Category: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides congratulated on Thursday the new Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.

The President wrote in a post on ‘X’ that he looks forward to deepening the bilateral relations and working together for a more secure Europe.

“Congratulations Andris Kulbergs on becoming the new Latvian PM. I look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation and working together for a more secure, resilient, and prosperous Europe” he wrote.

The Meteorological Department issued a yellow warning at 1608 local time on Wednesday for isolated heavy thunderstorms, valid from 11:00 until 18:00 local time on Thursday.

According to the warning, isolated heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect mountainous areas, inland areas and the east, while hail is expected during thunderstorms.

The precipitation rate is locally likely to exceed 35 millimetres per hour.

EU Foreign Ministers arriving for the informal Gymnich meeting in Cyprus on Thursday called for tougher pressure on Russia, continued support for Ukraine and a stronger European security role amid growing geopolitical tensions.

In doorstep remarks before the start of the meeting at the Port of Limassol, in the framework of the Cyprus EU Presidency, several Ministers warned against premature negotiations with Moscow, stressing that Europe must remain united and continue sanctions pressure while strengthening its own strategic autonomy.

Latvian Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Ursulskis said that Russia remained an ‘existential’ and long-term threat to Europe, calling for tougher sanctions and a stronger European security posture ahead of any future peace negotiations on Ukraine.

Ursulskis said the EU must remain united and increase economic pressure on Moscow because Russia was ‘not ready and not willing to start real peace negotiations.’

‘If we are able to harm them economically, they would have no chance but to start talking about peace,’ he said.

Ursulskis also warned against any temporary settlement that would allow Russia to regroup militarily.

‘Peace must be just and lasting,’ he said. ‘We will not agree to something that stops the war for a month or two and then allows Russia to start again.’

He also backed opening EU accession clusters with Ukraine and Moldova ‘as soon as possible’ and called for stronger European defence production and energy security.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the EU should prepare for future negotiations on Ukraine by appointing a chief negotiator to represent European interests, while maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions.

Meinl-Reisinger said Ukraine had ‘gained strength’ in recent months and that the economic impact of sanctions on Russia was becoming increasingly visible.

‘It is not about dialogue or pressure,’ she said. ‘We need both.’

She also called for work on a ‘strong’ 21st EU sanctions package and warned that Russia continued to pose security threats to Europe through cyberattacks, sabotage and energy insecurity.

‘Either we sit at the table and speak for European interests ourselves, or others will do it,’ she said.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica said Cyprus was the ‘best place’ to discuss Mediterranean issues, as EU Foreign Ministers gathered for talks focused on the Middle East, Ukraine and European security.

Suica highlighted the strategic importance of India and Saudi Arabia’s participation, particularly in relation to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and regional stability.

‘For us, it is important to resolve the situation in the Strait of Hormuz,’ she said, warning that tensions in the Gulf carried ‘huge consequences’ for Europe and the wider world.

Suica said the EU was seeking to contribute diplomatically while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.

‘Europe is strong,’ she said. ‘We are 450 million people and every member state feels equal in Europe.’

Slovenian State Secretary for European Affairs Neva Grasic said Ministers would discuss the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine and Europe’s future security strategy amid growing global instability.

Grasic said the participation of Ministers from India and Saudi Arabia highlighted the importance of keeping ‘channels of discussion open’ with international partners.

She said Ministers would also discuss how to strengthen the EU’s role in future peace efforts on Ukraine while maintaining pressure on Russia.

‘The main interest of the European Union is a safe and secure Europe, and that means also a safe and secure Ukraine,’ Grašic said.

She also condemned recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, stressing that ‘our presence in Kyiv will remain and our support to Ukraine will remain.’

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said Ministers would discuss support for a ‘sustainable peace’ in Ukraine, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Europe’s future security strategy.

Toiu strongly backed the immediate opening of EU accession clusters with Ukraine and Moldova.

‘We need to stand by our word and open the negotiation clusters for Moldova and Ukraine immediately,’ she said. ‘June is the perfect moment to do that.’

Toiu also stressed the strategic importance of the Black Sea in Europe’s future security architecture, describing it as a ‘strategic’ economic and geopolitical corridor linking Europe with the South Caucasus and the Middle East.

She said Europe needed to take greater responsibility for its own defence while maintaining close coordination with NATO.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Europe should focus on increasing pressure on Russia and strengthening support for Ukraine rather than debating who could negotiate with President Vladimir Putin.

Tsahkna argued that Moscow was not currently interested in meaningful peace talks and warned against what he described as a Russian ‘trap’ aimed at pushing Europe into a neutral mediating role.

‘Putin doesn’t want to negotiate anything,’ Tsahkna said. ‘We need more pressure on Russia and more support for Ukraine.’

He called for the rapid adoption of a 21st EU sanctions package and backed opening all EU accession clusters with Ukraine and Moldova.

‘There cannot be any neutrality zones or buffer zones between the European Union, NATO and Russia,’ he said.

Tsahkna also stressed that Europe needed ‘strategic patience’ while continuing military and economic pressure on Moscow.

German Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum said pressure on Russia must continue to increase before discussions about any potential mediator or envoy for Ukraine could move forward.

Krichbaum said Germany remained firmly committed to supporting Ukraine both militarily and economically, while backing its path toward EU membership.

‘The pressure on Russia must rise,’ he said, pointing to preparations for a 21st EU sanctions package.

Krichbaum also warned that instability around the Strait of Hormuz could boost Russian energy revenues and help finance Moscow’s war effort.

‘With the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, oil becomes scarce globally and Russia profits from higher revenues,’ he said.

He added that any future mediator in negotiations would need to be accepted by Ukraine, stressing that ‘Russia does not dictate the rules.’

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said EU Ministers should focus on increasing pressure on Russia and strengthening support for Ukraine rather than discussing potential negotiators or peace talks.

Budrys called for a ‘strong’ 21st EU sanctions package, including measures against Russia’s nuclear sector, Lukoil and maritime exports.

‘This is not the time to discuss names or places at the table,’ he said. ‘We have to discuss how to put additional pressure on Russia and provide more assistance to Ukraine.’

Budrys also urged the EU to open all six accession clusters with Ukraine and Moldova in June and warned that Europe’s future security architecture must be based on ‘deterrence of Russia.’

‘Existential threats are now on the eastern flank,’ he said. ‘We have to strengthen it immediately.’

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said the European Union should focus on defining a clear mandate and common position on Ukraine before discussing who could represent Europe in potential negotiations with Russia.

Berendsen said ‘content is the most important thing’ and stressed that European unity should come before discussions over possible negotiators or envoys.

‘Content is leading, unity is leading, and a clear mandate before we present someone,’ he said.

Berendsen also called for stronger European defence efforts within NATO amid uncertainty over the long-term US security role in Europe.

‘We need to invest more in the European pillar under NATO,’ he said. ‘That is not only answering concerns from the United States, but it is also in our own interest.’

He also backed EU measures against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling his behaviour ‘unacceptable.’

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Europe must speak with ‘one voice’ on Ukraine and the Middle East, while calling for continued support for Kyiv and stronger pressure on Israel over Gaza and Lebanon.

Albares said Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv showed Moscow had ‘no willingness for peace, a ceasefire or negotiations.’

‘We must be prepared to continue backing Ukraine for as long as it takes,’ he said.

Albares also called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Council and backed measures against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

‘Democracies do not violate international law. They do not violate human rights,’ he said.

On proposals for a possible EU envoy on Ukraine, Albares said the key issue was not ‘one person’ but ensuring Europe acted with ‘one voice.’

Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis said Europe’s strategic autonomy must be based on competitiveness, resilience and solidarity, while warning against revisionism in an increasingly fragile geopolitical environment.

Gerapetritis called for a ‘360-degree’ European strategy focused not only on Europe’s immediate neighbourhood but also on the Global South.

He highlighted the participation of Ministers from Saudi Arabia and India, describing both countries as ‘extremely important partners’ with which Greece maintains strategic relations.

‘We must raise a united and strong voice against all forms of revisionism,’ he said. ‘In an extremely fragile geopolitical environment, revisionism creates global instability at the expense of citizens around the world.’

Gerapetritis also stressed that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure ‘cannot be tolerated’ and called for universal respect for international law.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 28/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 29/05/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

An unstable air mass is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but early morning increased low cloud will be present, mainly west part. In the afternoon isolated showers and a thunderstorm are expected, mainly east part.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

The informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union (Gymnich) begins today its deliberations in Limassol.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will co-chair the meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Also invited to attend the meeting are India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Their participation is considered particularly significant in light of developments in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s regional role and India’s involvement in issues related to maritime security, trade and supply chains, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

On Wednesday, Kombos hosted a dinner for the Foreign Ministers, which was attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The informal Gymnich meeting takes place at the Port of Limassol.

During the meeting, Foreign Ministers are expected to discuss current regional and international developments with the two high-level guests from India and Saudi Arabia, before turning to the war in Ukraine and the ongoing Russian aggression.

Strategic initiatives on security and defence will also be discussed, including preparations for the new European Security Strategy.

