Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus’ primary healthcare services and their role in ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare were presented by Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides at the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe, which opened in Copenhagen on Tuesday and runs until October 29.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health, Charalambides participated in a high-level technical briefing on primary healthcare, where he outlined efforts to develop and strengthen primary healthcare in Cyprus and highlighted its role within the country’s General Healthcare System (GeSY).

The Minister also addressed the plenary session on Tuesday, in the presence of his counterparts and WHO Director-General.

During his address, he referred to the health challenges facing the WHO European Region, the strategic priorities under discussion and issues of particular importance to the Republic of Cyprus.

GDP Growth Accelerates in Q2 on Strong Consumption and Investment

Despite the deterioration in the global economic environment following the outbreak of the US-Iran war, the Cypriot economy remained resilient in Q2 2026, with GDP growth accelerating to 3.3%YoY, from 3.0%YoY in the previous quarter. This was the fourth-highest growth rate in the Euro Area. According to the expenditure breakdown, growth was primarily driven by household consumption (+5.4%YoY) and gross fixed capital formation (+9.4%YoY). The latter was supported mainly by a surge in investment in transport equipment (+151.9%YoY), while residential investment increased at a more moderate pace (+4.3%YoY). Household spending continued to benefit from favourable labour market conditions, with unemployment remaining close to record lows for this period of the year (3.6% in Q2 compared to 3.2% in Q2 2008), alongside robust consumer credit growth (+12.0%YoY) and strong wage dynamics (+3.9%YoY in hourly wage costs, the strongest increase in five quarters). Private consumption has traditionally been a key and stable driver of Cyprus’s economic growth, with the current contribution consistent with past expansionary periods.

Government consumption also contributed positively to growth, expanding by 4.5%YoY. Exports increased by 9.6%YoY, supported primarily by services exports. Nevertheless, the external surplus narrowed by 45.1%YoY, as imports rose by 12.9%YoY, largely reflecting the aforemantioned increase in transport-related investment. Thus, despite the strong performance of services exports, the external sector acted as a drag on GDP growth as the increase in imports more than offset the export contribution. On the production side, the acceleration in GDP growth was driven mainly by higher activity in wholesale and retail trade, ICT services, financial and insurance activities, and construction.

Contribution of GDP components to growth

Source: Cystat, Eurobank Research

Looking ahead, there are signs that economic momentum remained robust at the start of Q3 despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf. On the investment side, real estate sales increased by 10.7%YoY in July-August, bringing the year-to-date growth rate to 13.7% and placing the market on track for a new all-time high. Strong demand is also evident in residential property prices, which rose by 8.5%YoY in Q2, lifting the residential property price index to a record high. This buoyant demand is being driven primarily by non-resident buyers, who accounted for 59% of the increase in property sales during January-August. As a result, construction activity is expected to remain strong to meet demand; during January-May, an expansion of 43.1% YoY was recorded in surface terms. In addition, transport equipment and intellectual property investment are expected to support capital formation during the remainder of 2026, through base effects.

Export performance has also proven more resilient than initially anticipated. The sharp decline in tourist arrivals recorded in March-April (-28.6%YoY) moderated significantly in June (-1.7%YoY) and July (-1.1%YoY), before widening only slightly in August (-3.3%YoY). As a result, tourist arrivals were down by 7.0% YoY during January-August, broadly in line with the 4.7%-5.8% decline projected in the previous Cyprus Insights newsletter. Under this scenario, tourism activity would remain above 2024 levels despite the challenging geopolitical environment. Real estate and intellectual property services are also expected to continue providing support to exports growth.

The outlook for household consumption remains subject to opposing forces. On the one hand, inflationary pressures re-emerged in August, with headline inflation accelerating to 5.2%YoY, from 4.4%YoY in July, largely driven by higher energy prices, despite the continued implementation of energy-related support measures. These developments increase uncertainty regarding the inflation outlook once such measures are gradually withdrawn. On the other hand, labour market conditions remain broadly supportive. As noted above, the unemployment rate remained close to historical lows in Q2 despite a 9.4%YoY increase in the number of registered unemployed persons. Encouragingly, unemployment declined relative to the previous quarter even though the labour force expanded by 1.6%QoQ, with non-residents accounting for 65.1% of the increase. This suggests that Cyprus continues to attract foreign workers, an important development given the persistent labour shortages that the country needs to tackle, reflected in the still-elevated job vacancy rate (2.6% in Q2 2026). Moreover, there are signs that labour market conditions improved further during Q3, as the annual increase in registered unemployment moderated to 6.5% in July-August.

