aisled structure comprises a six-column compact cross-in-square church, built between the 8th and 10th centuries AD,” the Department of Antiquities said.

“Additionally, fragments of non-figurative frescoes, resembling marble revetment with red and green bands on a white background, were revealed on the lower sections of the south wall, indicating widespread decoration. A smaller, secondary apse, built within the former larger apse of the original early Byzantine basilica, was also revealed in the sanctuary area,” it added.

“The ceramic evidence from the collapse layers dates the abandonment and partial collapse of the church to the mid-14th century, while hearths, cooking vessels and animal bones found within the collapse indicate a different, non-liturgical use of the ruined space from the late 14th to the mid-16th century,” the press release noted, adding that “trench D3A, south-east of the church exterior, confirmed the funerary character of the surrounding area during the Late Middle Ages, with scattered human bones, a grave slab and ceramics of the 15th-16th centuries.”

The preliminary dating of the complex now proposes four successive building phases: an early Byzantine three-aisled basilica (Phase I, late 6th-early 7th c.); a domed compact cross-in-square church built over the central nave of the basilica (Phase II, 8th-10th c.); a phase of funerary and ‘domestic’ activity following the church’s collapse (Phase III, mid-14th-mid-16th c.); and the small barrel-vaulted chapel of Agios Herakleios, built over the middle section of the basilica narthex (Phase IV, post-16th c.), the Department of Antiquities pointed out.

“It is for the first time in Cyprus that an organised cemetery, in continuous use from the 6th to the 16th century, together with evidence for cult activity during the troubled 8th-10th centuries, are being documented archaeologically,” it emphasised.

”At Menogeia Limnes, five new trenches significantly expanded our understanding of the early Byzantine pottery workshop. The most outstanding discovery of the season was a built clay-processing tank (trenches U13A-B), constructed directly on the natural rock, with alternating layers of pure clay and sieved earth in its interior, providing, for the first time in Cyprus, direct archaeological evidence for part of the production process in a pre-modern pottery workshop,” the press release said.

”A water channel, formed by two parallel rows of upright stones, was found feeding into the basin, completing the picture of an organised production facility. Trenches R10A-B and T10A revealed further architectural remains of storage and working spaces, including piles of wedged clay body and a large storage pithos in situ, fragments of pottery wheels and abundant production waste (wasters and over-fired sherds),” it noted.

If further added that the ceramic evidence from all trenches spans three successive phases of workshop activity: late 4th-5th c., 6th-mid-7th c., and late 7th-mid-8th c. AD.

”The results of the 2026 season reinforce the exceptional significance of both sites for our understanding of rural and religious life, funerary customs and pottery production in Byzantine and medieval Cyprus, while continuing to shed light on the so-called ‘Dark Ages’ of Byzantine Cyprus (8th-10th c. A.D.), a period that remains largely invisible in the island’s archaeological record,” the press release concluded.

Cyprus will remain a steadfast supporter of Moldova in terms of its European path, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos said on Monday following his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mihai Pop?oi.

In his statements, Kombos also extended Cyprus’s firm support for the solution of the Transnistrian issue and its full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

According to the Foreign Minister, this following the visits of the President of the Republic to Moldova the visit of the Moldovan President to Cyprus, the honorary consulate of Moldova will be inaugurated today in Nicosia.

‘These are important steps forward that frame the discussions we just had, discussions that focused on the bilateral aspect. We agree that there is considerable space for growth in terms of the institutional framework. There are pending MoUs that we hope to be able to conclude quite soon. There is also potential in terms of trade. We have in the past significant movement in terms of foreign direct investment, which we should try to replicate and facilitate’, he continued.

He added that the two Ministers had the opportunity to discuss about what unites the two countries. ‘This is our shared principles and values, our commitment to public international law, to the sovereignty, territorial integrity of all states, and for both of us this is something that is deeply significant and important’, he stressed, thanking Pop?oi for his country’s strong support to Cyprus as regards the situation it is facing with Turkey and the occupation of a third of the island.

Kombos said that the two men also discussed the European path for Moldova, which is now at a very critical point. ‘I reassured the Minister that Cyprus will remain a steadfast supporter of Moldova in terms of its European path. We strongly believe that you have done an amazing job in terms of the reforms that you have put into place and this is something that we have seen first-hand during our presidency of the Council’, he continued.

‘We are urging you to continue on this difficult track, but it is the only way forward that will lead to the European family. In that effort, rest assured that Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus will be next to you, by your side, and helpful in any way possible’, he stressed.