Gymnich allows more open exchange of views among Foreign Ministers

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Gymnich is the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, held once every six months within the framework of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

It is not an Informal Council, as is the case with other Council formations, but rather a strategic-level meeting aimed at reviewing key foreign policy priorities.

The format allows Foreign Ministers to engage in more open exchanges of views on foreign policy, security and geopolitical issues at both regional and international level.

The name ‘Gymnich’ derives from Schloss Gymnich, a castle in Germany where the first meeting of this kind took place in 1974.

A key feature of the meeting is its informal nature, as no formal decisions are taken and no Council conclusions are adopted.

The objective is to provide space for frank and strategic discussions outside the strict framework of formal EU meetings.

The Competitiveness Council (Research and Space) will meet on Friday in Brussels with the main topics on the agenda including the new ‘Horizon Europe’ programme for 2028-2034, science diplomacy, and progress on the EU Space Act.

The Council will be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, while Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva will also participate.

According to a senior European Union official, discussions are expected to focus on critical issues for European competitiveness and research policy.

More specifically, in the field of research Ministers will hold a discussion on the ‘Horizon Europe’ programme for 2028-2034, in the context of negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). According to the official, the programme is a priority for the Cyprus Presidency, as it constitutes a key instrument for research and innovation, with a focus on excellence, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

According to the diplomat, the Presidency has made progress on the related file, although a limited number of issues still require further discussion. The debate will focus on the remaining issues, including the governance of the programme, widening measures and collaborative research, with the aim of providing political guidance for reaching a timely agreement and ensuring continuity for EU research and innovation.

Subsequently, in the area of space, a progress report on the EU Space Act will be presented, outlining the state of negotiations on establishing a more coherent European framework. The proposal aims to strengthen the competitiveness, security, resilience and sustainability of Europe’s space sector, while reducing fragmentation and improving legal clarity.

The European Commission decided on Thursday to launch infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to 20 member states, including Cyprus, for failing to notify the full transposition into national law of the directive on empowering consumers for the green transition.

The infringement procedure also concerns Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden.

Directive (EU) 2024/825 aims to improve the reliability and transparency of environmental claims and sustainability labels. The directive encourages businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and prevents premature obsolescence of products and misleading greenwashing practices, while ensuring that consumers are better informed about a product’s durability and reparability, as well as their legal guarantee rights.

Member states were required to transpose the directive into national law by 27 March 2026. At present, the 20 member states concerned have not notified the Commission of the full transposition of the directive into their national legislation.

For this reason, the Commission is launching the procedure by sending letters of formal notice to the member states concerned, which now have two months to respond and notify the Commission of the measures adopted for full transposition. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.

There was a strong unity today to defend European interests, to support Ukraine and put more pressure on Russia said Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy following the Gymnich that took place in the coastal city of Limassol, under the Cyprus EU Presidency.

The informal Ministerial Council was also attended by India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

EU Ministers discussed Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and the crisis in the strait of Hormuz and Commissioner Kallas circulated a paper outlining Europe’s key demands toward Russia, including respect for international agreements and the sovereignty of neighbouring states.

Speaking during a joint press conference with Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos, Kallas said that they had very open discussions, in the presence of India and Saudi Arabia Ministers. She noted that it was good to hear their views on the regional crisis, adding that this was very eye-opening for the EU “to see what more can we do together”.

Kallas said that the situation in Hormuz is dangerous, pointing out that any first base agreements between US and Iran must be followed by deeper talks and other political issues for regional security.

”The EU can contribute with technical expertise when it comes to nuclear talks for example. The EU is helping to protect the freedom of navigation in the region, including through operation Aspides”, she said.

Regarding Lebanon she said that a return to full-scale war is a real possibility. The Ministers also discussed Gaza and West Bank.

Commenting on Ukraine, Kallas said that Russia still shows no genuine interest in peace. She said that they had really thorough discussions on what concessions Europe should ask from Moscow and what our red lines are.

“And one thing is very clear, Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we are on Ukraine’s side and we are depending our own core security interests”, she pointed out.

She also noted that Russia must stop sabotage operations, cyberattacks and action interference airspace violations across Europe, limiting Ukraine’s military while which directly threatening European security.

”The bottom line is this. Europe has valid demands to ensure that any peace is lasting and the ministers asked me to take this work forward”, she noted.

In his statements Cyprus Minister Kombos said that they had a very honest discussion about the principles that should guide EU’s position on Ukraine, based on the paper that was prepared by Commissioner Kallas. ”And we are carrying forward our intention and will to increase the pressure on Russia”, he said.

Both Commissioner Kallas and Minister Kombos replied to questions by the press following their initial statements. On Russia Kallas noted that there should be also concessions on the Russian side, pointing out that the EU is defending the interests of Europe and the interests of Ukraine because Ukraine is also in Europe. She also said that it is clear that all their efforts have to be also complementary to US efforts. ”And the Ministers were also very clear about this. They’re not coming in instead of the United States, but we are actually addressing issues that they haven’t been addressing in these talks,” Kallas said.

Replying to a question about the paper that was circulated by the EU, the Cyprus Minister said that the paper includes very specific principles, clarifying that we are not in the stage of negotiation as of yet. “The EU has not positioned itself as a mediator. It has taken a clear position, but because it affects its security interests and other things”, he said.

On the issue of a mediator, Kallas said that it is very important that we push Ukraine and Russia to talk to each other ”because there are so many issues which only they can decide and nobody else”.

Replying to a question about Hormuz Kallas referred to the Aspides operation currently underway saying that this is a defensive operation and once the hostilities are over they are willing to recruit the ships and escort the ships out of the Strait.

On the same issue Minister Kombos said that after the end of the war, we need to take care of the markets as well because it looks like the markets will not be back to normal where they were before the war any time soon.

Kallas was also asked about Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union. Kallas said that what is the end goal is to come up with sort of a manual how we can use this 42(7), pointing out that we have different scenarios, ie a scenario where you have a NATO member that is also a European member attacked or a scenario where a European member that is not a NATO member is attacked.

European Commission spokesperson for climate, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, has stressed that ‘the exclusion of a United Nations member state from the preparation process of the UN COP31 climate conference is not acceptable,’ following criticism over the exclusion of the Republic of Cyprus from a preparatory meeting for the COP31 summit held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The global climate conference is expected to take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Responding, on Thursday, to a question by CNA, during the European Commission’s midday press briefing in Brussels, on whether the exclusion of Cyprus – also in its capacity as the country holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU – undermines European representation, Commission spokesperson for climate Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stressed that ‘the exclusion of a United Nations member state from the preparation process of the UN COP31 climate conference is not acceptable.’

Itkonen explained that the Commission had raised concerns regarding the handling of the COP31 briefing organized by Turkey at the United Nations in New York on March 27, during which the Republic of Cyprus ‘was not allocated a seat.’

She noted that ‘Cyprus is a UN member state and also a signatory to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement,’ adding that the Commission is ‘in contact with the authorities of Turkey and we have made it clear that the exclusion of a United Nations member state from the preparation process of the UN COP31 climate conference is not acceptable.’

According to Itkonen, ‘Turkey has assured us that Cyprus would not be excluded from future preparatory meetings for COP31.’ She further noted that the Commission is also in contact with the United Nations on the matter, as well as with Australia, which is chairing negotiations for the upcoming COP in Antalya.

Concluding her remarks, she stated that “we trust that the COP31 process will be transparent and inclusive, including all, and then will include all the United Nations member states as well as the parties to the Paris Agreement, and we will continue to very closely follow this issue.’

Cyprus is recording improvements in migrants’ access to healthcare and integration services, according to a European Commission statement published on Thursday, which is based on the 2024 Asylum Information Database (AIDA) report.

According to the report, beneficiaries of international protection in Cyprus now have access to the General Healthcare System (GESY), receiving services from general practitioners and specialists under the same conditions as citizens and EU nationals. At the same time, beneficiaries of temporary protection receive a one-off financial allowance and immediate access to employment and education, allowing adults to enter the labour market and children to attend school without delay.

The report noted that at the end of 2024, 24,823 people in Cyprus held temporary protection status. These measures aim to facilitate access to essential services and strengthen social and economic integration.

In terms of migration policy, changes to Cyprus’ labour migration framework for third-country nationals were presented at the National Conference of the EMN, which operates in cooperation with the European Commission.

Within this context, updates to the EU Blue Card scheme were highlighted, allowing highly skilled third-country nationals to work in Cyprus without a maximum employment duration, with access to EU mobility, as well as family reunification and healthcare coverage.

As part of the European Skills and Mobility Partnerships, Cyprus participates in programmes providing language training, vocational education, and skills development in countries of origin. Since 2021, more than 3,400 training sessions and over 2,000 mobility placements have been implemented under these initiatives.

In parallel, the development of regional intercultural networks in Cyprus is highlighted within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities programme. These networks act as coordination mechanisms between local authorities, civil society, and migrant communities for the design and monitoring of integration policies.

According to the Commission, Cypriot cities are further developing integration initiatives towards 2030, embedding cultural and social actions into broader urban development strategies, with the aim of strengthening the participation of migrant communities in public and cultural life.