Category: Cyprus News Agency

Early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus and a big moment for European transport, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Monday, in his keynote speech at the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference that is taking place in Limassol.

Referring to the Cyprus EU Presidency that will begin in January, he noted that it will be a defining moment for Europe, and for the transport policy.

“As a great maritime nation, Cyprus will play a leading role in shaping the Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Ports Strategy, and the Military Mobility Package. And it will also play a key role in the first ever European Strategy for Tourism, Which we aim to heave it ready by Easter next year” he said.

The Commissioner noted that Cyprus will also help steer discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget, for 2028-2034.

“This will be decisive in setting the level of ambition for our transport and maritime sectors. I trust Cyprus will be a strong ally in ensuring ambitious funding for a competitive, resilient, and secure European transport system” he said, adding that funding that will set transport, including maritime transport, on track for a competitive, resilient and secure future.

“So, I am counting on your support. So yes, early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus. And it will also be a big moment for European transport. Together, we can make it a moment that defines our maritime future,” he stressed.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas said that Cyprus is more than just a maritime country, it is a global maritime force and a hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a proud history of seafaring a modern fleet that ranks among the largest in the European Union.

“Your flag is a symbol of quality and trust. Your shipping industry is not only a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, but also a pillar of Europe’s maritime strength. And your voice carries weight, not just in Europe, but across the global shipping community” he went on to say.

Referring to Europe, the Commissioner said that we can make Europe’s maritime sector not only more resilient, but also more competitive, more sustainable, and more secure.

He recalled that the Draghi report highlights the EU’s declining share of the global maritime fleet.

“Our fleet keeps growing in absolute terms, but others are expanding faster. Our market share in gross tonnage fell from 38.5% in 2018, to 33.6% in 2024. This is a challenge we must face together, the European Commission, the Member States, and the industry. And we are acting,” he stressed.

He also said that Europe’s shipbuilding industry faces unfair competition with subsidies in other regions allowing competitors to sell ships 30% or even 40% cheaper than European models.

“China is not alone in this. This is why we are preparing an Industrial Maritime Strategy aiming to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of our shipbuilding and shipping sectors,” Tzitzikostas said.

Referring to ports, he noted that they are the backbone of our supply chains, our energy system and military mobility. “So, the upcoming European Ports Strategy will both strengthen and protect these assets” he concluded.

A new protocol to renew their 40-year cooperation in the fisheries sector was signed by the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis stated that the signing of the new protocol marks a significant milestone, which «strengthens our shared commitment to responsible and sustainable fisheries and demonstrates the power of cooperation in protecting the ocean».

The Commissioner Kadis added that the signing of the new implementing protocol of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe «secures the future of our shared resources, supporting local communities and ecosystems. Our cooperation sets a model for sustainable fishing that benefits all and fosters long-term ecological and economic resilience».

The new four-year protocol allows EU vessels to fish up to 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Beyond access to fishing resources, the EU is boosting its financial support to the country, aiming for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, with its total contribution over the next four years amounting to pound 3.3 million (or pound 825,000 on an annual basis). Of this, pound 500,000 will be allocated to strengthen fisheries management, control, and surveillance capacities, as well as to support artisanal fishing and local fishing communities.

Additionally, EU fishers are expected to pay São Tomé and Príncipe a licensing and catch fee of pound 85 per tonne for their activities in its national waters. The new protocol also includes provisions to improve working conditions for fishers on EU vessels, ensuring safer and fairer employment practices.

The new protocol applies provisionally as of 6 October 2025 and will enter into full force upon completion of the ratification process by both parties. On the EU side, this requires the consent of the European Parliament.

Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos awarded Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant for EMEC 2025 Plenary.

This marks her second PSIPW Specialist Grant underscoring her sustained global leadership in water research.

The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) has approved a Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant to support Professor Despo Fatta-Kassinos (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) as a plenary speaker at EMEC 2025 (25th European Meeting on Environmental Chemistry, Crete, Greece). This marks the second time Professor Fatta-Kassinos has been selected for this prestigious specialist grant, underscoring her sustained global leadership in water research.