In closing, the Foreign Minister extended Cyprus’s firm support for the solution of the Transnistrian issue and its full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

For his part, Pop?oi said the bonds between the two countries have gotten even deeper during the Cyprus presidency of the EU Council.

‘The way you were able to influence Moldova’s history by contributing significantly to Moldova opening the first chapters and clusters of negotiation will go down forever in the history of our bilateral relations,” he noted.

“The leadership that your country took, given our shared challenges, but also given how much value you have received from the European Union and how keenly you understand the benefits of the European Union, the fact that you felt this solidarity with us and were able to support us in this process, we will be forever grateful for this’, he underlined.

‘The fact that our two countries have had such a strong partnership is really a validation and vindication of the old saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed and Cyprus has been there for the Republic of Moldova and we will be happy to stand by Cyprus including when it comes to your territorial integrity, we have similarities here as well’, he further noted, adding that Moldova is a big supporter and proponent of international law, multilateralism and UN resolutions that address the issue.

‘We will work tirelessly to make sure that we bring Moldova into the European family of nations because this is the choice of this generation. Moldovans have voted loud and clear in the EU referendum to be part of the European family of nations and we have no other choice than to deliver. And it is thanks to real friends, like the Cyprus leadership that we are moving towards that goal in a meaningful way’, he stressed.

On the bilateral agenda, the Moldovan minister said that the two countries have a very close cooperation.

‘We are looking to conclude the agreements now being discussed by our colleagues on the social protection for our community here. We have a small but vibrant community in Cyprus and we want to make sure that we provide them all the benefits that are available,” he said.

“The recognition of driver’s licences is another opportunity for our community here. The recognition of education diplomas and the cooperation on the intelligence side as we are trying to increase the level of intelligence sharing that’s also an important element on our agenda,’ he explained.

He added that Moldova has welcomed the largest number of Ukrainian refugees given the Russian aggression against Ukraine and expressed the hope that the war comes to an end. ‘In the meantime, we use all the avenues available to us, including during our presidency of the Council of Europe, to facilitate justice and to consolidate the international order’, he said.

‘Your contribution to Moldova’s European future will always remain enshrined in history given the incredible support that we have received during your presidency. And of course, we very much look forward to the time when Moldova will be able to celebrate its first year in the European Union and perhaps sometime in the not-so-distant future also the presidency of the European Union, like you did in such a moment’, he concluded.

Asked about a possible timeline regarding Moldova’s European integration, Pop?oi said that the country has a timeline for itself, as is should when engaging in a very tedious and important project.

‘We want to make sure that by the end of the year we do most of the work so that in early 2028 we can start getting closer to concluding the process, and by 2030 to have the ratification well underway. The window of opportunity that we have now is not endless, and we really need to make use of this window of opportunity that we have now’, he said.

‘We have waited 30 years, we have no more time to lose, and thanks to the support of great friends, we are in a very good position to realise this ambitious but realistic deadline that we have set for ourselves. But of course, the decision is up to the member states and we hope and work hard that the deliverables, the transformation that we do within the country, which is first and foremost in the interest of all citizens, is also validated and seen by member states’, he noted.

He added that the enlargement report from last year speaks volumes about Moldova’s progress and expressed the hope that the soon-to-come enlargement report will also validate the effort that it is doing this year.

‘It is a merit-based process, we are very happy that when we see countries advancing, because it shows that the process is prevalent, and we’ll continue to double down on the effort inside the country to make sure that we live up to the expectations that we set for ourselves first and foremost. In the same context, we would like to invite our Cypriot friends to come and invest in Moldova, because now is the time’, he stressed.

For his part, Kombos said that the enlargement process is the most important geopolitical tool that the EU has at the moment.

‘I think everyone in Brussels agrees that we need to make the best possible use of this tool. In terms of timelines, these have been defined primarily by the merit-based approach. When you have progress in terms of reforms of compliance, like in the case of Moldova, this of course makes things a lot easier at the political level’, he noted.

‘We are encouraging the enlargement process and the candidate countries to move forward in a spirit of full cooperation and alignment with the EU and the requirements, and at the political level we should and we are seeing the whole enlargement process exactly through this lens of geopolitical value to the Union itself. Of course, there is a very basic principle underlying this, namely that the candidate countries need to adjust to the requirements and not the other way around, and this is perhaps the key to success, it is what Moldova has been doing throughout this very difficult effort’, he stressed.

Asked about concerns over recent security incidents at the wider Black Sea area, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that the EU has taken a stand in relation to condemning recent violations of airspace.

