Category: Cyprus News Agency

References to Cyprus, the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection, fire protection and the need to respect international law were made on Tuesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, during a debate entitled ‘A new common commitment for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean’.

Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica referred, among other things, to the European firefighting hub in Cyprus, noting that the leaders of the MED-9 have called for the establishment of a second similar hub in the western Mediterranean.

The Commissioner also presented a series of actions under the Pact, including the University of the Mediterranean, initiatives on youth skills, support for SMEs and start-ups, as well as the T-MED initiative for renewable energy and clean technologies. She said that T-MED provides for pound 5 billion in guarantees, with the aim of mobilising up to pound 25 billion for clean energy investments in the region.

Georgiou on Cyprus, fire protection and search and rescue cooperation

AKEL MEP, Giorgos Georgiou, said that the Mediterranean has great potential, but is also marked by wars, inequalities, displacement and environmental threats. He stressed that the Pact could provide an opportunity for peace, cooperation and shared prosperity, provided that it is not used as a tool to expand the EU’s geopolitical influence and that militarisation and migration control are not prioritised over social needs.

Georgiou said that The Left had worked on provisions concerning social justice, labour rights, environmental protection, public participation, funding, and respect for state sovereignty and international law.

At the same time, Georgiou stressed that contradictions remain between references to peace and militarisation, as well as in the application of international law, making specific reference to Palestine and Cyprus.

Mavrides on energy, international law and sovereign rights

DIKO MEP, Costas Mavrides, said that the EU was built on a vision of peace, beginning with the joint management of coal and steel resources, and stressed that a similar approach to energy could contribute to stability and prosperity across the Mediterranean. He emphasised that this should be based on common rules, international law and respect for the law of the sea.

Mavrides noted that institutions and structures already exist that can be utilised, citing as examples the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, the GSI, which he described as a European project of common interest, as well as the EastMed pipeline.

Addressing the Commissioner, he also raised the question of how those who violate the rules are dealt with, referring to Turkey and asking whether the response should be to reward them or impose consequences.

Geadi on interconnections, migration, international law and Turkey

For his part, ELAM MEP, Geadis Geadi, described the Mediterranean as a region of particular geopolitical and economic importance and said that the new Pact for the Mediterranean should become a meaningful tool for cooperation. In his intervention, he referred specifically to interconnections and the management of irregular migration.

He stressed that cooperation in the Mediterranean should be based on the law of the sea and international law. At the same time, he thanked MEPs from different political groups who had highlighted the issue and helped secure a decision concerning electricity interconnections and pipelines.

Geadi also stressed that the Mediterranean should not be threatened by Turkey, saying that ‘the time for words is over’ and that it is now time for action.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 19/10/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 346,398.36

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

182.220

-0.220

346,348.640

MAIN MARKET INDEX

240.700

-0.410

312,269.600

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

2,659.240

-0.720

20,739.150

CSE GENERAL INDEX

310.130

-0.220

346,362.610

HOTELS INDEX

1,993.050

0.000

0.000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2,138.620

0.300

34,093.010

The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

The Price Index of Construction Materials in September 2026 reached 123.41 units (base year 2021=100), recording an increase of 3.74%, compared to September 2025.

By main commodity category, increases were observed in metallic products (5.28%), products of wood, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics (5.06%), electromechanical products (4.08%), minerals (2.81%) and mineral products (1.35%).

Compared to August 2026, the Index recorded an increase of 0.26%.

For the period January-September 2026, the index increased by 2.24% compared to the corresponding period of 2025.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1018hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine while locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

North to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1130

Date: 19/10/2026

The deliveries of cow milk reached 25.36 thousand tons in August 2026, compared to 24.72 thousand tons in August of last year, marking an increase of 2.5%, according to data Cyprus Statistical Service announced on Monday.

In July 2026, deliveries had risen to 25.53 thousand tons.

Furthermore, in relation to the production of dairy products from cow milk, according to the data from the Statistical Service, the drinking milk amounted to 4.66 thousand tons in August 2026, showing a decrease of 1.3% compared to last August.

The production of cream for immediate consumption reached 0.34 thousand tons, marking a decrease of 8% compared to August 2025.

The production of cheese exclusively from cow milk amounted to 0.03 thousand tons in August 2026, up from 0.02 thousand tons, marking an increase of 50%.

In relation to acidified milks, their production amounted to 0.72 thousand tons, down from 0.73 thousand tons in August 2025, showing a decrease of 1.3%.

The estimated value of fishery products landed in Cyprus reached approximately pound 4.03 million in 2025, according to data published by Eurostat on Monday.

At EU level, the total value of fishery product landings stood at pound 5.5 billion in 2025, remaining at a similar level to 2024. At the same time, catches by the EU fishing fleet in the seven marine areas covered by European statistics were estimated at a total of 3.3 million tonnes.

Spain recorded the highest value of landings, accounting for 31% of the EU total. It was followed by France, with 18%, and Italy, with 12%.

In terms of catch volume, the Spanish fishing fleet accounted for 21% of the EU total. It was followed by Denmark, with 16%, and France, with 14%.

