Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 27/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 28/05/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Unstable air mass is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

Commission proposes new authorisation for mobile satellite services for EU’s resilience and competitiveness

The European Commission adopted a proposal for the selection of mobile satellite services (MSS) providers who will be authorised to use the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027, when the current licenses expire.

Spectrum for mobile satellite services is a strategic asset for enabling innovative commercial use, and for security and defence. The 2 GHz MSS band is ideal for Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, providing critical communication capabilities and ensuring access to high-speed internet in areas without terrestrial coverage.

The Commission proposes to establish an EU-level selection procedure for the assignment of this spectrum. Granting an EU level authorisation for the use of the 2 GHz frequency band for mobile satellite services in all EU Member States will ensure regulatory consistency across the EU and allow operators to develop and provide services across borders.

The spectrum would be divided accordingly:

One third of the 2 GHz MSS band would be dedicated to governmental use, such as for critical communications, security and military to be provided by an EU operator. The operator will ensure integration with the current and future capabilities of the infrastructure of the Union Secure Connectivity programme IRIS².

Two thirds of the 2 GHz MSS band would be dedicated to dedicated to commercial use, such as D2D services to mobile devices, ensuring mobile coverage where terrestrial networks are unavailable. It can also be used for Internet of Things, such as personal fitness trackers, energy monitoring, and emergency respond devices. The spectrum in this band would be divided equally for:

the use of the band by EU operators entering the market, to encourage the diversification of suppliers and incentivise the entry into the market of EU suppliers;

the use of the band by EU and non-EU operators.

The timely availability of secure, resilient, performant and innovative satellite services will strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and critical communications capabilities. Satellite connectivity is a key piece of our technological sovereignty, our security, and our defence.

Background

The proposed Regulation for the selection procedure and authorisation of the 2 GHz MSS frequency band replaces the 2008 Decision, under which the current operators were selected. Their authorisations expire in May 2027.

The new 2 GHz MSS Regulation is consistent with the proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), according to which all satellite spectrum is to be authorised at EU level under one set of conditions to allow for consistency across borders.

The Commission’s proposal takes into account the Opinions of the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, namely the MSS Opinion, adopted in 2024, and the ‘Direct-to- Device’ Opinion, adopted in 2025. The proposal also takes into consideration the feedback received to the Commission’s 2025 targeted consultation on the future use of the 2 GHz MSS band.

IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is the European Union’s Secure Connectivity programme. It is set to provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies, governmental authorities and defence users.

For more information

Proposal

Quote(s)

More than ever high-capacity, widely available satellite connectivity is essential to strengthen the resilience of the EU’s communication networks. Our proposal will allow provision of satellite and terrestrial connectivity directly to our mobile devices, ensuring that all areas in the EU, and namely those where terrestrial networks are unavailable, are equipped with voice and broadband internet connectivity. Satellite connectivity is also crucial for our governmental services and Europe’s critical communications. Today we take a major step forward.

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

Defending values, driving reform, delivering impact: new measures to strengthen EU humanitarian action

The Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid adopted today sets out how the EU will remain a reliable and principled donor in a global aid system under severe pressure.

Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high with 239 million people worldwide in need of assistance, yet current global humanitarian funding can assist fewer than half of the people in need, leaving millions without life-saving support. The number of crises and their duration grow, while funding cuts and insecurity are making life-saving aid increasingly difficult to deliver.

The European Commission and the High Representative are responding with concrete solutions to ensure principled humanitarian aid reaches people in need across the globe. This builds on three pillars: protect, perform and partner.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: ‘As the leading humanitarian donor worldwide, the European Union continues to defend the dignity of those in need, as well as those who risk their lives to help them. With this package, we are ensuring life-saving aid is delivered more efficiently, even in the toughest environments. At the same time, we are building resilience to reduce dependency on aid.’

Protect

The EU will take concrete actions for humanitarian assistance to be delivered safely and without impediments. This means stepping up humanitarian diplomacy in a collaborative Team Europe effort. All available tools, including political and human rights dialogues, advocacy at international level, and coordination in multilateral forum as well as peace mediation and stabilisation will be used to this end.

The EU will also step up measures and funding for the safety of humanitarian workers – from prevention of security incidents to care for victims. Voices of affected people matter – the EU will facilitate a greater role for local actors in the humanitarian response, empower communities, and ensure that our response is inclusive of all, in particular the most vulnerable.