Another indication of the resilience of Cyprus’s domestic fundamentals and favourable medium-term macroeconomic outlook is the recent sovereign rating upgrade by S and P to A from A-, accompanied by a positive outlook. According to the agency, the upgrade reflects the country’s continued external and fiscal deleveraging, which is underpinned by strong real economic growth.

The EU’s energy security ahead of the winter and the European Commission’s proposal regarding network charges will be among the issues that EU Ministers of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy will discuss in Luxembourg on Thursday. Cyprus will be represented by Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Energy, the Council’s agenda includes a discussion on the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation regarding network charges, which aims to reduce electricity prices. The proposal focuses on digitalization through the deployment of smart grids and smart meters and on improving network tariff structures, with the goal of making network usage more transparent and cost-effective.

Moreover, Energy Ministers will examine the EU’s energy security, both in preparation for the 2026-2027 winter and from a longer-term perspective, taking into account pressures on energy supply and prices linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, as well as long-term challenges, particularly those related to climate change and the resilience of the energy system.

Regarding the energy framework beyond 2030, the Ministers will exchange views on the EU’s future energy architecture and potential targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, interconnections, and electrification, in the context of the EU’s 2040 climate target, the press release concludes.

Cyprus and China are seeking to expand economic and business cooperation in investment, technology, shipping, tourism, renewable energy and local government, with new opportunities highlighted during the Cyprus-China Cooperation and Business Forum held at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in Nicosia on Tuesday.

Bilateral trade between Cyprus and China reached $1.44 billion in 2025, recording an annual increase of 26%, according to Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Yang Yundong.

Addressing the forum, the Ambassador said China had become Cyprus’ fourth-largest trading partner and third-largest source of imports. He also noted that Cypriot products, including halloumi, zivania and juices, are increasingly finding their way into the Chinese market.

Yang highlighted considerable potential for further cooperation in shipping, tourism, green development and the digital economy, while emphasising Cyprus’ strategic role as a bridge between China and the European Union.

The Ambassador also pointed to emerging opportunities in China’s economy, particularly in artificial intelligence, robotics and other innovative industries.

CCCI President Stavros Stavrou, whose address was delivered by CCCI Secretary General Philokypros Roussounides, emphasised the importance of transforming strong bilateral relations into concrete commercial partnerships.

Stavrou described Cyprus as an attractive gateway for Chinese businesses seeking access to the European single market, highlighting its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, its skilled workforce, professional services and established legal and regulatory framework.

At the same time, he noted that China represents an important market for Cypriot businesses and a global centre for technology, innovation, manufacturing and investment.

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos outlined opportunities for cooperation with Chinese cities and companies in renewable energy, smart-city technologies and research.

The Mayor also announced that an agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education in Beijing, aimed at connecting academic and research institutions in Nicosia with counterparts in Chinese cities. Highlighting the capital’s competitive advantages, he referred to its six universities, six centres of excellence and approximately 50,000 students.

President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and Mayor of Larnaca Andreas Vyras emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between local authorities in Cyprus and China.

He identified smart cities, waste management, urban planning and sustainable development as areas where municipalities face common challenges and could benefit from exchanging expertise.

Invest Cyprus Director General Marios Tannousis presented Cyprus’ economic performance and growing attractiveness as an international investment destination.

He said the information and communications technology sector contributes more than pound 4 billion annually to the Cypriot economy, representing approximately 15-16% of GDP.

Tannousis also highlighted increasing foreign direct investment and the growth of shipping, education, financial services and tourism. He described Cyprus as a potential regional logistics, business and investment hub for Chinese companies seeking access to the European Union, the Middle East and North Africa.

Cyprus-China Business Association President Theodoros Parperis emphasised the opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment.

He highlighted Cyprus’ geographical advantages, business-friendly environment and growing professional and digital services sectors as important factors for Chinese companies considering regional expansion.