‘We are very much aware of these incidents in our part of geography, we are facing them as a nation, as a country as well, from different actors. So for us, this is something that we should be very vocal about in terms of our European position’, he concluded.

Earlier today, President Christodoulides highlighted the shared political will to further strengthen bilateral relations between Cyprus and Moldova during his meeting with Pop?oi.

According to a Presidency statement, whilst welcoming the Moldovan Minister for Foreign Affairs, the President of the Republic said, among other things, that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU had yielded results regarding the issue of EU enlargement, noting that we are seeing more Member States aligning their positions with those of the Republic of Cyprus on this matter.

He added that, in addition to the issue of Moldova’s accession process, the meeting would also address bilateral relations between Cyprus and Moldova, highlighting the shared political will to further strengthen them.

Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah clinched his 21st Middle East Rally Championship title and a record-extending 10th Cyprus Rally victory after beating Cypriot driver Simos Galatariotis by just 4.63 seconds in a thrilling finish to the 52nd edition of the event.

According to the organisers, the margin was the second smallest in the rally’s history, behind Galatariotis’ 0.7-second victory over Magalhaes in 2018.

Al-Attiyah took a decisive risk in the final special stage, driving without a spare tyre and going 8.7 seconds faster than Galatariotis. The Cypriot finished on the podium for the third time, his first appearance since winning the event in 2018.

The Cyprus Rally was the fifth and final round of the 2026 FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

Michalis Poseidias and co-driver Pambos Laos finished third overall in a Renault Clio, winning the Rally3 category and securing Poseidias’ first Cyprus Rally podium. Last year’s champions, Giangos Giagkou and Nicolaos Nicolaou, finished fourth after encountering problems during the afternoon stages.

Turkish Cypriot drivers Sukuroglu and Topcuoslu finished fifth in a Volkswagen Polo, followed by Zenonos and Christofi in a Ford Fiesta. Al-Attiyah and co-driver Carrera won six special stages, while Galatariotis and Ioannou claimed four. One stage was cancelled on Sunday because spectators failed to comply with safety instructions.

In the local event, Kokias and Constantinou won in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, followed by Chappelis and Chrysanthou in a Subaru Impreza, and Christodoulou and Nestoras in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII.

Moldova’s European path, the Cyprus issue and security challenges in the wider region were discussed on Monday in a meeting between the House President, Annita Demetriou, and Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Pop?oi, who is paying Cyprus an official visit.

The meeting noted the close ties of friendship between the two countries, which are founded on mutual respect and shared European principles and values, a House of Representatives press release issued here on Monday said.

Both sides, it added, “expressed a common will to further strengthen bilateral relations, while the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing contemporary security challenges, in light of broader geopolitical developments, was underlined.”

Demetriou expressed appreciation for Moldova’s principled position and steadfast support on the Cyprus problem, as Pop?oi reaffirmed his country’s long-standing principled position on the Cyprus problem.

She referred to the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in efforts to find common ground, which she attributed to Turkey’s delaying tactics and its escalating destabilising actions in the region.

Cyprus, she stressed, remains committed to the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were interrupted at Crans-Montana, with a view to reaching a solution based on international law and the relevant UN resolutions.

The House President reaffirmed Cyprus’ steadfast support for Moldova’s European path, as well as the readiness of the House of Representatives to provide all possible assistance, noting that the accession process requires consistency, perseverance and sustained political commitment.

She also underlined the importance of European solidarity and the need for the EU to lead on the basis of a unified strategy towards third countries that violate the international legal order, developing closer cooperation with other important partners to that end. The violation of the international legal order, it was stressed, can under no circumstances be legitimised.

For his part, the Moldovan official expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support for his country’s accession path and for the significant momentum it received during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Pop?oi stressed that full accession is a national strategic goal and a top priority for Moldova, and referred to the efforts under way to complete the accession process and align national legislation with the EU acquis.

The impact on Europe of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as other issues of international interest, were also discussed.

Pop?oi was accompanied by Moldova’s Ambassador to Cyprus, who is based in Athens, Andrei Popov, and his Chief of Staff, Silvia Pojoga.

*Please note that the Press Conference presenting the new English-taught undergraduate programmes has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at 12:00pm

Please find the updated invitation attached.

Invitation to a Press Conference to present the University of Cyprus’s new English-taught undergraduate programmes

The following programmes will be presented:

– Medicine (MD)

– Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting or Finance

– Bachelor in Business Administration in Marketing, Operations Management or Management

– Bachelor in Economics, Economic Theory and Econometrics or International and European Economic Studies

– YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies

(The presentation will be held in Greek – an English version of the presentation, as well as other information will be handed out during the Press Conference, upon request.)

The development of these new programmes marks a significant milestone for the University of Cyprus and forms part of its strategy to strengthen its international presence and broaden its recruitment of students from Cyprus and abroad.

A reception will follow.

Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Time: 12:00 -13:00

Venue: Council-Senate Conference Room 115, ‘Anastasios G. Leventis’ Council-Senate Building, 1st floor, University Campus.

*Please confirm your attendance by emailing prinfo@ucy.ac.cy by Thursday, 29 October 2026

A deficit of pound 142.7 mn for the period of April-June 2026, compared to a deficit of pound 127,9 mn that was recorded during the period of April-June 2025 is indicated in the preliminary General Government fiscal results, which are prepared by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT).

Revenue

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During the period of April-June 2026, total revenue increased by pound 69.1 mn (2%) and amounted to pound 3,601 mn, compared to pound 3,531.9 mn in the corresponding period of 2025.

In detail, social contributions increased by pound 81.1 mn (6.9%) and amounted to pound 1,258.5 mn, compared to pound 1,177.4 mn in the second quarter of 2025.

Taxes on production and imports increased by pound 94.8 mn (8.3%) and amounted to pound 1,242.3 mn, compared to pound 1,147.5 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025, of which net VAT revenue increased by pound 140.5 mn (19%) and amounted to pound 879.4 mn, compared to pound 738.9 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

On the contrary, capital transfers decreased by pound 31.1 mn (-26.2%) and amounted to pound 87.6 mn, compared to pound 118.7 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Revenue from taxes on income and wealth decreased by pound 7.7 mn (-1.3%) and amounted to pound 600.9 mn, compared to pound 608.6 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Other current transfers decreased by pound 32.2 mn to pound 108.5 mn, from pound 140.8 mn in the second quarter of 2025.

Revenue from the sale of goods and services decreased by pound 12.2 mn (-4.8%) to pound 242.5 mn, from pound 254.7 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Property income receivable decreased by pound 23.6 mn (-28%) to pound 60.7 mn from pound 84.3 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Expenditure

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During the period of April-June 2026, total expenditure increased by pound 84 mn (2.3%) and amounted to pound 3,743.7 mn, from pound 3,659.8 mn in the corresponding period of 2025.

Specifically, social transfers increased by pound 77.2 mn (5.3%) and amounted to pound 1,540.9 mn, compared to pound 1,463.7 mn in the second quarter of 2025.

Compensation of employees (including imputed social contributions and pensions of civil servants) increased by pound 39 mn (4%) and amounted to pound 1,004.9 mn, compared to pound 965.9 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Intermediate consumption increased by pound 72.9 mn (20.2%) and amounted to pound 434.6 mn, compared to pound 361.7 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Property income payable increased by pound 12 mn (6.9%) and amounted to pound 184.9 mn, compared to pound 172.9 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

On the contrary, the capital account decreased by pound 99.4 mn (-24.2%) and amounted to pound 310.9 mn (pound 261.3 mn capital formation and pound 49.6 mn capital transfers), compared to pound 410.3 mn (pound 263.4 mn capital formation and pound 146.9 mn capital transfers) in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

Subsidies decreased by pound 9.1 mn (-28.1%) to pound 23.3 mn, from pound 32.4 mn in the second quarter of 2025.

Other current expenditure decreased by pound 8.6 mn (-3.4%) and amounted to pound 244.2 mn, compared to pound 252.9 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

The future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the sustainable management of fisheries resources were highlighted by Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, at the opening of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on Monday afternoon.

The Minister underlined the financial security of producers and the need for fairer terms in international markets as core pillars. Referring to the Agricultural sector, Senekis noted that “we are pursuing a strong CAP with sufficient resources, reduced bureaucracy, as well as flexibility that takes into account the specificities of each Member State.”

“At the same time, we seek fairer terms of competition and more substantial access to international markets,’ he added.

Regarding the Fisheries sector, Senekis highlighted the importance of supporting industry professionals, pointing out that ‘we support the sustainable management of marine resources, while simultaneously demanding adequate fishing opportunities and simpler rules for professional fishers.’

Concluding his intervention, the Cypriot Minister sent a clear message to his European counterparts, directly linking environmental sustainability with social welfare. ‘Our position is clear: The sustainability of agriculture and fisheries requires substantial support for the people involved, ensuring a decent income that allows them to plan their future with safety and perspective,’ he stressed.