Perform

Through reforming humanitarian supply chains, the EU will maximise cost-effectiveness from procurement to last mile delivery. The EU will also scale-up funding modalities that promote efficiency and predictability of aid and the dignity of beneficiaries, including cash assistance, anticipatory action, multi-year funding, pooled funds and support for local actors. Collective services that enable humanitarian aid delivery, including good quality and shared data on people’s needs, will also be further supported.

Partner

The EU will support resilience and peace, as well as provide durable solutions to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid. The EU will be working more closely with international financial institutions, the private sector or philanthropies on innovative ways to provide financing to fragile areas, and people that need it the most, helping them transition from fragility to resilience. Humanitarian Team Europe can deliver more together, and options for pooling resources in a more impactful way will also be explored.

Background

The international humanitarian system has been shaken to its core with the outbreak of armed conflict, the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan, and severe funding cuts are affecting all aspects of humanitarian work.

The number of people forcibly displaced or seeking asylum has doubled over the past decade, reaching 117.3 million in 2025. Around 20% of all children worldwide – approximately half a billion – are living in, or fleeing, conflict zones. Sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, has continued to increase, prominently targeting women and girls. Global food insecurity and malnutrition are becoming more widespread, with the number of people experiencing acute hunger reaching catastrophic levels.

The European Union and its Member States are providing the largest share of global humanitarian funding (35% in 2025). The European Commission alone has allocated almost pound 2 billion for humanitarian aid this year. The EU will continue to prove needs-based, inclusive and non-discriminatory assistance to save lives and preserve human dignity.

These efforts receive strong and consistent popular support from EU citizen. In 2024, 91% of respondents to the Commission’s Eurobarometer survey considered it important that the EU funds humanitarian aid.

For more information

Questions and answers

EU Humanitarian Aid

Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid

Joint Staff Working document: a strategic approach to EU’s Humanitarian Diplomacy

Commission Staff Working document: Humanitarian Supply Chains

Joint Staff Working document: Integrated Approach to Fragility

Quote(s)

As the leading humanitarian donor worldwide, the European Union continues to defend the dignity of those in need, as well as those who risk their lives to help them. With this package, we are ensuring life-saving aid is delivered more efficiently, even in the toughest environments. At the same time, we are building resilience to reduce dependency on aid.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

In a global humanitarian system facing cuts and shortfalls, the EU and its Member States remain the world’s largest and most reliable donors. With our new approach to humanitarian diplomacy, we will make better use of every tool at our disposal to safeguard aid delivery, secure humanitarian access, protect civilians, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. It will also help ensure that humanitarian issues are front and centre in our external action.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

Humanitarian needs are rising worldwide. They have increased eightfold in just 20 years. But this is not only about numbers. Humanitarian workers are being attacked, civilians are being used as a weapon of war, and the principles that should guide humanitarian action are being undermined. The European Union is clear about what we stand for. We are a leading, principled donor. We will defend humanitarian space and respond to needs wherever they arise. As firm supporters of multilateralism, we will also make a concrete contribution to a humanitarian system that delivers better, with greater efficiency, effectiveness and resilience.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

Commission disburses pound 18.9 million to Malta under NextGenerationEU

Today, the European Commission disbursed pound 18.9 million to Malta, marking the fourth payment under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The Facility is the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU – the Commission’s post-pandemic programme to support Member States’ recovery, economic growth, and competitiveness.

Following its assessment of the payment request, the Commission found that Malta has satisfactorily completed the milestones and targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.

Measures linked to this payment include reforms and investments in decarbonising energy and transport, boosting the efficiency of judicial administration, and improving education and healthcare services.

Today’s disbursement follows Malta’s fourth payment request, submitted on 19 December 2025 and partially greenlighted by the Commission on 20 March 2026.

Following the Council’s approval to proceed with this disbursement, the Commission adopted a payment decision and released the funds today.

Malta still needs to implement one outstanding milestone as part of this payment request, which relates to the tax reform aimed at curbing aggressive tax planning practices (Milestone 6.36). The Commission will consider the disbursement of the rest of the funds once Malta has addressed this non-fulfilled milestone.

As with all Member States, payments to Malta under the RRF are performance-based, contingent upon the successful implementation of their national plans.

With a view to the closure of the Facility at the end of 2026, Members States must implement all outstanding milestones and targets by August 2026 and submit their last payment requests by the end of September 2026.