Parperis said the Association has more than 200 members and continues to promote business relations through trade missions, conferences and networking events in both countries. He also announced preparations for a new initiative in China, expressing hope that it would take place soon.

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis will be in Cyprus this week for a series of engagements, according to the agenda published by the European Commission.

Kadis will attend on Thursday a Circular Water Conference, hosted by the University of Cyprus, where he will deliver the keynote speech on Fisheries and Oceans.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Commissioner will meet with Elias Myrianthous, Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus.

On Friday, Commissioner Kadis will visit the Zygi fishing harbour, where he will have the opportunity to speak directly with members of the local fishing community.

This will be followed by a meeting with representatives of the fishing sector at the Zygi Community Council, with the aim of exchanging views on the challenges faced by fishermen and the future of sustainable fishing.

Later on Friday, Commissioner Kadis will attend the ceremony for the School of Marine Sciences at the Cyprus University of Technology in Larnaca.

“The event will highlight the importance of marine research, scientific knowledge, and education for the sustainable development of the maritime sector,” the European Commission said.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0000 28/10/2026 UNTIL 2400 28/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure starts affecting the area. The weather will be at times mainly cloudy with isolated and later local showers and isolated thunderstorms. IN STORM THE WIND IS EXPECTED TO BE VARIABLE STRENGTHENING, WITH RISK GUSTING TO 7 TO 8 BEAUFORT.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northeast to Southeast 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, at times 4 Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally Variable 4 Slight

Tonight East to Southeast 4 to 5, gradually Southeast to Southwest Slight, gradually Slight to Moderate

South Coast

Night Northwest to North 3, at times locally Southwest to West Smooth to Slight

Morning Northwest to North 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Tonight Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, later 4 to 5 Slight

East Coast

Night Northwest to North 3, at times West to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, later Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Tonight Southeast to Southwest 4, at times 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, at times Slight

North Coast

Night Southeast to Southwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, at times South to Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight, at times Slight

Tonight Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually 4 to 5 Slight

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

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

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

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

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

Today, the High-Level group chaired by Catherine Day shared the results of their reflections on the Large-Scale Review with President von der Leyen and Commissioner Serafin. The purpose of this report is to recommend how the Commission can build the adaptive capacity it needs to continuously evolve and deliver results for future generations.

The European Commission is committed to ensuring that Europe can draw on a modern, efficient public administration to deliver on its political priorities and make a difference in Europeans’ everyday lives. To support this goal, President von der Leyen tasked in the Mission Letter to Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, to carry out a large-scale review of the Commission’s organisation and operations. This exercise aims to make the Commission stronger, more agile, and better equipped to serve Europeans in a rapidly changing world.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: ‘In today’s world, Europe needs to be fast, simple and focused. With our large-scale review, we aim for more efficiency. More results, faster. So we can deliver the best possible European public service for our citizens.’

Over the last year, the large-scale review was supported by the High-Level Reflection Group on the Future of the Commission’s Civil Service, composed of nine external experts, that acted as a sounding board throughout the process.

Next steps

The High-Level group report “The Future of the Commission’s Civil Service” is a key external input for the final large-scale review report which will be presented by Commissioner Serafin to President von der Leyen and the College in the months to come. This report will present an agenda for action to equip the European Commission and its staff for the future. The final review will also be informed by an external benchmarking exercise, and an extensive internal reflection process, including wide-ranging staff consultations and reports

Background

The High-Level group report has been prepared by nine members with expertise in transforming public organisations and driving organisational change across Europe. They were appointed in their personal capacities to serve as an external sounding board throughout the process to offer expert insights and an outside-in perspective on the work.

The groups met from October 2025 to October 2026 and focused on the administrative level of the Commission. The group focused on what they see as the key needs that will deliver long-lasting change in the decades ahead.

For more information

High-Level Group report – Large Scale Review

Quote(s)

In today’s world, Europe needs to be fast, simple and focused. With our large-scale review, we aim for more efficiency. More results, faster. So we can deliver the best possible European public service for our citizens.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

I believe that both the report of the High-Level Group and the input from the staff give us a mandate to go for far-reaching changes.

Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration

The High-Level Group report shows that the Commission has deep expertise and highly motivated and committed staff, but that its structures can be optimised to make the most of that expertise.

Catherine Day, chair of the High-Level reflection group

Commission accepts Temu’s action plan to remedy the breach of the Digital Services Act

The European Commission has accepted Temu’s action plan to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and tackle the availability of illegal products online. Temu’s plan focuses on five measures to remedy its breach of the DSA.

The company will carry out a platform-specific risk analysis. It will also use reliable metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures put in place in reducing the risk of dissemination of illegal content.

The platform will assess the limitations of its content moderation and analyse whether, and how, its recommender systems may amplify the spread of illegal goods. Additionally, Temu will examine the influence of intentional manipulation and amplification of illegal items, including by sellers exploiting Temu’s features to spread potentially illegal listings.

The company now has four months to conduct an interim risk assessment that covers a six-month period, until 30 November 2026, to ensure the implementation of the measures of the action plan.

The action plan is another example of how the DSA is enhancing consumer protection online and limiting the spread of illegal products in Europe. The action plan was submitted following a non-compliance decision in May 2026, in which the Commission found that Temu had failed to comply with its risk assessment obligations, and issued a pound 200 million fine.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel.: +32 2 298 04 85)

Commission launches T-MED Investment Platform with up to pound 4.5 billion in EU guarantees

Today, the European Commission published the results of a new Special Eurobarometer on food innovation, offering an EU-wide overview of how Europeans view innovative foods, ingredients and crops.

The survey shows that many Europeans see food innovation as a useful way to help farmers and food producers respond to major challenges. Innovative foods and crops can strengthen the resilience and preparedness of Europe’s food system, widen production options, support food security and help meet changing consumer needs, while respecting the EU’s high safety standards.

At the same time, the findings show that public attitude remains cautious, with comfort consistently higher among younger respondents, those with higher levels of education, urban respondents, and those who are more familiar with innovative foods. People under 39 are more comfortable with innovative foods than those aged 55 and over (over 50% vs 34%). Comfort is also lower among respondents who left school at age 15 than among those who completed their education at 20 or later. A similar pattern appears by place of residence: more than half of those living in large towns feel comfortable with foods developed using modern techniques, compared with 42% to 46% of those in villages or rural areas. Levels of comfort also differ sharply by information and awareness, ranging from 72% among those who feel well informed, to 36% among those who do not, and from 59% among those who had previously heard of innovative foods, to 32% among those without prior exposure.

Many people say they do not feel well informed, highlighting the need for clear information, transparency and trust if innovation is to succeed. The results provide valuable new insight into how food innovation can become more relevant, understandable and acceptable to society.

Europeans see potential, but want better information

The survey shows that Europeans recognise the potential of food innovation. Almost seven in ten respondents (68%) agree that it can give farmers and food producers additional tools to deal with challenges such as climate change, pests, resource scarcity and supply disruptions.

Among the innovative food products presented in the survey, the highest level of acceptance was for fruits and vegetables from crops adapted to drought, pests or extreme weather. Half of respondents (50%) said they would feel comfortable with such products.

However, there is also a clear information gap. Nearly three quarters of Europeans (72%) say they do not feel well informed about innovative foods, ingredients and crops. Overall, 51% say they have a negative view of innovative food products, while 39% have a positive view.

The survey also points to a strong link between information and public attitudes. Among respondents who feel well informed, 72% have a positive view of innovative foods. Among those who do not feel well informed, that figure drops to 27%.

Transparency and safety are key to trust

The findings make clear that transparency matters. A large majority of respondents (85%) agree that innovative food products should have clear names and provide understandable information about how they are produced, what they contain and where they come from.

These results offer important evidence for future policy development, research and innovation, and communication efforts. They can also help researchers, innovators and policymakers better reflect public expectations from the earliest stages of the innovation process.

Supporting the future of food research and innovation

The survey comes at an important moment for the EU’s food research and innovation agenda. Its findings are particularly relevant for Food 2040, the research and innovation policy framework for food systems, which forms part of the recently adopted EU Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems. Food 2040 underlines the importance of involving consumers and interested partners in innovation. Through co-creation and real-world testing, it aims to ensure that new solutions respond to economic, environmental and societal needs.

As Europe works to strengthen the resilience and preparedness of its food system, innovation can expand the range of solutions available to farmers and food producers, support food security and help address environmental pressures and evolving consumer preferences. At the same time, the Eurobarometer shows that successful uptake depends on clear information, transparency, safety and public confidence.

Background

This Special Eurobarometer follows up on the EU Life Sciences Strategy, which recognises that faster innovation must go hand in hand with public trust in new technologies and with ensuring that scientific advances deliver real benefits for people and the planet.

Public understanding and engagement are particularly important in fields such as agriculture and food technology, where innovation is closely linked to health, sustainability, food security and people’s everyday choices.

This Special Eurobarometer provides a timely picture of how Europeans view recent developments in innovative foods, ingredients and crops, the opportunities they see, and the conditions needed to earn their trust.

The survey was carried out in all 27 EU Member States between 22 May and 24 June 2026, with 26,456 respondents aged 15 and over.

For more information

Special Eurobarometer on food innovation

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

EU citizens think innovative foods can be useful but want more information, new Eurobarometer shows

Today, the European Commission published the results of a new Special Eurobarometer on food innovation, offering an EU-wide overview of how Europeans view innovative foods, ingredients and crops.

The survey shows that many Europeans see food innovation as a useful way to help farmers and food producers respond to major challenges. Innovative foods and crops can strengthen the resilience and preparedness of Europe’s food system, widen production options, support food security and help meet changing consumer needs, while respecting the EU’s high safety standards.

At the same time, the findings show that public attitude remains cautious, with comfort consistently higher among younger respondents, those with higher levels of education, urban respondents, and those who are more familiar with innovative foods. A similar pattern appears by place of residence: more than half of those living in large towns feel comfortable with foods developed using modern techniques, compared with 42% to 46% of those in villages or rural areas. Levels of comfort also differ sharply by information and awareness, ranging from 72% among those who feel well informed, to 36% among those who do not.

Many people say they do not feel well informed, highlighting the need for clear information, transparency and trust if innovation is to succeed. The results provide valuable new insight into how food innovation can become more relevant, understandable and acceptable to society.

The survey comes at an important moment for the EU’s food research and innovation agenda. Its findings are particularly relevant for Food 2040, the research and innovation policy framework for food systems, which forms part of the recently adopted EU Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems.

More information is available online in our press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 17)

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu in Budapest to mark Hungary’s full return to Erasmus+ and discuss equal pay

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, is in Budapest to mark the full resumption of Erasmus+ in Hungary and discuss education, workers’ rights and equal pay.

Today, she will join representatives of the Hungarian Ministry of Children and Education and current and former Erasmus+ students at an event organised by the European Commission’s Representation in Hungary and Hungary’s Erasmus+ national agency. The event follows the Council’s adoption of the Commission’s proposal to lift the protective measures imposed in 2022 under the Conditionality Regulation.

On Tuesday, the Executive Vice-President will meet trade unions and employers’ organisations, including representatives of the public education sector. She will then deliver a keynote speech at an Equal Pay Day conference, before meeting members of the Hungarian National Assembly.

During her visit, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu will also hold bilateral meetings with the Minister of Regional and Rural Development, Viktória Lorincz, the Minister of Social and Family Affairs, Vilmos Kátai-Németh, and the Minister of Children and Education, Judit Lannert.

A negative view of innovative foods is held by 69% of respondents in Cyprus, compared with 21% who view them positively, while 77% say they do not feel well informed about innovative foods, ingredients and crops, according to a Special Eurobarometer published by the European Commission. Across the EU, 51% have a negative view and 39% a positive one, while 72% say they do not feel well informed.

Reservations in Cyprus are also reflected in willingness to purchase new food products. A total of 78% of respondents say they would be unwilling to buy a product containing an ingredient produced using microorganisms, such as a protein identical to that found in eggs but made without animals, even if it met EU safety standards and was clearly labelled. The corresponding figure across the EU is 54%.

Of the four types of innovative foods presented in the survey, plant-based protein products obtained through new methods receive the highest acceptance in Cyprus, with 28% saying they would feel comfortable consuming them, compared with 47% across the EU. For foods produced through fermentation using microorganisms, the figures are 26% in Cyprus and 46% in the EU. For products cultivated from animal cells, acceptance falls to 18% and 34%, respectively.