Andorra and San Marino sign Association Agreement to move closer to the EU

Today, the Commission signed an Association Agreement with Andorra and San Marino, bringing both countries closer to the EU and establishing a clear and comprehensive framework for deeper economic and institutional integration.

The Agreement gives Andorra and San Marino access to the Internal Market under common rules and fair competition conditions. It provides citizens, businesses and public authorities with greater legal certainty and predictability, facilitates trade, supports investment and encourages cross-border economic activity, while respecting the specific characteristics of both partners.

It also sets out a framework for dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest, including research and innovation, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, culture and regional cooperation.

In financial services, integration will take place gradually and subject to specific conditions. This will include an assessment of the robustness of both partner’s regulatory and supervisory frameworks.

The EU also signed updated Monetary Agreements with Andorra and San Marino to address overlaps with the new Association Agreement and provide greater legal certainty.

Next steps

Following the signature, the Council will request the consent of the European Parliament before proceeding with the conclusion of the Agreement. It will be ready for provisional application as soon as the respective ratification procedures in Andorra and San Marino allow.

Background

Negotiating directives adopted by the Council in December 2014 empowered the Commission to begin negotiations on an Association Agreement with Andorra, Monaco and San Marino in 2015. Following the suspension of negotiations with Monaco in September 2023, negotiations continued with Andorra and San Marino, and were successfully concluded in December 2023.

On 26 April 2024, the Commission presented proposals for Council decisions on the signing, provisional application and conclusion of the Agreement. In July 2026, the Council authorised its signature and provisional application.

Separate Monetary Agreements already govern the use of the euro and related obligations. These were signed in 2011 with Andorra and in 2012 with San Marino. In December 2025, the Council empowered the Commission to negotiate amendments to those Monetary Agreements to address overlaps between their obligations and those arising under the new Association Agreement. The Commission approved the amendments for signature in September 2026.

More than 120 sailors from 13 countries took part in the ‘Regatta for Peace’, the largest amateur sailing event ever held in Cyprus, with 24 boats competing on the route from Larnaca Marina to Ayia Napa Marina. The event was held on Saturday, 17 October, on the initiative of the Embassy of Italy in Nicosia, in cooperation with the Cyprus Sailing Federation and the marinas of Larnaca and Ayia Napa.

According to an announcement by the Italian Embassy, the race started in the late morning from Larnaca Marina, in the presence of Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. The crews, almost all of mixed nationalities and including many Italians, sailed approximately 16 nautical miles along the island’s south-eastern coast, reaching Ayia Napa Marina in the early afternoon.

The boats competed in two classes, A and B, under a handicap system that allows boats of different designs to race on equal terms, the announcement said.

The Italian Embassy noted that the ‘Regatta for Peace’ was the first European leg of the international roadshow leading up to the America’s Cup, which will be held in Italy for the first time in July 2027.

‘We dedicated this regatta to peace, the most desired gift on earth,’ said the Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus, Antonella Cavallari.

‘Peace is the founding value of diplomacy – ultimately, the very reason diplomacy exists. And sports diplomacy is one of its most important instruments: sport conveys a powerful message through its values – fair play, respect for the rules, respect for one another, cooperation and friendship. Today, more than ever, these are the values that should guide relations between nations and their peoples,’ she added.

According to the Italian Embassy, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis expressed his appreciation for the event and his hope that the regatta would become an annual event, given its positive impact and contribution to diversifying the country’s tourism offering.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth Marios Panayides, speaking on behalf of the Minister, also underlined the value of such initiatives.

Cyprus ‘strongly condemns’ the latest settler attacks in West Bank against diplomats and other persons, noting that international law must be fully upheld.

In a post on X, Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry said Cyprus ‘strongly condemns the latest settler attacks in the occupied West Bank against diplomats from Belgium, France and Poland, Catholic representatives and a French mayor’.

‘We take note of the ongoing investigation by the Israeli authorities and join the calls for those responsible to be swiftly held to account’, it adds.

These incidents, the Ministry said, ‘also reflect the alarming scale of settler violence against Palestinians’. ‘Such unacceptable acts undermine the prospects for lasting peace and stability. International law must be fully upheld’, it notes.

Cyprus, it said, reaffirms its support for the two-state solution, in line with the relevant UN resolutions.

A new meeting between the leaders of Cyprus’ two communities is scheduled to take place on Tuesday morning, with President Nikos Christodoulides describing the atmosphere ahead of Tuesday’s meeting as ‘absolutely fine’.

The meeting has been scheduled for 11 am at the UN Good Offices Mission offices at Nicosia Airport, in the buffer zone.

In a post on Monday, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis wrote that the aim remains to achieve meaningful progress towards the resumption of negotiations from the point at which they were suspended, within the agreed framework.

‘We approach the meeting with the same constructive attitude, consistency and specific proposals, convinced that meaningful dialogue can create the conditions for the next steps,’ he added.

Meanwhile, following the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Nicosia Accident and Emergency Department (A and E), the President declined to make any statements on the matter. Asked by a journalist about the atmosphere ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, he replied: ‘The atmosphere is absolutely fine.’

The last meeting between President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman took place last Tuesday, 13 October, while both leaders also attended the Peace Festival in Pyla on Saturday.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.