Administered by PSIPW, the Specialist Grant enables scientific event organisers to feature world-leading water scientists to the stage as plenary speakers. Grant recipients are chosen based on criteria that include the innovative nature of the recipient’s water-related work.

Professor Fatta-Kassinos, a Chemical and Environmental Engineer at the University of Cyprus, is internationally recognised for pioneering research on wastewater-borne micropollutants, antimicrobial resistance in engineered and natural systems, and advanced analytical and engineering approaches that explore system-level water-quality outcomes. Her EMEC 2025 plenary will address frontier strategies for mitigating chemical and biological risks across the water cycle, translating cutting-edge science into actionable engineering and policy.

‘I am honoured by EMEC’s selection and PSIPW’s approval,’ said Professor Fatta-Kassinos. ‘This Specialist Grant accelerates vital exchanges between disciplines, chemistry, microbiology, analytics, and systems engineering, so we can deliver water solutions that are both innovative and implementable.’

About the Prince Sultan Water Specialist Event Participation Grant

Named in memory of HRH Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of PSIPW, the Specialist Grant extends PSIPW’s vision of encouraging water-related research. By supporting event organisers directly, the programme enables the participation of world-leading scientists as plenary/keynote speakers and instructors at high-impact scientific events.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos concluded his visit to Kuwait, during which he participated in the work of the 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union.

MFA issued a statement according to which the Minister met with the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio, with whom he exchanged views on further deepening relations and strategic partnership between EU and GCC.

Issues related to the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency and current regional developments were also discussed.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with the Secretary General of the GCC, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, with whom he signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of Consultations on Issues of Common Interest between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the General Secretariat of the GCC.

The Memorandum covers, inter alia, cooperation in various fields, including political, regional and international issues of mutual interest, trade, investment, industry, education, culture, tourism, environment and agriculture.

Kombos also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, with whom he discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Cyprus and Kuwait, as well as the strengthening of ties between the EU and the GCC.

The discussion also focused on regional developments in the Middle East and the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, within the framework of the Amalthea corridor.

The Minister also participated in the meeting of the 29th GCC-EU Joint Council, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, represented the Republic of Cyprus at the UNGA80 3rd Committee in NY and underlined, inter alia, the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Cypriots, as a result of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation.

He also reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to promoting multilateralism for a peaceful and prosperous world.

In his intervention Kakouris raised, once again, the issue of human rights and violations of fundamental freedoms of Greek Cypriots resulting from the invasion and continuing occupation of part of Cyprus by Turkey.

He recalled that a large proportion of Greek Cypriots remain displaced and deprived of their right to return and to peacefully enjoy their properties. He also denounced the illegal exploitation and use of Greek Cypriot properties by the occupying regime.

He made special reference to the transfer of settlers from Turkey to Cyprus as part of a systematic plan to alter the island’s demographic character. He further emphasized that the decrease in the number of enclaved Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas is the result of persistent harassment, intimidation, and discriminatory treatment on the basis of national origin, race, and religion by the occupying regime.

Kakouris also referred to the major humanitarian issue of missing persons, calling on Turkey to provide information from its military archives on their fate and to allow unrestricted access to military areas for excavations and exhumations.

He raised the issue of violence against women and girls, noting that discrimination and economic marginalization persist. He underlined, however, that the Government of Cyprus has taken concrete measures within the international institutional framework to promote gender equality.

On trafficking in persons, he described it as a heinous crime and a serious global problem affecting millions of people. Combating trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and enhancing coordination and cooperation to eradicate the phenomenon are among the top priorities of the Cypriot Government, he said.

Ambassador Kakouris reaffirmed Cyprus’ strong commitment to the rights of the child and youth. Cyprus, he noted, firmly supports the full, effective, and meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at all levels-local, national, regional, and international-including within the United Nations.

Regarding the human rights of older persons, he highlighted that Cyprus has adopted its first National Strategy and Action Plan for Active Ageing.