Acceptance is particularly low in Cyprus for fruits and vegetables grown from crops adapted to drought, pests or extreme weather. Only 21% say they would feel comfortable consuming such products, compared with 50% across the EU. Conversely, 75% in Cyprus and 46% in the EU say they would feel uncomfortable consuming them.

The main concern before consuming innovative foods in Cyprus is the possibility of unknown long-term health effects, cited by 38% of respondents, compared with 43% across the EU. This is followed by the perception that such products are highly processed or unnatural, cited by 40% in Cyprus and 35% in the EU. A lack of clear information about production methods, composition and origin is cited by 32% in Cyprus and 33% in the EU, while a lack of trust in the companies producing them is mentioned by 30% and 25%, respectively.

Regarding potential benefits, 24% of respondents in Cyprus associate food innovation with providing farmers and food producers with new tools and options, compared with 20% across the EU. Healthier or more nutritious food options are cited by 24% in Cyprus and 23% in the EU.

Food security is mentioned by 14% in Cyprus, compared with 25% across the EU, while reducing pressure on natural resources is cited by 14% and 27%, respectively. Meanwhile, 22% in Cyprus say they associate innovative foods with none of the potential benefits presented, compared with 12% across the EU.

Transparency and clear labelling emerge as key conditions for building trust. In Cyprus, 41% say mandatory, clear labels providing information on production methods, composition and origin would increase their confidence in innovative foods, compared with 51% across the EU.

Approval by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is cited by 40% in Cyprus and 36% in the EU, while regular public reporting on safety findings is mentioned by 31% and 34%, respectively.

When seeking trustworthy information about the safety and environmental impact of innovative foods, 48% of respondents in Cyprus identify health professionals, compared with 35% across the EU. National food safety authorities are cited by 23% in Cyprus and 36% in the EU, while independent scientists and academia are mentioned by 24% and 32%, respectively.

Furthermore, 86% of respondents in Cyprus and 85% across the EU agree that innovative food products should have clear and distinct names and provide transparent information about production methods, composition and origin.

A further 82% in Cyprus and 75% across the EU agree that the widespread introduction of innovative foods could threaten culinary traditions and rural agriculture if not properly regulated and transparently labelled.

Asked which potential benefits would make them more willing to consume innovative foods regularly, 36% in Cyprus say none of the benefits presented would influence their willingness, compared with 18% across the EU. Reduced use of pesticides, fertilisers or antibiotics in production is cited by 26% in Cyprus and 35% in the EU.

The Special Eurobarometer was conducted across all 27 EU Member States between 26 May and 24 June 2026, involving 26,456 people aged 15 and over. In Cyprus, fieldwork took place between 26 May and 15 June 2026, with 502 interviews.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides conveyed to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Khassim Diagne, the government’s increasingly strong desire to see no violations or attempted violations of the status quo in the buffer zone by the Turkish Cypriot side, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis said President Christodoulides and Diagne exchanged views on the next steps in ongoing efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem, ahead of the visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin.

He noted that the President was scheduled to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Tuesday morning under UN auspices, while a meeting with Holguin was scheduled for Friday. A joint meeting involving the two leaders and the UN envoy had also been arranged.

Against the backdrop of these upcoming meetings and the ongoing good offices of the UN Secretary-General and the work of UNFICYP in Cyprus, President Christodoulides conveyed to Diagne the government’s increasingly strong desire to prevent violations or attempted violations of the status quo in the buffer zone by the Turkish Cypriot side, Letymbiotis said.

He added that the government continued to expect the United Nations to act with objectivity and a measured approach, while ensuring that the terms of its mandate in Cyprus were upheld.

Violations in the area of Pyla and other locations across the UN controlled buffer zone are frequent, with the latest incident, in April 2026, involving the deployment of military vehicles and personnel from the Turkish-occupied areas, aimed at blocking veterinary checks. This prompted the UN to stress that unauthorised entry, presence or activity within the buffer zone constitutes a violation of the UN Mission’s mandate.

Further violations occurred at times in the area of Agios Dometios, in Nicosia, and other sites in and around the buffer zone, involving Turkish occupation troops. Guterres reiterated the importance of the parties refraining from taking unilateral actions that could raise tensions and compromise a return to talks.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion. Numerous peace talks under the UN aegis with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results. The latest round of talks took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.