An interactive map showcasing examples of reforms and investments supported by the RRF is available online. Further details on the RRF payment claim process are also available online.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)

Commissioner Hansen leads business delegation to Thailand to strengthen agri-food trade

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, will lead a high-level EU agri-food business delegation to Thailand, tomorrow and on Friday. The visit, which 90+ European agri-food organisations and companies will participate in, will aim to strengthen EU-Thailand agri-food relations and support new opportunities for European agri-food exports in this dynamic market, while making progress on negotiations for a future EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

A key highlight of the visit will be Commissioner Hansen’s participation in THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, Asia-Pacific’s largest food and beverage trade fair, where the EU holds the prestigious ‘Region of Honour’ status. At the event, the Commissioner will hand over the EU Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for Maphrao Namhom Ratchaburi. This will be Thailand’s fifth product to receive EU GI protection, joining renowned Thai specialities like Khao Hom Mali rice and Kafae Doi Tung coffee. The ceremony will celebrate this milestone in EU-Thailand agricultural cooperation, featuring a symbolic cocktail blending the aromatic coconut with another EU-protected GI: Irish whiskey.

The visit will also include political engagements with Thai ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand Yotchanan Wongsawat, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat, the Thai Trade Representative for Europe Werapong Prapha the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, and the Vice-Minister for Commerce Kirida Bhaopichitr to discuss market access, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and the FTA negotiations, which resumed in 2023.

Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, hosts on Wednesday a welcome dinner for the EU Foreign Ministers, which will also be attended by the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, as part of the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich), hosted in Limassol on May 27 and 28 within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Kombos, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Bin Abdullah Al Saud, have also been invited and will attend the meeting.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, the informal Gymnich meeting will take place at Limassol Port.

According to a press release issued by the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting the Foreign Ministers are expected to discuss current and regional issues with the two high-level guests from India and Saudi Arabia. They will then discuss the war in Ukraine and the continuing Russian aggression.

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

At the end of the meeting, Kombos and Kallas will give a press conference.

President Christodoulides announced on Wednesday that he will take the initiative to speak with all those affected by Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and will also address the issue publicly, refuting however, the lack of understanding between the Veterinary Services and Agriculture Ministry and calling again for cooperation to deal with the challenge “otherwise we will all lose”.

Speaking to the press in Limassol, he said that the FMD broke out in Larnaka first but now reached the district of Limassol, saying that something happened for the disease to affect a unit in Pachna village. “It means that there was no cooperation, it means that some people did not follow what they should have followed”, he said.

He said that he requested a briefing and information about the matter, adding that it was discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, in relation to the new sample checks the affected breeders requested.

The President went on to say that the Veterinary Services, based on the protocols, said that second checks are not needed.

When asked if he would consider having a meeting with those affected who also sent him a letter, he replied that he is ready to receive anyone who wishes to meet with him and of course the agricultural organizations that are partners in this great effort to address the FMD challenge, including the newly founded “Voice of Livestock Breeders” organization.

He reiterated the need for cooperation, for everyone to work in the same direction, pointing out that if we do not cooperate we will all face the losses.

In another question that the livestock farmers claim that the virus was transferred due to improper handling of the biosecurity measures by the Veterinary Services, he questioned whether it is possible for the Vet Services to be held responsible for the fact that the virus was transported to Pachna village from Larnaka district.

The President said that something must have happened that was not correct and not based on the protocols and called once again for proper cooperation.

Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. FMD spread to Limassol in May. This followed an FMD outbreak in the island’s Turkish-occupied areas last December. Authorities proceed with a nationwide vaccination campaign of animals to contain the virus, while EU rules require all animals in the infected areas to be culled, bringing about a series of repercussions in livestock farming and other agricultural economic activities. Halloumi, Cyprus’ top agricultural export product, has been spared. Experts reiterate that FMD is not dangerous to humans.

The meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin to take place June 8 is a continuation of previous meetings, President Christodoulides said on Wednesday, in Limassol.

Replying to a question if anything was clarified as regards this meeting or if he is going to table something concrete, the President said that it is not the first meeting they will have in the context of the new initiative undertaken by the UN Secretary-General, as he, himself, publicly stated after their meeting in Brussels.

“The meeting with Ms. Holguin will be the continuation of meetings that have taken place, are taking place and will continue to take place,” he said.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Numerous talks under the UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results so far.

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodemos Damianou is travelling to Brussels Wednesday to chair the EU’s Competitiveness Council (COMPET) on Research and Space issues, on May 29.

According to a press release the focus of the discussions on Research issues will be the provisions of the legislative package for the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, ”Horizon Europe”, for 2028-2034.

The new package aims to ensure excellence and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. Council is expected to adopt the Recommendation on a European Union Framework for Science Diplomacy.

The Recommendation provides guidance for maximizing the impact of science diplomacy actions, thereby contributing to the broader objective of strengthening the EU’s geopolitical influence.

On Space issues, the focus of the discussions will be on the proposal for a Regulation on the security, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the EU (EU Space Act), which aims to create a single European framework for safe and sustainable space activities.

Ministers will also exchange views on the role of space in the EU’s economic security and the contribution of space technologies to strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness.

In the margins of the Council, the Deputy Minister will hold bilateral contacts with his counterparts and officials of the European institutions.

Thirty-five years after completing excavations at the Tombs of the Kings, in Paphos, the Department of Antiquities said in a press release on Wednesday that the first volume of the final publication for the period 1977-1981 is now ready for release. The volume consists of more than 300 pages. It includes a general history of the site, a detailed description of the tombs featuring a peristyle atrium, and an in-depth presentation of the systematic excavations conducted by the Department.

The Department of Antiquities noted that ”significant attention is given to the unique burial complex of Tomb 8, which has generated considerable scholarly debate over its potential use as the burial site of the last king of Cyprus, Ptolemy, due to its distinctive architecture. Additionally, the volume proposes a comprehensive restoration study in line with recommendations from Professor Charalambos Bouras, who approved the initial partial restoration study,” it added.

The volume features two chapters specifically dedicated to the architecture of Tomb 8, with the final chapter focusing on the proposed restoration of its built portico, which is topped by a pediment.

The Tombs of the Kings

———–

Excavations undertaken by the Department of Antiquities under the author’s direction between 1977 and 1990 at the north necropolis of Paphos have opened a window into the hitherto unknown history of Hellenistic Paphos. The excavations were supplemented by investigations of the city walls, particularly the NW gate, to establish the connection between the city and the necropolis. Several sites within the city walls also became the focus of investigation regarding the implementation of the Master Plan to create the Pafos Archaeological Park.

As a result of 14 seasons of excavation, a significant part of the necropolis, including five monumental hypogea with peristyle atria and one tumulus, was investigated, and some have been partially restored. The impressive funerary monuments assigned to the Ptolemies are mostly found in Alexandria and Macedonia; in fact, they represent a blend of the two regions.

”The study of its architectural complexity and the variety of finds enrich the history of Paphos. The urban development of Paphos, the interaction of the necropolis with the city and its role in the history of Cypriot architecture in general are considered in this publication. The impressive architecture recovered at the site became the object of speculative interpretations, leaving the excavator no choice but to respond to those unsupported conclusions,” the press release said.

A monument of exceptional architecture

———–

Tomb 8 was first excavated in 1979 and immediately stood out for its monumental scale and distinctive design. Carved directly into the bedrock, the complex is organised around an open courtyard with four symmetrical wings and a prominent central rock-cut cube. Access to the tomb is provided through a monumental, stepped dromos, emphasising the monument’s grandeur and ceremonial character.

”Excavations revealed eighteen burials, along with multiple chambers, loculi, and pit graves. Many of the finds were exceptionally well preserved, offering valuable evidence of funerary practices, including the use of unguentaria, gold myrtle leaves, and amphorae from Rhodes, which help date the phases of use and illustrate the trade networks of the time,” the Department of Antiquities said.

One particularly notable discovery was a lead ash urn, indicating cremation – a practice rare in Cypriot contexts but well attested in the Macedonian world. This finding suggests cultural connections extending beyond the island and reflects the diverse influences present in Hellenistic Cyprus.

Multicultural influences and ritual practices

———–

”The architecture of Tomb 8 combines Greek, Egyptian, and Macedonian elements, reflecting the multicultural character of the Hellenistic Mediterranean. The central cube housed an elaborately constructed burial chamber distinguished by a Doric façade, strongly indicating that it was intended for an individual of high social or political status,” the press release noted.

An unusual and significant feature of the monument is the presence of a well in the design of the central structure. Accessed through a stepped alcove and equipped with a lighting shaft, the well may have been associated with ritual purification practices, similar to those documented in Alexandrian funerary monuments.

”Evidence from the burials indicates that the tomb remained in use over a long period, possibly across several generations. The diversity of burial methods-including the burial of an infant within a terracotta pipe-illustrates the variety of funerary customs practiced in the necropolis and the evolving nature of ritual traditions,” the Department of Antiquities said.

Possible royal associations

———–

Among the most compelling elements supporting the significance of Tomb 8 is the discovery of two sculpted limestone falcons flanking the principal burial chambers. The falcon was closely associated with the Egyptian god Horus and symbolised royal authority, suggesting a possible connection between the tomb and the Ptolemaic administration, or even members of the royal household.

Cyprus played a crucial strategic and political role within the Ptolemaic kingdom, particularly during the late Hellenistic period. The island’s last Ptolemaic ruler, Ptolemy of Cyprus, was deposed by the Romans in 58 BC, marking a turning point in the island’s history. The author proposes that Tomb 8 may have been designed for a person of comparable rank or for the last king, Ptolemy of Cyprus (80-56 BC).

An enduring landmark of Cypriot heritage

———–

”Today, Tomb 8 is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological monuments in Cyprus. Its unique architecture, potential royal connections, and rich archaeological record provide invaluable insights into burial practices, cultural interaction, and the broader history of the Hellenistic Mediterranean,” the press release concluded.

Space infrastructure is no longer relevant only for exploration and science, but has become a core pillar of European sovereignty, security and economic competitiveness, experts said on Wednesday at the high-level European conference ‘EU Space Days 2026’ in Nicosia.

The discussion took place during the second day of the conference, co-organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) and the Cyprus Space Office of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The panel, titled ‘Space Infrastructure in EU Member States’, highlighted how Earth Observation systems, satellite navigation, secure connectivity and access-to-space capabilities underpin the European Union’s ability to make sovereign decisions in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

Moderating the discussion, the Head of the Office of the Executive Director and Head of Communications at the EU Agency for the Space Programme, Christina Giannopapa, said space infrastructure is now embedded in everyday life and central to Europe’s strategic autonomy.

‘Space is no longer important only because of exploration and science’, she said. ‘It is also a critical infrastructure for our society, our economy, and our safety and security.’

The discussion focused on how EU Member States can develop sustainable space infrastructure, particularly in the context of high costs and long investment cycles.

The Science and Education Officer at the Portuguese Space Agency, Duarte Cota, said sustainability must be understood in broader terms than financial return alone, especially in the current geopolitical context.

He pointed to Portugal’s efforts to develop a spaceport in the Azores region as part of a wider European network of access-to-space ‘nodes’, arguing that future infrastructure must be flexible, interoperable and multipurpose.

‘These small ecosystems need to be integrated into European networks of space access’, Cota said, adding that cooperation with the defence sector will also become increasingly relevant in future space architectures.

From Cyprus’ perspective, the Head of Satellite Services at CYTA, Dr. Sotiris Alexandrou, stressed the importance of European programmes in building critical mass and enabling participation in the global space market.

‘Space is an expensive activity’, he said. ‘Collaboration is the key, especially for smaller countries.’

He added that EU support allows Member States to develop foundational capabilities that can later evolve into commercial services, stressing that trust and customer relationships are essential for long-term competitiveness.

‘As you build capabilities, you build your customer base. That is the best marketing tool you can have’, he said.

At the same time, the Technical Director at Spaceopal company, Emiliano Agosta, addressed governance challenges in European space programmes, arguing that effective governance depends on strategy, operational coordination and technological evolution working in parallel.

‘Governance only works when there is a clear strategy and strong interaction between all actors’, he said. ‘But we must also understand that technological evolution is an autonomous process, it will happen regardless of us.’

Further, the Managing Director of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsits, highlighted how Earth Observation investments can translate into economic value and new services.

‘When we invest in infrastructure, we need to understand how we convert that investment into value, into services, applications and cash flow’, he said.

He also stressed the importance of European initiatives such as Copernicus in reducing dependency on non-European data sources.

The panel further examined the link between technical systems and European sovereignty. Agosta noted that systems such as Galileo are central to Europe’s strategic autonomy.

‘Without systems that work continuously and reliably, there is no strategic sovereignty’, he said.

He added that sovereignty also depends on Europe owning not only infrastructure, but also algorithms and software, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging digital regulation.

‘Europe must own the layers, not only the satellites, but also the software and the intelligence behind them’, he concluded.

Use of Cross-Border Electronic Health Services in Cyprus has increased one year after their launch, with 76 European visitors receiving services in the country and 53 Cypriot citizens receiving health services in other EU member states.

The National Electronic Health Authority said in a press release on Wednesday that its services have completed one year of operation, marking an important step toward the digital interconnection of health systems at European level and facilitating citizens’ access to medical care regardless of country of residence or travel.

It noted that since the Patient Summary service began on 2 June 2025, a total of 18 patient summaries have been created or updated.

At the same time, 76 Patient Summaries have been retrieved from other member states to serve European citizens who visited Cyprus, with the largest numbers coming from Estonia, Greece and Luxembourg.

Regarding cross-border ePrescription, since the service started on 7 July 2025, 18 electronic prescriptions issued by doctors in Cyprus have been successfully dispensed at pharmacies in other EU member states.

The authority said the upward trend observed in recent months demonstrates citizens’ practical need to use modern cross-border health services.

This is, it added, “a substantive step toward the digital interconnection of health systems in Europe, ensuring continuity of care and upgrading the quality of services provided”.

The National Electronic Health Authority noted that it continues to work on further developing and strengthening the services, aiming for universal awareness and active use by all citizens.

The need for immediate, collective and coordinated action in response to the climate crisis affecting the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, one of the world’s most vulnerable regions, was highlighted during an event in Nicosia Wednesday, where the conclusions of an International Climate Conference were presented. The event was organised by the Friends of the Cyprus Institute Association.

The Conference which took place in April, in the framework of the Cyprus EU Presidency, shaped the ‘Nicosia Call for Action 2026’.

Presenting the conclusions, the Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee and former President of the Cyprus Institute, Professor Costas Papanicolas, made a worrying observation, stating that ‘things do not look very optimistic, and this is clearly due to us – and by us I mean the inhabitants of this strange planet.’

Particular attention was drawn to Papanicolas’ reference to scientific journal publications indicating strong signs that we are entering an El Niño phenomenon.

”The last major El Niño we experienced was in 2007, and if you remember, Cyprus faced serious water shortages that year. Therefore, if El Niño is confirmed, it is highly likely that we will experience a surge in temperatures”, he said.

Professor Papanicolas analysed the four main pillars of the action strategy defined by the ‘Nicosia Call for Action 2026.’

The first pillar concerns empowering citizens and societies, with emphasis on investment in education, youth, women, and a socially just transition.

The second pillar focuses on implementation-oriented actions, particularly scientific cooperation on energy transition, clean technologies, the circular economy, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The third pillar is related to strengthening governance and financing, highlighting the need for participatory governance models and better policy coordination. Finally, the fourth pillar focuses on strengthening partnerships through scientific diplomacy for the development of flagship cross-border projects at regional level.

Cyprus Institute Professor Panos Hadjinicolaou presented scientific data on temperature trends, stressing that the 10 warmest years on record have all occurred after 2015.

‘We have almost reached the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold that the Paris Agreement suggests should ideally not be reached by the middle of the century. We are in 2026 and we have already touched 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming compared to the pre-industrial era, around the mid-19th century, in terms of temperatures, which is the reference period used for comparisons,’ he said.

Referring specifically to Cyprus, Hadjinicolaou noted that they monitor and analyse the evolution of climate change in terms of temperatures using Meteorological Department data dating back to 1983.

Using measurements from the Athalassa area in Nicosia as an example, he explained that since 2015, every year has been warmer than normal.

”There was a rise during the 21st century – a sharp jump. Now we seem to have reached a plateau, but at a high level, with every year in Nicosia being around 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius warmer than normal”, he went on to say.

The rise in temperatures is also reflected in the day-by-day analysis. According to Professor Hadjinicolaou, in 2025, red exceedances (warmer days) clearly dominated over blue downward deviations (cooler days).

”In fact, 245 days of the year recorded positive anomalies, as we statistically describe them, meaning warmer-than-normal days. Two-thirds of the days in 2025 were warmer than normal”, he noted.

Particular emphasis on the practical dimension of protecting cities and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change was given by former MP and former Commissioner for the Environment, Charalambos Theopemptou.

‘We are experiencing high temperatures. What are the problems? What condition are people’s homes in? What habits do we have? How do we build our cities and schools? All these require preparation,’ he said.

Theopemptou expressed strong concern because, as he stated, no one has seriously addressed the EU buildings policy, which foresees that from 2028 onwards all new buildings must be zero-emission buildings.

‘Does anyone know how to build a zero-emission building in Cyprus? Shouldn’t the government already be launching pilot projects and constructing two or three small buildings? Do we know how to carry out energy upgrades? To take an old building and turn it into a zero-emission one?’ he asked.

According to former Parliamentarian, by 2050 all buildings in Cyprus will need to be zero-emission.

‘And if we calculate how many years remain until 2050, you will see that we should be carrying out energy upgrades on 16,000 buildings per year, while we are currently doing only 1,000”, he said.