Category: Cyprus News Agency

An event highlighting the importance of press freedom, journalist safety and the strengthening of independent journalism at a time of growing instability and disinformation was held at the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. Among other activities, the event featured an open discussion with frontline journalists.

The speakers shared their experiences covering conflicts, highlighting the dangers and pressures journalists face in the field. Stories from different periods and regions were presented, ranging from Cyprus in 1974 to today’s wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by female war correspondents.

The panel included Cypriot cameraman and photojournalist Doros Partasides, who documented the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. According to the organisers, his photographs and video footage remain reference points to this day. The veteran filmmaker vividly described his experiences from those days, stressing how difficult it was to bring the camera close to his eyes because, as he said, ‘they would not stop tearing from the horrific images’ he had to record.

Sunday Times war correspondent Christina Lamb offered a comparative analysis of how war reporting has changed since she began her career 20 years ago. She noted that journalists on such assignments have now become targets to a far greater extent than in the past. For this reason, she explained, many of her colleagues no longer approach the front lines and instead prefer the relative safety of rear positions. Even hotels hosting journalists have become targets, she said, revealing that many frontline reporters now choose alternative accommodation.

At the same time, she stressed that journalism today has become more difficult than in the past, as many countries either prevent media coverage or create conditions that obstruct the free flow of information. This, she noted, happens not only in countries such as Iran, where the internet has reportedly been unavailable for more than two months, but also in places such as the United States. President Trump, she pointed out, has filed five lawsuits against major media organisations. As Lamb noted, the US President does not necessarily need to win these cases to create serious problems for the media, since the legal costs alone are enormous at a time when news organisations worldwide are already facing severe financial pressures.

Joining the discussion via video link from Ukraine was Ukrainian war correspondent and founder of Frontliner, Andriy Dubchak. Dubchak focused on the fact that most reporting today is limited to politicians’ statements, overlooking the human stories that, in his view, are of greater interest and readership appeal. He also argued that one of the biggest problems is the lack of proper training for young correspondents sent to war zones.

Felicity Garvey of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) presented recent data on press freedom, stressing that this year recorded the lowest level seen in the past 25 years.

The speakers shared the common message that, in an environment of increasing geopolitical tension and the spread of disinformation, protecting journalists and safeguarding media independence are collective responsibilities. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of educating citizens about how the media operate, as well as restoring lost trust in journalism.

In their opening remarks, EU Ambassador to the United Kingdom Pedro Serrano and Cyprus Deputy High Commissioner Spyros Miltiades underlined the need to strengthen media freedom and ensure the safety of journalists, highlighting the crucial role of independent journalism in supporting informed public debate.

As was stressed during the event, media freedom, pluralism and the protection of journalists are fundamental pillars of democratic societies, contributing to greater transparency, accountability and resilience.

The event was co-organised by the High Commission of Cyprus in London and the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom, with the support of the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus. It was also held in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The discussion was moderated by Deborah Bonetti, Director of the Foreign Press Association (FPA).

President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates are “strategic partners” which share “a vision of stability and prosperity” for their common region.

‘Strategic partners’, President Christodoulides said in a post on X on his visit to Abu Dhabi, referring to a ‘true, resilient friendship that goes from strength to strength. Neighbours that stand together, sharing a vision of stability and prosperity for our common region of infinite opportunity,’ he added.

Cyprus, he said, ‘will always be a resolute voice for the indispensable need for the EU to further strengthen relations with the UAE’.

Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos elected to two more prestigious European Academies

Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos, Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Cyprus, has been elected Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) and Ordinary Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

These two new honours follow her earlier election to Academia Europaea – the Academy of Europe in 2024, placing her among a highly distinguished group of scientists whose work has been recognised by three leading European academic institutions.

The elections recognise the international impact of Professor Fatta-Kassinos’s research at the interface of environmental engineering, chemistry and microbiology, and her contributions to addressing major challenges in water quality, wastewater treatment, water-resource protection, contaminants of emerging concern, and the environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance.

According to the official letter of the President of the European Academy of Sciences, Professor Rodrigo Martins of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, dated 23 April 2026, Professor Fatta-Kassinos was admitted as Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences following the support of her nomination by the members of the Academy’s Council. Based in Brussels, the European Academy of Sciences is an independent international association of distinguished scientists dedicated to strengthening European science, fostering scientific collaboration, and mobilising the expertise of its members in support of research, technological advancement and societal progress. Professor Fatta-Kassinos has been elected to the Academy’s Engineering Division.