He also referred to the looting and vandalism of the rich cultural heritage in the occupied part of Cyprus and stressed the importance of the Nicosia Convention-a protection mechanism for cultural heritage-which remains the only international treaty providing for the criminalization of offences related to the destruction, illicit trafficking, and illegal trade of cultural property.

In conclusion Kakouris reiterated that Cyprus stands ready to cooperate constructively with all UN member states to strengthen multilateralism and ensure a just, peaceful, and prosperous world for present and future generations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna held a meeting on Sunday with European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, with whom she discussed issues that Cyprus will have to address during its Presidency of the Council of the EU that will begin in January.

According to an official press release, Raouna informed the Greek Commissioner about the preparation of the Cyprus Presidency and the importance that Cyprus attaches to the issues of Connectivity and Tourism.

The European Commissioner pointed out that during the Cyprus EU Presidency, the Commission will promote three important strategies, for ports, for the maritime industry and for tourism.

The press release says that during the meeting, they exchanged views on promoting an agreement with the European Parliament on passenger rights in air transport, as well as on the use of the Connecting Europe Facility and the Multiannual Financial Framework, for infrastructure and military mobility in regional EU Member States.

Finally, regarding tourism, the Deputy Minister conveyed to the Commissioner the intention of the Cyprus Presidency to actively contribute to the promotion of the EU tourism agenda.

One of the primary objectives of the Government, which was the qualitative and further strengthening of the Cyprus ship registry, has been achieved, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Sunday, noting that in the last two years it recorded an increase of 20%.

‘This achievement is largely due to the strengthening of the cooperation we have achieved with the ship-owning community of Greece and the shipping companies based in Cyprus, as well as the firm support of Cypriot shipowners,’ the President stressed in his address during a formal dinner hosted at the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the Maritime Cyprus Conference that begins on Monday in Limassol.

Earlier on Sunday, President Christodoulides had separate meetings with Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation Arsenio Dominguez, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic Vasilis Kikilias as well as senior executives of international shipping companies.

In his address during the dinner, he said that a strong Cypriot ship registry strengthens Cyprus’ position on the shipping map, and also strengthens Cyprus promotion at an international level, with ships flying the Cypriot flag traveling to all corners of the earth.

“And this is even more important for us, a country that has been under Turkish occupation for 51 years,” the President underlined.

He also noted the political will to further strengthen and improve the framework of services Cyprus is providing to shipping companies, “so that we can respond fully and effectively to the demanding operating framework of the shipping industry.”

A main priority for the government, he continued, is the strengthening the maritime cluster in Cyprus, which is a strong industry with a multifaceted contribution.

He also said that the revenue generated by the ship management sector, during the 2nd half of 2024, amounted to 918 million, an amount corresponding to 5.28% of Cyprus’s GDP. This contribution, he pointed out, compared to the 2nd half of 2023, recorded an increase of 27%.

“This makes the ship management sector a strongly growing factor in the Cypriot economy. At the same time, the increase in companies integrated into the Cypriot tonnage tax system by 15% in the last two years demonstrates the advantages provided by our regulatory framework, as well as the prospects that exist,” he stressed.

The President noted that a shipping cluster is not only ship ownership companies and ship management companies, but also all companies that offer similar services in the sector, noting that those companies are consistently choosing Cyprus as the country to establish their activities.

“The strengthening, therefore, of the shipping cluster in Cyprus is our priority and with policies, such as the digitalization of the services provided but also the strengthening of others, such as for example the one-stop shipping centre, we are convinced that we will succeed in making Cyprus one of the most attractive destinations for these companies,” he noted.

Referring to the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU, he said that shipping will be one of the top priorities, adding that the European Commission is expected to submit its proposal for the new EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, which will be discussed in the context of the Cyprus Presidency.

The Cyprus EU Presidency, the President said, will also highlight other major challenges in the Shipping sector, including the shortage of merchant marine officers, the need for retraining and upgrading the skills of seafarers, as well as the strengthening of the framework that will allow for equal treatment of women in the maritime labor market.