In parallel, according to the official letter of the President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Professor Klaus Mainzer of the Technical University of Munich, Professor Fatta-Kassinos was elected Ordinary Member following the acceptance of her election by the Senate of the Academy, also on 23 April 2026. The European Academy of Sciences and Arts, based in Salzburg, promotes interdisciplinary dialogue among distinguished scientists, artists and public figures, with the aim of addressing complex scientific, cultural and societal challenges. Professor Fatta-Kassinos has been elected to Class VI – Technical and Environmental Sciences.

These new distinctions add to Professor Fatta-Kassinos’s previous election to Academia Europaea – the Academy of Europe, in the Class of Exact Sciences, within the sections of Engineering and Earth and Cosmic Sciences. Academia Europaea, the European Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts are three distinct European academic institutions of high international standing.

Professor Fatta-Kassinos is a Chemical Engineer with an internationally recognised research profile in water and wastewater engineering, advanced chemical analysis, contaminants of emerging concern, and antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Her research group has made major contributions to the development, assessment and optimisation of advanced treatment processes for the removal of organic and microbiological contaminants from water and urban wastewater. Her work has also advanced understanding of the fate, transformation and environmental relevance of emerging contaminants in natural and engineered systems. A defining feature of her research is the integration of environmental engineering, analytical chemistry, microbiology and risk-oriented approaches, with the broader aim of protecting water resources, environmental quality and public health.

Professor Fatta-Kassinos has published extensively in leading international scientific journals and has been recognised among the Highly Cited Researchers since 2018. She has coordinated and participated in major national and international research projects, and serves on prominent scientific, advisory and editorial boards across Europe, Africa and Australia.

Her election to two further European Academies, following her earlier election to Academia Europaea, represents a rare and highly distinguished international recognition of her scientific excellence, global influence and leadership in environmental engineering and environmental sciences. It is also a significant honour for the University of Cyprus and for the wider scientific community of Cyprus, underscoring the international visibility of Cypriot research and its contribution to addressing major global challenges in water, environment and public health.

Relations between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates ‘are today at the highest level in their history’, Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, said on Thursday in a written statement, following the conclusion of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides’, visit to Abu Dhabi.

According to the Spokesperson, the visit of the President to the United Arab Emirates and his meeting with the President of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took place ‘at a critical time for the security and stability of the wider region’. During the meeting, he added, the next milestones in bilateral co-operation were discussed, with emphasis on the Joint Action Plan between Cyprus and the UAE for 2026-2030.

The visit, he noted, ‘constituted a tangible expression of solidarity by the Republic of Cyprus towards the UAE, following the unjustified attacks it has suffered, and has reaffirmed Cyprus’ support for the security, stability and sovereignty of a strategic partner’.

‘From the very outset of the crisis there has been continuous contact and co-ordination between the two countries,’ the Spokesperson said, noting that the visit of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and his meeting with President Christodoulides in Cyprus on 9 March, as well as the visit of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus to the UAE on 12 March, ‘confirmed in practice the immediacy of communication and the high level of trust that characterises relations between Nicosia and Abu Dhabi’.

According to Letymbiotis, relations between Cyprus and the UAE have in recent years acquired ‘genuine strategic depth. They are founded on sincerity, continuity, steady political co-ordination and the shared understanding that co-operation serves substantial and mutual interests,’ he said.

The Spokesperson added that during the meeting between the two leaders, the latest regional developments were discussed, together with the need for de-escalation, the prevention of further escalation, and the importance of maritime security. ‘The Republic of Cyprus supports international initiatives aimed at safeguarding navigation and preserving regional security, based on the consistent position that the stability of the Gulf is directly linked to the security of Europe,’ he noted.

He further said that the visit assumes added significance considering Cyprus’ EU Presidency. ‘Cyprus has set as a key priority the deepening of EU co-operation with the states of the wider region, making use of its geography, its relationships and its European identity in order to act as a reliable bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf,’ the Spokesperson added.

He also noted that relations between Cyprus and the UAE ‘are today at the highest level in their history’. Co-operation on the humanitarian corridor ‘Amalthea’, the UAE’s contribution in providing mobile desalination units to Cyprus, the signing of a Strategic Agreement, and the historic visit of the UAE President to Cyprus ‘constitute tangible evidence of the depth, dynamism and prospects of this relationship’, he added.

During the meeting, he said, the next stages of bilateral co-operation were also discussed, with emphasis on the Joint Action Plan between Cyprus and the UAE for 2026-2030. ‘This is a specific roadmap for co-operation, with initiatives in the fields of trade, investment, energy, defence, shipping, infrastructure, tourism, culture and education. Prospects are identified in energy co-operation, as well as in the exchange of expertise on defence and security matters,’ the Spokesperson said.

At the same time, the two Presidents exchanged views on the opportunities arising from the strategic connectivity between India, the Middle East and Europe within the framework of IMEC, he noted. ‘Cyprus and the UAE, together with other partners in the region, particularly in the Mediterranean, can make a substantial contribution to the shaping of reliable connectivity routes relating to trade, energy, digital infrastructure, supply chains and the interconnection of the Eastern Mediterranean with the Gulf and Asia,’ he said.

According to Letymbiotis, the conclusion of the visit ‘confirms that the strategic relationship between Cyprus and the UAE is being further upgraded, with a stronger focus on concrete deliverables, joint initiatives and broader regional objectives’. In times of crisis, the quality of bilateral relations is judged not only by declarations, but also by the consistency, immediacy and reliability of actions, he added.

Concluding, the Spokesperson said that Cyprus will continue to work consistently towards strengthening relations with the UAE, deepening co-operation between the European Union and the states of the region, and promoting stability, security and peace.

A record number of nominations were submitted on May 6 for the 56 (Greek Cypriot Representatives) plus 3 (Religious Group Representatives) seats in the House of Representatives for the upcoming five-year term, accompanied by numerous objections, while party coalitions leaders expressed optimism about the results.

According to the Chief Returning Officer, Elikkos Elia, 753 candidacies and 19 coalitions were submitted on Wednesday for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections.

‘A total of 753 candidacies were submitted, approximately 100 more than in the previous parliamentary elections, of which 744 are for party-based coalitions and 9 are for independent candidates,’ he stated.

The 19 political parties that submitted nominations are the Agronomos-Agricultural Workers’ Party, AKEL, Far-Left Resistance-Communism, ALMA-Citizens for Cyprus, Direct Democracy of Cyprus, Volt Cyprus, Democratic Change-DIMAL, Democratic Alignment-Cooperation of Democratic Forces-DIPA, Democratic National Movement-DEK, Democratic Party-DIKO, Democratic Rally-DISY, EDEK-Socialist Party, National Popular Front-ELAM, Active Citizens-Movement of United Cypriot Hunters, Ecologists’ Movement-Citizens’ Cooperation, Popular Struggle for Freedom, Patriotic Front ‘Lacedemonians’, “Sikou Pano”, and the Green Party of Cyprus.

According to the Chief Returning Officer, 529 candidacies, or 70.3%, are men, and 224 candidacies, or 29.7%, are women.

The Democratic Rally has proven that it is always there for the stability and prospects that our Cyprus deserves, as well as every citizen individually, said party President Annita Demetriou after submitting her candidacy in Larnaca on Wednesday.

AKEL is a guarantee of support and protection for society, said the party’s General Secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, after the submission of the party’s candidate list, and expressed his conviction that AKEL will achieve its goal of a stronger presence in the House of Representatives.

The Democratic Party (DIKO) officially submitted its list of candidates for the Nicosia district, with its President, Nicolas Papadopoulos, sending a message of responsibility and effectiveness to the public.

ELAM President Christos Christou, expressed the party’s intention to play a stronger role in the House after the official submission of his party’s candidates for the Nicosia district in the parliamentary elections of May 24, 2026.

EDEK President Nikos Anastasiou referred to the renewal and expansion of youth and women’s participation, in his statements following the submission of the party’s candidate list in the Nicosia district, noting that ‘EDEK is proud that 25% of our candidates are women and 60% are young people under the age of 45.’

The DIPA candidate list is diverse and high-quality, stated party president Marios Garoyian, after submitting his candidacy in the Nicosia electoral district. He also spoke about his decision not to run as a candidate himself, noting that this was a conscious choice intended to give young people space and opportunities to participate.

The President of the Cyprus Greens – Citizens Cooperation, Stavros Papadouris, called on the Movement’s supporters ‘to stand with the political forces that have proven over many years through their actions that they will continue to move forward with sound ideologies and sound principles,’ noting that the Movement will continue to stand against the prevailing ‘wave of populism,’ with its 30-year history as its ‘banner.’

We want to serve our vision of changing Cyprus with boldness and a plan, said Odysseas Michaelides, President of the Alma – Citizens for Cyprus movement.

The president of the Direct Democracy movement, Fidias Panayiotou, stated that the goal is ‘to give people the opportunity to join us in a peaceful revolution on May 9.’ He also said that Direct Democracy was created because ‘we grew tired of seeing politicians divided into left, right, and center.

We are optimistic that we will be in the new parliament, said Volt co-chair, Panos Parras, during the submission of the party’s candidates for the Limassol electoral district.

For the Democratic National Movement (DEK), it is a historic day, said its President, Andreas Themistocleous, calling on the people to vote based on political criteria.

Highlighting the Cyprus issue and the need for a ‘proper solution,’ the President of Democratic Change (DIMAL), Christos Clerides, said that the party’s goal is to speak out clearly against choices that may prove detrimental to the country.

The candidates of Active Citizens – Movement of United Cypriot Hunters – Refugee Action are fully prepared to fight for justice, truth, and reason, stated Nikolas Prodromou, President of the Movement, while Apostolos Apostolou, President of the Popular Struggle for Freedom, called on citizens to rally for the liberation of the homeland.

It is time to take the right path, which is the straight path, declared the President of the Agronomos – Agricultural Workers’ Party, Andreas Christofi, during the submission of candidacies for the parliamentary elections at the Limassol District Administration.

We want to put ecology on the table, said Kyriakos Andreou, President of the Green Party, adding that ‘we are a new party in the field of ecology, with no money and no machinery’.

We are running in the elections ‘as citizens for citizens because we believe that the state has no clients but owners,’ stated Sotiris Christou, President of ‘Sikou Pano’.

The President of Far-Left Resistance-Communism, Celestina De Petro, declared herself ready ‘to fight for all the wronged so that there may be justice in the world.’

Furthermore, the Patriotic Front ‘Lacedemonians’ is running in the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Nicosia district with five candidates, while independent candidacies were also submitted by Andreas Efstratiou, Alexis Makridis, Konstantinos Mavrommatis, Christakis Rotsidis, Loukas Stavrou, Marios Tenizis, and Christodoulos Christodoulou.

In addition, representatives of the Religious Groups submitted their candidacies for the upcoming Parliamentary Elections on May 24 at the Ministry of the Interior.

For the Maronite religious group, Marios Mavrides and Petros Nakouzis submitted their candidacies, for the Latin religious group, Antonella Lydia Mantovani, and for the Armenian religious group, Vartkes Mahtesian.

If no objections are raised within 24 hours, the two representatives who have no opponents will be officially declared.

The EU firefighting hub that will operate this season in Cyprus, near Paphos, is a strategic centre for the entire Eastern Mediterranean, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said on Thursday. The Commissioner, who visited the hub as part of her two-day visit in Cyprus, underlined its important role as part of EU’s preparedness and response mechanism for wildfires, noting that ‘this region is on the frontline.’

Lahbib highlighted the fact that wildfires have become bigger, faster, and harder to stop due to climate change all over Europe, which is the fastest warming continent, as the Commissioner noted. She added that weather conditions in the Eastern Mediterranean make it more likely for wildfires to occur and even mentioned the lethal wildfire in Limassol last summer, as the worst wildfire Cyprus had seen in more than half a century.

‘No one is immune and that is why the European Union is taking strong action,’ the Commissioner said, noting that the Civil Protection Mechanism responded to 19 requests for assistance last year, deploying nearly 800 firefighters and pilots and close to 60 planes and helicopters.

Lahbib underlined the importance of prevention, with the maintenance of healthy, well-managed forests and landscapes and reduced dry vegetation by grazing animals. She also said that ‘to prevent better, we need to prepare better,’ and explained that this is the goal with the reinforcement of the European Forest Fire Information System, powered by our Copernicus satellites.

EU’s capacity for deployment of forces, Lahbib continued, will allow faster and more effective response and explained that the Cyprus firefighting hub is part of EU’s plan to position nearly 800 firefighters from 14 countries in high-risk areas.

Following Spain, France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal, Cyprus will host pre-positioned teams for the first time. ‘That tells you something important: this region is on the frontline,’ said the Commissioner. ‘We are also deploying 18 airplanes and 4 helicopters from our rescEU fleet, stationed across 11 Member States,’ she added.

‘The new Cyprus firefighting Hub is not just a base for aircraft, it is a strategic centre for the entire Eastern Mediterranean,’ Lahbib continued, noting that it will host six pre-positioned aircrafts, EU-funded training, exchanges with partners of the region. ‘This hub will get planes in the air fast, heading to hotspots in Cyprus, Lebanon, or Jordan within hours. In wildfire response, the first hours often decide everything,’ she explained.

‘This hub strengthens our European solidarity. It sends one clear message: when you need us, we will be there. It goes beyond firefighting, it is a building block of the Pact for the Mediterranean, strengthening climate adaptation, building stability, and cementing trust between Europe and its southern neighbours,’ Lahbib concluded.

CRAFS designed to close clear geographical and operational gap in European system, Ioannou says

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“The challenges we face are common, and so must be our response,” Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said in his address.

He welcomed the announcement by President Von der Leyen in her 2025 State of the Union address on the establishment of a European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus.

“While rescEU aerial assets are currently hosted in several Member States, there is no permanent EU operational presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite the region’s high climate vulnerability and increasing operational demand,” he explained.

According to the Cypriot Interior Minister “recent experience with wildfires has clearly demonstrated that climate-related emergencies are becoming more frequent, more intense, and increasing transboundary in nature. They also highlighted the strategic importance of a more geographical balanced distribution of European civil protection assets.”

In this context, he pointed out, “the establishment of Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Support Hub (CRAFS) will significantly enhance operational coverage in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Southern Neighbourhood.”

CRAFS, he clarified, “is not intended to redistribute existing capacities from other Member States.” Rather, he noted, “it is designed to close a clear geographical and operational gap in the current European system.”

Cyprus, Ioannou said, “offers a uniquely strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, allowing for rapid deployment to areas of high wildfire risk across the Eastern Mediterranean. In this regard, the regional dimension of CRAFS is particularly important.”

“Strengthening preparedness and response capacities in neighbouring countries contributes directly to the protection and resilience of the EU itself, while also reinforcing regional cooperation and stability,” he added.

At the same time, CRAFS is envisaged not only as an operational deployment platform, but also as a long-term regional centre for training, preparedness, technical cooperation, and capacity building. Therefore, for Cyprus, the establishment of CRAFS is a high political priority.

“We acknowledge that discussions continue regarding the appropriate legal, operational, and financial framework of the initiative, including issues related to the participation of third countries, operational deployment modalities, and the long-term sustainability of the Hub,” he said.

According to Ioannou, it is important that the governance and funding arrangements fully reflect the European and regional dimension of this initiative, as well as Cyprus’ substantial contribution as host country.

Beer deliveries in April 2026 decreased by 8.9%, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Thursday.

Specifically, 3.4 million liters of beer were delivered in April, compared to 3.7 million liters in April 2025, recording a decrease of 8.9%.

A 3.3% decrease compared to last year was recorded in beer deliveries in the domestic market. However, the largest decrease was recorded in beer exports, at 57%.

In comparison with the previous month, beer deliveries increased by 45%.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman will hold a meeting on Friday afternoon (1600 local time) without the presence of media on site.

The meeting will be hosted by Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus, Khassim Diagne at his residence in the buffer zone of Nicosia airport.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, had held a private meeting on April 6th and it is expected that their meeting tomorrow Friday will also be a tete a tete one.

The UN press release issued on April 6th said that the two leaders had welcomed the continued commitment and involvement of the UN Secretary General in the Cyprus problem and had reiterated their continued readiness to support his efforts.

During their previous meeting they had reviewed the progress made on confidence-building initiatives and had agreed to meet again by the end of April with a view to making more specific announcements.

Following that meeting, President Christodoulides had spoken of progress on certain CBMs on which announcements are expected at their next meeting.

It is noted that Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou and representative of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Dana, had a meeting on Monday.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

The Cyprus flag from the Nicosia Airport Conrol Tower in 1974 was handed over to the Ministry of Defence on Thursday. A soldier of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (EDLYK) had taken the flag during the battles that took place in the airport during the war against the Turkish offensive in 1974, and kept it until his death.

Archimandrite Epiphanios Hadjigiagos, a priest in Florina, Greece, took the initiative to deliver the flag to the Ministry of Defence. “This signifies the importance of slavaging, preserving and disseminating historical memory,” Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, noted in a post in X.

“At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the spirit of the 33rd Commando Squadron and the first Commando Squadron in the battle,” Palmas adds, noting that the Greek commandos had arrived in Cyprus in 1974, in an effort to defend the Nicosia Airport.

The Greek military contingent (EDLYK), arrived in Cyprus in accordance with the treaties that established the Republic of Cyprus. Greece is one of the three guarantor powers of Cyprus – the other two being the UK and Turkey. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, after Turkey invaded the island in July of the year and occupied its northern third.

Today, the European Commission has selected nine hydrogen production projects under the third auction of the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB). Across seven countries in the European Economic Area, the projects are expected to provide almost 1.1 giga-watts of electrolyser capacity and produce over 1.3 million tonnes of hydrogen over their first 10 years of operation, with an estimated greenhouse gas emissions avoidance of 9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The selected projects will receive a total of around pound 1.09 billion in EU funding from the Innovation Fund, sourced from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The produced hydrogen will help reduce emissions from energy-intensive industries such as transport and chemicals. The projects are expected to strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership, long-term competitiveness and jobs, and contribute to EU’s clean transition, energy independence and security.

The auction awards successful projects with a subsidy to help cover the price difference between their production costs and the market price. The objective is to incentivise clean hydrogen production and use. Upon signature of their grant agreements, the nine selected projects will receive a fixed premium of between pound 0.57 and pound 3.49 per kilogramme of certified and verified hydrogen produced, for a maximum period of 10 years.

The selected projects under the renewable hydrogen fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) General topic:

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Project Name Coordinator Country Bid Volume (hydrogen kilotonne over 10 years) Bid Capacity

(Megawatts electric) Expected GHG avoidance*

(kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent over 10 years) Bid Price

(EUR/kg)

AN-1-B HELLENIC HYDROGEN A.E. Greece 38,654

25 MWe 264.39 pound 0.57

T2X TURN2X Asset Co II EXTREMADURA SL Spain 6,390

9 MWe 43.71 pound 0.62

NJK MorGen Denmark 445,000

300 MWe 3,043.80 pound 0.95

ALBA Hy2gen Nordic AS Denmark

144,118

100 MWe 985.77 pound 0.97

Hy4IND Wiener Wasserstoff GmbH Austria 3,036

5 MWe 20.77 pound 0.98

List of selected projects under the RFNBO Low Carbon topic:

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Project Name Coordinator Country Bid Volume (hydrogen kilotonne over 10 years) Bid Capacity

(Megawatts electric) Expected GHG avoidance*

(kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent over 10 years) Bid Price

(EUR/kg)

Cloudberry Vetyalfa Oy Finland 508,915

500 MWe 3,481 pound 0.44

Lotse Lotse Germany 140,554

120 MWe 964.5 pound 1.10

List of selected projects under the Maritime-Aviation topic:

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Project Name Coordinator Country Bid Volume (hydrogen kilotonne over 10 years) Bid Capacity

(Megawatts electric) Expected GHG avoidance*

(kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent over 10 years) Bid Price

(EUR/kg)

Gen2-LH2 Gen2 Energy AS Norway 17,886

12 MWe 122.34 pound 3.48

RogalandH2 GREEN H AS Norway 17,700

12.5 MWe 121.07 pound 3.49

* For RFNBO H2 volumes, calculated based on the 2021-2025 ETS benchmark of 6.84 tons CO2e/tH2, not taking into account additional carbon abatement due to substitution effects in the H2 end use application (i.e. conservative estimate). Any electrolytic low carbon hydrogen production volumes are assumed to avoid the minimum of 70% of emissions compared with the fossil fuel comparator.  

The auction allocates financial support through a competitive bidding process, designed to maximise GHG emission reductions while supporting market price discovery. Projects were ranked according to their bid price, reflecting the level of support required per kilogram of clean hydrogen produced. Following an assessment of their eligibility and quality, the projects were selected in ascending order of bid price until the available Innovation Fund budget was fully allocated.

In addition, Spain and Germany are participating through the Auctions-as-a-Service feature, adding a further pound 1.7 billion in national funds. This enables Member States to use national resources to support projects in their own territories that have applied to the auction. This feature reduces administrative burden and ensures a coordinated and cost-efficient allocation of public support across Europe. Germany will support RFNBO hydrogen production with up to pound 1.3 billion, and Spain will contribute up to pound 440 million. Projects placed on the Innovation Fund reserve list that fall within the budget made available by participating Member States, and in line with the overall ranking order, may be transferred to the relevant national authorities to begin grant agreement preparations. This possibility will be offered to three projects located in Spain and three located in Denmark. ‘Auctions-as-a-service’ is open to all Member States, enabling them to benefit from the EU-level auction platform and award national funding to additional projects with simplified procedure.

Next steps

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will start the formal preparation of grant agreements with the selected projects. This step will confirm the final conditions of the financial support, including the awarded fixed premium per kilogram of hydrogen and the implementation timeline. Agreements are expected to be signed in the last quarter of 2026.

The selected projects will have to reach financial close within two and a half years of grant signature and enter into operation within five years. These commitments are backed by a completion guarantee provided by the projects to the Commission.

CINEA will continue to monitor progress throughout implementation to ensure projects are delivered as planned and support is used in line with the agreed terms.

Background

The nine projects were selected as a result of the third Auction for domestic hydrogen production of the European Hydrogen Bank. It aims to boost the domestic production of RFNBOs and, for the first time, electrolytic low carbon hydrogen, through dedicated funding streams. The auction included a dedicated topic for hydrogen producers supplying off-takers in the maritime and aviation sectors. This third Auction closed on 19 February 2026 and attracted 58 bids from 11 countries, resulting in an oversubscription of over 6 times the budget of pound 1.3 billion.

The Innovation Fund has an estimated total budget of pound 40 billion from the EU Emissions Trading System for the period from 2020 to 2030. It creates financial incentives for companies and public authorities to invest in cutting-edge net-zero technologies and support Europe’s transition to climate neutrality. The Innovation Fund has already awarded around 260 innovative projects across the EEA.

The European Hydrogen Bank auctions complement the Innovation Fund’s calls for proposals by enabling a market-based allocation of support, helping to direct funding where it can most efficiently unlock investment in innovative low-carbon technologies.

For more information

News: Innovation Fund 2025 auctions attract almost pound 10 billion of bids from European industry for decarbonisation support

News: Launch of three new funding opportunities under the Innovation Fund

Innovation Fund competitive bidding

Innovation Fund dashboard

EU Funding and Tenders Portal

European Hydrogen Bank

Innovation Fund

Questions and Answers

Quote(s)

With over pound 1 billion invested in hydrogen innovation, the EU is once again putting revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System to work to strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness. These investments are accelerating the clean transition, reinforcing Europe’s energy independence and security. It is equally encouraging to see Member States using this tool to invest in more projects.

Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth

EU agrees to simplify AI rules to boost innovation and ban ‘nudification’ apps to protect citizens

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on simpler, innovation-friendly rules for artificial intelligence (AI).

The Commission proposed the Digital Omnibus on AI only five months ago as part of the EU’s simplification agenda to boost Europe’s competitiveness. This will make the implementation of the AI Act for EU businesses easier while maintaining its benefits for European society, safety and fundamental rights.

Today’s agreement sets a clear implementation timeline for the rules governing high-risk AI systems. Rules for systems used in certain high-risk areas – including biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, employment, migration, asylum and border control – will apply from 2 December 2027. For systems integrated into products such as lifts or toys, the rules will apply from 2 August 2028. This sequencing will help ensure that technical standards and other support tools are in place before the rules start to apply.

The agreement also strengthens protection for citizens. It prohibits AI systems that generate non-consensual sexually explicit and intimate content or child sexual abuse material, such as AI ‘nudification’ apps.

For businesses, the agreement introduces simpler rules and clearer governance. Certain privileges for small and medium-sized enterprises are extended to small mid-cap companies. The interplay between the AI Act and EU product safety laws, in particular the Machinery Regulation, was also clarified, avoiding duplication between sectoral and AI rules. More innovators will also gain access to regulatory sandboxes, including an EU-level sandbox, to test their AI solutions in real-world conditions. The Commission AI Office’s enforcement powers will be strengthened to support oversight of certain AI systems, including those built on general-purpose models and those embedded in very large online platforms and very large search engines.

This agreement will deliver safer and simpler rules for both citizens and businesses. The Digital Omnibus on AI also complements existing support initiatives, including the AI Act Service desk and the upcoming guidelines on the classification of high-risk systems and transparency obligations.

Next steps

The European Parliament and the Council must now formally adopt the political agreement. Upon adoption, the amendments will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force three days later.

Background

The Digital Omnibus on AI was proposed on 19 November 2025, aiming to simplify the AI Act while maintaining its level of protection. It was published together with another digital omnibus that streamlines rules on cybersecurity and data, complemented by a Data Union Strategy to unlock high-quality data for AI and European Business Wallets. The package represents the seventh omnibus proposal as part of the Commission’s efforts to simplify EU rules by making business in the EU simpler, less costly and more efficient.

For more information

Simpler EU digital rules and new digital wallets to save billions for businesses

An agile Digital Rulebook for the EU | Shaping Europe’s digital future

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Our businesses and citizens want two things from AI rules. They want to be able to innovate and feel safe. Today’s agreement does both. With simpler and innovation-friendly rules, we make it easier to innovate without lowering the bar on safety. We are also making sure the tools supporting EU companies for a smooth implementation of the AI Act are ready.

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

EU and Jordan step up delivery of their strategic partnership through pound 135 million financing agreements

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Today in Amman, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, has signed financing agreements worth pound 135 million with Jordan, alongside the country’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan. These agreements aim to boost cooperation in education and skills development, security and migration management, as well as economic resilience and the business environment. They mark a significant step forward in implementing the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP).

The signatures took place in the context of Commissioner Šuica’s first official visit to Jordan.

Commitments turned into concrete actions

The new agreements cover the full range of areas under the EU-Jordan SCP:

pound 30 million to strengthen technical and vocational education and training. This funding will boost education, youth skills, and long-term resilience, with a focus on human capital development. It will also promote greater inclusion for women, young people, and persons with disabilities in Jordan’s political and economic life.

pound 25 million will enhance integrated border management and internal security. It will support the joint fight against cross-border threats and reinforce Jordan’s internal and regional stability.

pound 80 million will support Jordanian efforts in assisting Syrian refugees and host communities in the country. This funding underscores the EU’s continued solidarity with Jordan and recognises its long-standing role in hosting refugees.

Another key deliverable under the SCP is the support to the Aqaba Digital Hub. pound 12.3 million will finance the expansion of its data capacity, via a loan by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (guaranteed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus). This will strengthen Jordan’s role as a digital gateway between Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Background

Jordan is a key partner for the EU, with whom it concluded a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP) in January 2025. The SCP focuses on peace, security and sustainable development along five pillars of cooperation: human capital development, migration and refugee support, security, economic resilience, and political relations. Under the SCP, the EU has pledged pound 3 billion for Jordan (2025-2027), combining grants, investments, and concessional loans to address shared challenges.

Marking this commitment to a stronger partnership, an EU-Jordan Summit was held in Amman in January 2026 and an EU-Jordan Investment Conference will be organised later this year.

For more information

EU-Jordan relations

EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership

Taking stock on the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership

EBRD and EU support the expansion of Aqaba Digital Hub in Jordan

Quote(s)

Jordan remains a key stabilising force in a challenging region, and we deeply value its constructive role in its neighbours. Today, we see clearly how our Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership is delivering concrete results on the ground – turning shared commitments into tangible benefits for people. The agreements signed today will further boost investment and strengthen EU-Jordan economic ties, creating new opportunities for growth and jobs. Looking ahead, the Pact for the Mediterranean will offer a powerful framework to unlock even greater potential – bringing our regions closer together and building a more resilient, connected, and prosperous future for all.

Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for the Mediterranean

Commissioners Hoekstra and Micallef meet young Europeans to discuss climate resilience

This afternoon, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean growth, Wopke Hoekstra, and Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, will jointly host in Brussels the Youth Policy Dialogue ‘Youth on the Frontlines of Climate Resilience’.

The Commissioners will engage with young people from all around Europe representing organisations working on climate-related issues and especially rural youth. The Dialogue will provide insights into the concerns and challenges young people are facing in relation to climate change, as well as their ideas on how the EU can help build a more sustainable future for the generations to come. Discussions will span across several topics, from climate education to the impact of extreme weather on health.

This Dialogue will follow last week’s publication of the 2025 European State of the Climate report, which showed that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth. The Commission is designing a new integrated framework for European climate resilience, set for adoption in late 2026.

In line with the Commission’s Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, Youth Policy Dialogues amplify young people’s voices and engage them in policy discussions that shape their future. They are part of the Commission’s commitment to empowering young voices and involving them in EU policymaking, as set out in President Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.

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