Concluding, he said that a relevant declaration is expected to be adopted during the informal Council of Ministers responsible for maritime transport issues, which will be held in Cyprus next April.

Meanwhile, the President received on Sunday afternoon Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation Arsenio Dominguez. According to a press release by the Presidency, during the meeting, they discussed issues of cooperation between Cyprus and the IMO as well as the current situation in the shipping sector given the geopolitical developments both in the region and internationally.

The President also received senior executives of international shipping companies. He met with CEO of the Caravel Group, Dr. Harry Banga, who is also the Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Hong Kong, and who noted the company’s interest in operating in Cyprus. The President thanked Dr. Banga for his continuous support to the Cypriot shipping. Furthermore, in a meeting with executives of Royal Caribbean, they reaffirmed the strong cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with the company, which is one of the largest shipping companies in the world, the press release says. They also discussed about the prospects for further strengthening the cooperation within the framework of the National Cruise Strategy approved by the Council of Ministers.

Furthermore, he received European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The President noted that “it is the first time that we see, specifically in the shipping sector, the EU claiming the role it should play”. The Commissioner said that Cyprus can count on his support, and gave as an example the approval of a fund of 18 million euro for the port of Vassilikos, noting that this is only the beginning.

Finally, the President received Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of the Hellenic Republic Vasilis Kikilias who referred to the large percentage that shipping constitutes in the GDP of Cyprus, expressing the belief that it will be strengthened even further in the coming years. President Christodoulides said that the Cypriot Government is proceeding with the strengthening of similar sectors of shipping, as well as with actions to develop the cruise industry.

House President, Annita Demetriou, received EU Commissioner or Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, on Monday.

During their meeting in her office at the House of Representatives, Demetriou stressed the importance of his portfolio, saying that both transport and tourism sectors are strategic pillars of the economy in Cyprus.

A Press release issued by the House of Representatives says that Demetriou reassured the Commissioner for the Parliament’s will to work closely with the European Commission to achieve tangible results for the benefit of the people and the economy, within the parliamentary aspect Cyprus Presidency 2026.

The Commissioner spoke of the initiatives he has undertaken within the framework of its responsibilities, as well as of the strategies that the European Commission intends to push forward.

The two exchanged views on current issues of mutual interest, including the European security and defence architecture, regional stability, and the European Green Deal.

Pafos FC achieved a very important away victory yesterday, defeating AEK 4-2 in Larnaca for Matchday 6 of the Cyprus League By Stoiximan. With this win, Pafos climbed to the top of the standings, joining APOEL in first place with 15 points.

In another highly anticipated match of the day, Omonia and Aris played to a goalless draw, with both teams dropping points and falling two behind the leaders.

Ethnikos also secured a significant win in the third match of the day, defeating Ypsonas 1-0 and moving up to 5th place in the standings.

On Saturday, AEL and Apollon claimed victories over Anorthosis and Akritas respectively, improving their positions on the table. Meanwhile, Olympiakos and Paralimni drew 1-1-a result that left both sides disappointed, especially Olympiakos.

Finally, on Friday, APOEL defeated Omonia Aradippou 4-0, earning their fifth win in six matches.

Matchday 6 Results: Omonia Aradippou – APOEL 0-4, Olympiakos – ENP 1-1, Akritas Chlorakas – Apollon 0-2, AEL – Anorthosis 4-1, Ethnikos – Ypsonas 1-0, AEK – Paphos: 2-4, Omonia – Aris 0-0.

Standings: Paphos 15, APOEL 15, Omonia 13, Aris 13, Ethnikos 11, AEK 10, Apollon 9, Akritas 7, Ypsonas 7, AEL 7, Olympiakos 5, Omonia Aradippou 4, Anorthosis 2, ENP 1.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 06/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 07/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times. Tomorrow the weather will be partly cloudy and at times mainly cloudy with risk of light isolated showers, mainly over the western and northern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL