Category: Cyprus News Agency

Commission proposes targeted changes that will reduce administrative burden and ensure consistency across the revised Economic Governance Framework

Today, the European Commission has adopted proposals for targeted changes to some of the EU economic governance rules. The changes are aimed at ensuring their consistency with the outcome of the comprehensive reform undertaken in April 2024, while reducing reporting and administrative burdens, and streamlining funding arrangements for assisting non-euro area Member States facing balance of payments difficulties.

These proposals will simplify EU law, remove redundant administrative requirements, and make financial assistance more efficient. The simplification package will directly benefit national administrations by easing their administrative workload and making it easier to implement EU law, enabling them to refocus resources on other tasks.

Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification said: ‘This initiative reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to tackle red tape, increase efficiency, and eliminate unnecessary reporting requirements, while supporting competitiveness and economic growth across the European Union. By removing outdated requirements and reducing administrative complexity, the EU can support Member States in focusing resources where they are most needed: on delivering sound public finances, fostering growth and ensuring financial stability.’

More information is available in our press release.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)

Commission’s assessment of Estonia and Slovakia National Energy and Climate Plans shows improvements on ambition closing in on 2030 targets, but more efforts needed

The Commission today published its assessment of the final updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of Estonia and Slovakia, which contains guidance to assist both countries in facilitating implementation and raising their ambitions in line with EU targets for 2030.

While Estonia and Slovakia have raised their ambition compared to their draft plans, the assessment finds that both countries must increase their efforts to implement the plans and close remaining gaps on renewable energy and energy efficiency. They also must make progress towards the national 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon removals – in accordance with the Effort Sharing Regulation and the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation, respectively.

This assessment is published today given the submissions of these two NECPs arrived late to be taken into account as part of the EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs and Staff Working Document published on 28 May 2025. The EU-wide assessment  showed significant progress made by Member States towards closing in on the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets. Efforts should now also turn to implementation and delivery: using public funds to de-risk investments, unlock private finance and coordinate measures at regional and European level.

The Commission reiterates its call on the two Member States that have not yet submitted their final updated plans – Belgium and Poland – to do so without further delay. The Commission will then assess the plans.

More information is available in a news item online.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07)

Commission approves new geographical indications from Italy and Spain

The European Commission has approved the addition of ‘Olive taggiasche liguri’ and ‘Carne Salada del Trentino’ from Italy to the register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and ‘Tharsys’ from Spain as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

‘Olive taggiasche liguri’ are table olives and olive paste made from olives of the ‘taggiasca’ variety. The taggiasca olive is named after the town Taggia where Benedectine monks planted its first trees in the tenth century. The plant is characterised by great fertility and strong growth, though also by susceptibility to frost and extreme temperatures. It acclimatised itself to Liguria, a region shaped like an arc, a narrow strip of land between the sea and a mountain ridge that shelters it from winds and cold.

‘Carne Salada del Trentino’ denotes a cured meat product made from beef cattle characterised by leanness, the taste of mature meat and a slightly spice aroma. The meat is produced and packaged in the entire administrative territory of the Autonomous Province of Trento, with the exception of some municipalities. The traditional processing and conservation practice used for Carne Salada del Trentino has survived in Trentino since ancient Rome, while having been almost completely abandoned elsewhere.

Thirdly, ‘Tharsys’ is a red, white and rosé wine from the urban area of Requena in Spain, a region that has been adorned with vineyards and an underground winery since the 16th and 19th century respectively. The wines each have different aromas depending on their age and colour – ranging from intense blue-flower notes for young reds, to the toasted-spices and smoky aromas of barrel-aged rosés.

This new designation joins the more than 3,680 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. For more information, see the Quality Policy pages.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Emma Marechal – Tel.: +32 2 299 48 18)

Commission approves pound 24.5 million Italian State aid measure to support the expansion of a freight terminal

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a pound 24.5 million Italian State aid measure to expand a multimodal freight terminal near Bologna. The measure will promote the shift in freight transport from road to rail.

Domestic freight transport by rail is considerably below EU average in the Emilia-Romagna region. The opening of the Brenner Base Tunnel will significantly increase freight traffic by rail in the area after 2030. The project will expand the existing multimodal platform at Interporto Bologna by adding five new, 750m long railway tracks, as well as expanding the platform by about 80,000m², by the end of 2026. The beneficiary of the measure is Interporto Bologna, which operates the existing infrastructure. The terminal is situated at the intersection of three TEN-T corridors and is considered a strategically important railway infrastructure at national level.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 93 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) on transport coordination. The Commission found that the measure is necessary to promote the use of rail transport, which is less polluting than road transport and contributes to reducing road congestion, in line with the objectives of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the European Green Deal. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid will have an ‘incentive effect’ as the beneficiary would not carry out the investment to the same extent in the absence of the public support. Finally, the Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary and has a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Italian measure under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.118718 in the State aid register on the Commission’s Competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Arianna Podestà – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)

Commissioner Albuquerque visits Ireland for high-level talks on the Savings and Investments Union

Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, is visiting Ireland from today to tomorrow. The Commissioner will engage with Ireland’s top-level policymakers, key stakeholders and students.

During the visit, the Commissioner will meet with Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup Pascal Donohoe, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Robert Troye, as well as representatives of the Central Bank of Ireland. She will also meet various representatives of the finance industry and trade unions. In addition, the Commissioner will deliver a keynote speech at the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, and will participate in the ‘Talking with The Future’ event with students of Trinity College Dublin.

A key topic during the visit will be the Savings and Investments Union, which aims to enhance the capability of the EU financial system to connect savings with productive investments. In this context, the Commissioner will encourage Irish authorities to adopt the recent recommendation Saving and Investment Accounts frameworks quickly. Other important topics will include the simplification agenda, banking regulation and payments.

(For more information: Olof Gill- Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Mara Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

Commissioner Roswall hosted high-level roundtable on simplifying environmental laws

This morning, Commissioner Roswall met with business representatives, civil society and think thanks in Brussels to discuss the results of the call for evidence on an environmental simplification package. The call closed on 10 September 2025 and gathered more than 190,000 responses.

The exchanges of the roundtable focused on key actions to simplify reporting, permitting and reduce administrative burden in the areas of circular economy, industrial emissions, waste management and environmental permitting. Simplifying and improving EU laws will make rules clearer and easier to understand and faster and cheaper to implement.

The simplification of environmental rules follows on from the Competitiveness Compass, which sets a clear framework for Europe to become the place where future technologies, services, and clean products are invented, manufactured, and put on the market, while being the first continent to become climate neutral. One way to achieve this will be the simplification of the regulatory environment.

Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘This Commission is committed to simplification. Today’s roundtable enabled an open discussion with stakeholders to identify key actions to reduce administrative burden. What we want to achieve is a leaner legal framework that is easier to implement for businesses and public administration, while staying the course on our environmental objectives. This is crucial for our common goal: fostering Europe’s competitiveness while preserving the environment and safeguarding public health.’

You can find more information on the roundtable on simplifying environmental laws online.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

The Cyprus issue and the need to further enhance cooperation between the European Union and NATO were the focus of a meeting between President, Nikos Christodoulides, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, held on Wednesday evening in Copenhagen.

According to a written statement on Thursday by the Director of the President’s Press Office, Victoras Papadopoulos, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the dinner hosted by the Danish Royal Couple in honour of the heads of state and government attending the European Political Community Summit, and in view of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

As Papadopoulos said, President Christodoulides briefed Rutte on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue, making reference to EU-Turkey relations, noting that progress in these relations requires positive developments toward a resolution of the Cyprus problem, based on the United Nations resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.

In this context, Papadopoulos added, the President referred to the recent appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, highlighting that this can serve as an important tool in efforts toward a solution.

In his written statement, Papadopoulos also noted that during the meeting, President Christodoulides stressed that Defence and Security will be among the top priorities of the upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency, which begins on January 1, 2026, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy.

Regarding EU-NATO relations and their cooperation under the Readiness 2030 initiative, President Christodoulides underlined that such collaboration must be inclusive and ensure equal treatment of all EU member states.

Papadopoulos said that the meeting included discussion of recent provocations by Russia against EU member states that are also NATO members. On the issue of Ukraine, the President underlined that Ukraine must be included in any initiative or peace plan. He also affirmed that support for Ukraine will remain a priority during the Cypriot EU Presidency.

In conclusion, Papadopoulos noted that with respect to the participation of third countries in the SAFE Regulation, President Christodoulides stressed that respect for international law, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states is a non-negotiable prerequisite, in line with the provisions of the Regulation.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The most important economic and technological challenges facing Cyprus and Europe in general was the focus of discussions on Thursday, during the first half of the second day of the Cyprus Forum, which is being hosted at the Old Town Hall in Nicosia.

The Forum was attended by members of the government, guests from the academic and business community, as well as officials from European and international organizations.

Europe must become a competitive continent, says N. Damianou

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During the first discussion of the day on Cyprus’s main priorities and legislative initiatives in the field of innovation, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, said that these include, on the one hand, digital policy, which also covers cyber resilience and cyber security, and, on the other hand, competitiveness, as well as the discussion on space.

According to the Deputy Minister, Europe must move from its current identity as a regulatory-driven continent to a competitive continent and consider competitiveness more actively.

He explained that Europe has a new digital regulatory framework, which includes the law on artificial intelligence, the Digital Services Act, and the Digital Markets Act, while next year the Digital Networks, EU Cloud and AI Development Act are also expected.

He added that Cyprus is interested in promoting the EU Business Wallet, a proposal which, he said, is expected to be submitted before the end of the year and is part of the simplification of procedures, especially for SMEs.

In the area of competitiveness, the main issue, according to Damianou, is the strategy for start-ups and growing businesses.

“The whole point of what Draghi is highlighting is that Europe has a lot of activity in terms of launching start-ups. We have presumably more start-ups being launched than any other continent, however, we maintain less than a 10% global share of new start-ups. The same is the situation with researchers and entrepreneurs, we cannot find a way yet to keep them in Europe. That is a key challenge and the main instrument there is the European Innovation Act,” he concluded.

A state must modernize and be accountable to its citizens, according to I. Piki

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During a discussion on institutional reforms with the Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, she referred to the GRECO report on Cyprus.

As she noted, the report included 22 recommendations, of which 6, or almost 28%, have been completed, while significant progress has been made on another 13. “Overall, approximately 85% of the recommendations have been fully implemented or have recorded significant progress,” she pointed out.

According to Piki, the main recommendations among those that have been completed concerned the code of conduct for ministers, the appointment of an ethics advisor for officials and ministers, the completion of the electronic consultation, and the strengthening of the Anti-Corruption Authority.

She added that a monitoring committee has been set up to implement the Greco committee’s recommendations, involving the relevant government departments under the supervision of the Deputy Minister herself, with the participation of the Transparency Commissioner.

Regarding the effort to reform the Law Office, Piki said that, in addition to separating the role of legal advisor from that of public prosecutor, it also includes the review of the public prosecutor’s decisions, while for the corresponding reform of the Audit Service, she said that financial independence will now be provided to the service, and the creation of an Audit Council is also planned.

“We are in favor of reforms; a state must modernize, it must move forward, it must be accountable to its citizens, and it must be more effective and operate with greater transparency,” she concluded.

Ioannides describes Nicosia’s practice of returns as “successful.”

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In a panel discussion on migration policy, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicolas Ioannides said that in 2025, so far, departures of third-country nationals from the Republic of Cyprus have reached nearly 10,000, while in 2024 there were almost 11,000 departures, noting that Nicosia’s return practice is “successful.”

The Deputy Minister also said that relocations are “vital” for the Republic of Cyprus, noting that since 2022, more than 3,000 asylum seekers have been relocated to other EU Member States.

He also said that integration is “an important strategic goal” for the government, and that Cyprus is one of the few Member States that will soon have a strategy for the integration of asylum seekers, which is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers in November.

According to the Deputy Minister, the adoption of the Pact on Migration and Asylum is “a step in the right direction,” noting that one of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU “is to ensure the proper implementation of the Pact.”

He also said that a new reception center for asylum seekers, with a capacity of 1,000 people, is in its final stages in the Limnes area, with medical facilities, modern accommodation, sports fields, and parks, while the pre-departure center will be located next to it, and that the project is expected to be delivered in phases by the end of 2025.

The aim, he noted, is “to continue to address the issue consistently and responsibly and in accordance with international and EU law.”

Long-term care is not just a technical term, but also an indicator of civilization, says M. Damianos.

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In a discussion on long-term care in Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Damianos spoke about the National Strategy for the Health of Older People, which, he said, is part of the broader National Strategy for Active Aging 2025-2030, coordinated by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.

According to the Minister, the strategy is based on four strategic pillars: prevention (vaccinations, pre-symptomatic checks, and accident prevention), healthy aging with an emphasis on mental health, physical activity, proper nutrition, and social participation; a friendly environment, with infrastructure adaptation, strengthening of home care, and combating age discrimination; and research and education.

At the same time, he referred to the establishment of the National Committee for the Health of Older People, which acts in an advisory capacity to the Ministry and promotes interdisciplinary cooperation between all relevant bodies, specialized centers, and the academic community.

“Long-term care is not just a technical term, but also an indicator of civilization. It reflects the way we perceive social cohesion, solidarity between generations, and the right of all to a quality life. The cooperation of all, including health professionals, civil society organizations, and the academic community, is important in order to build a truly holistic approach to the health and care of the elderly,” he concluded.

Excellent job market prospects in Cyprus, says Y. Panagiotou

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In his own intervention during a discussion on the future of work, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panagiotou, described social justice as the most important factor for the future of work, as “it is the path through which we can achieve greater social cohesion, greater social stability, and greater social prosperity.”

He added that with technology evolving rapidly, it is even more necessary to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are distributed in a socially just manner, ‘otherwise, if developments in the labor market lead to more inequality, a smaller middle class, and a wider gap between those who prosper and those who struggle, the future will not be bright for anyone’.

Regarding the labour market situation in Cyprus, Panayiotou said that the reduction in unemployment in the country over the last two years has been such that conditions of full employment have been created.

He further pointed out that participation in training programs in Cyprus has increased by 86% over the last two years, while participation in training programs focusing on green and digital skills has increased by 742%.

“Harnessing these opportunities, together with the prospects offered by targeted professional development programs, is yielding concrete results. We are continuing in this direction by upgrading our legislative framework on teleworking, regulating the relationship between employer and employee to make use of flexible forms of work, and so on, in order to achieve the target which, we set last year, where the employment rate exceeded 80%, the highest we have ever had,” he noted.

“It was a target set to be achieved in 2030, and we achieved it five years earlier. So, our prospects are excellent, and we will continue to make the most of them,” he stressed.

The Cyprus Forum program continues on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, October 3.

Its proceedings started yesterday, Wednesday, 1 October, with President of the Republic, Nikos, Christodoulides, saying in his recorder message that ‘the effort for bold and continuous reforms to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption is unstoppable.”

For all this, he noted, a strong economy is needed that rewards the sacrifices of the people and confirms the policies of the Government.

With regard to the Cyprus issue, the President reiterated his cautious optimism about the resumption of talks.

The Cyprus News Agency is the media sponsor of the conference.

The presence of F-16 Viper jets over Cyprus during the military parade demonstrates once again the unified defence doctrine between Cyprus and Greece said Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece, Thanasis Davakis, who represented Athens in the parade for the island’s independence day, that took place on Wednesday, in Nicosia.

In press statements after the parade, Davakis noted that he feels emotional because he is today in Cyprus and stressed that he is proud to commemorate with a sense of heavy historical responsibility and duty, Cyprus’ 65th anniversary of independence.

He went on to say that today we remember all those who fought for the freedom of the nation and especially the fallen ones, adding that we also remember that Cyprus’ Hellenism stood tall in every difficulty with self-denial, faith in democratic values and international law.

Referring to the Cyprus-Greece ties, he noted that they are historical, unbreakable and indestructible. Davakis said that both countries are determined for the common struggle to achieve a comprehensive, mutually acceptable, just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem.

??e Greek Deputy Minister also said that Cyprus’ reunification and withdrawal of the illegal Turkish occupation troops are the goal to be achieved through a solution based on the bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions.

He also noted that the anniversary for Cyprus’ independence is not just another historical anniversary, but a living historical landmark for Cyprus, a symbol of courage and endurance and, at the same time, a response to those who attempt to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Greece and Cyprus must remain united in the struggle for liberation and reunification of the island President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis said on Wednesday, in statements after the military parade in Nicosia on the anniversary of Cyprus’ independence.

He noted that in order to achieve the independence of Cyprus, thousands of Greek Cypriots had to sacrifice their lives.

Kaklamanis added that in honor of their memory, Greece and Cyprus must unite more than ever in the struggle to achieve the national goal, which cannot be other than reunification, withdrawal of Turkey’s occupation troops, finding all missing persons and achieving the immediate release of five Greek Cypriots ‘arrested’ on July 19 by the ‘authorities’ of the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus celebrates on Wednesday the 65th anniversary of the declaration of its independence.

In the framework of the celebrations, a military parade will take place at 0900 in Nicosia. President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will take the salute, flanked by the House President Annita Demetriou, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, and the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas.

The parade will be held on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with the participation of various units and aircraft of the National Guard, the Cyprus Police, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence, the Department of Forests and the Public Health Services.

Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of foreign countries and other officials will also attend the military parade which is open to the public.

The parade will begin with a 21-gun salute.

Before the parade President Christodoulides, was scheduled to attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Imprisoned Graves, lay a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III at the Presidential Palace courtyard, and attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Democracy and Resistance ?onument, at the Presidential Palace Park.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Republic of Cyprus on the anniversary of its declaration of independence, in a post on social media, reiterating Athens’ commitment to a settlement of the Cyprus issue based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

“Greece, in agreement with the Republic of Cyprus, remains committed to a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions,” the Ministry said.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The current events within and beyond our borders, the 51-year-long illegal occupation of one-third of the island, as well as the ongoing Turkish provocations, allow no complacency, emphasized the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, in his daily order for the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

‘Having as a point of reference that the enemy is not at the gates but within the gates, we are obliged to operate 24 hours a day in a state of constant readiness, leaving no margin for inaction, in order to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus on land, sea and air,’ the Chief of the National Guard underlined.

He noted that the anniversary of October 1st ‘serves as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our duty and mission,’ adding that ‘freedom is not given, and the path of struggle and sacrifice never ends.’

He also stated that October 1st marks the recognition of Cyprus as an independent state and its establishment as a sovereign and equal member of the Community of Nations.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The presence of F-16 Viper jets over Cyprus during the military parade demonstrates once again the unified defence doctrine between Cyprus and Greece said Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece, Thanasis Davakis, who represented Athens in the parade for the island’s independence day, that took place on Wednesday, in Nicosia.

In press statements after the parade, Davakis noted that he feels emotional because he is today in Cyprus and stressed that he is proud to commemorate with a sense of heavy historical responsibility and duty, Cyprus’ 65th anniversary of independence.

He went on to say that today we remember all those who fought for the freedom of the nation and especially the fallen ones, adding that we also remember that Cyprus’ Hellenism stood tall in every difficulty with self-denial, faith in democratic values and international law.

Referring to the Cyprus-Greece ties, he noted that they are historical, unbreakable and indestructible. Davakis said that both countries are determined for the common struggle to achieve a comprehensive, mutually acceptable, just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem.

??e Greek Deputy Minister also said that Cyprus’ reunification and withdrawal of the illegal Turkish occupation troops are the goal to be achieved through a solution based on the bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions.

He also noted that the anniversary for Cyprus’ independence is not just another historical anniversary, but a living historical landmark for Cyprus, a symbol of courage and endurance and, at the same time, a response to those who attempt to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Ukraine receives further pound 4 billion from EU’s contribution to G7 Loan

The European Commission has disbursed the ninth tranche of its exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, worth pound 4 billion, further reinforcing the EU’s role as the largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with overall support approaching pound 178 billion.

In total, the MFA amounts to pound 18.1 billion and represents the EU’s contribution to the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans initiative, which collectively aims to provide approximately pound 45 billion in financial support to Ukraine. With this payment, the Commission’s total support to Ukraine under this MFA reaches pound 14 billion since the beginning of 2025.

This significant disbursement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and follows President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent announcement, in her State of the Union speech, of a pound 6 billion frontload of the EU’s contribution to the ERA loans initiative. This announcement is in line with the call by European leaders at the Special European Council in March to frontload financing to Ukraine. The process is now underway, with this pound 4 billion disbursement comprising an initial pound 3 billion frontload, in addition to the pound 1 billion already scheduled for this period. This support will help Ukraine meet its growing financing needs, including in the defence sector. Specifically, pound 2 billion of today’s disbursement will be allocated for drones, in line with a mutual agreement between the EU and Ukraine.

The ERA loans from G7 partners as well as the EU’s MFA loan are being repaid using proceeds from immobilised Russian State assets held in the EU.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)

EU seizes counterfeit items worth pound 3.8 bn in 2024 amid rising e-commerce threats

EU customs and market surveillance authorities intercepted 112 million counterfeit goods valued at pound 3.8 billion in 2024, the second-highest haul on record, per a report from the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

Despite the decline of the overall volume from 2023’s peak (152 million), the value surged due to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and pricier items such as software and luxury goods. The report warns that e-commerce growth and geopolitical shifts strain enforcement systems, stressing the need for enhanced customs controls and stronger intellectual property verification to safeguard consumers and EU industries from intellectual property infringements.

The Customs Reform, presented by the Commission in 2023, will play a key role in addressing current challenges by introducing a data-driven, AI-powered Customs Data Hub to track supply chains in real-time and identify high-risk shipments. The report on the value of counterfeit items seized by the EU is available online.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Commission awards the 2025 Prizes for the most sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects under the New European Bauhaus

The European Commission has announced 22 laureates of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2025. For the fifth year in a row, the NEB prizes reward outstanding projects and initiatives that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics, demonstrating how the lives of people and communities can be enriched by bringing together culture and technology, innovation and design. The urgent need for more affordable and sustainable housing was also recognised with a special prize.

Additionally, for the first time this year, 20 small municipalities were awarded the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities. This highlights the role these communities play in shaping a future that is more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful. This new initiative is supported by a pilot project of the European Parliament.

The prizes were awarded at a ceremony on 30 September, during which the Commission also launched a student design competition for the official NEB Prizes 2026 trophy, inviting young talents to propose a symbolic object that embodies sustainability, beauty and togetherness. Students can apply by 31 January 2026.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘Every year I am impressed by the creativity in this competition. And I am really pleased with this year’s special housing prize. It will help us to think about solutions to the housing crisis in a new way. And it is an inspiration for our work on a European Housing Plan. Our goal is to make housing more affordable, sustainable, and better quality. These are also the goals of the New European Bauhaus. A home is not just walls and a roof. It is safety and belonging.’

More information on all the laureates is available in our press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

Commission opens ‘Choose Europe for Science’ call to offer researchers long-term careers in Europe

Today, the European Commission launches Choose Europe for Science – Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions with an indicative budget of pound 22.5 million offering opportunities and support in Europe to talents worldwide.

This pilot initiative is part of the pound 500 million Choose Europe: advance your research career in the EU plan for the period 2025-2027.

Organisations applying for funding through ‘Choose Europe for Science’ will not only host postdoctoral researchers, but also offer them longer term professional perspectives.

Since their creation in 1996, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have been the Union’s hallmark programme for doctoral and postdoctoral education.

‘Choose Europe for Science’ was formally launched by President Ursula von der Leyen at the Sorbonne in May this year.

President von der Leyen said: ‘ I am convinced that science remains the fuel of progress and growth for our societies. This is why Europe will always choose science. And it is why we want the best and brightest to Choose Europe’.

The programme supports at least three postdoctoral researchers per project for up to five years, with the MSCA providing funding for the initial two or three years, and host institutions continuing employment for the remaining two years.

More information on the deadlines and the applications can be found online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)

Commissioner Šuica travels to Tunisia to reinforce cooperation and discuss the Pact for the Mediterranean

Today and tomorrow, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, is in Tunis, to discuss progress under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed two years ago between the EU and Tunisia.

There, she will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti, and the Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh. This visit will be an opportunity to discuss the upcoming Pact for the Mediterranean with the Tunisian authorities as well as the EU-Tunisia relations, and to meet with civil society representatives.

During the visit, Commissioner Šuica will announce three cooperation agreements of a total amount of pound 60 million. These agreements will support food security and the economic empowerment of women in rural areas, fund the digitalisation of the public administration, and help Tunisia take part in EU programmes like Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and Creative Europe, strengthening links between Tunisian and European researchers, students, and young people.

The Commissioner will also witness the signature of a flagship project between European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and ‘Tunisie Telecom’ to accelerate Tunisia’s digital infrastructure deployment. She will also attend the signature of an EU grant agreement of pound 12.5 million between the European Investment Bank and STEG, Tunisia’s state-owned electricity and gas operator.

Finally, Commissioner Šuica will visit the port of la Goulette, near Tunis, where the EU delivered two new boats for search and rescue to the Tunisian navy, as part of the EU-Tunisia comprehensive cooperation on migration management.

This will be the first official visit of Commissioner Šuica to the country, which is a strategic partner for the EU. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. The EU-Tunisia Association Council will take place on 28 October.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

European Cybersecurity Month 2025 kicks off with focus on phishing threats

The European Cybersecurity Month begins today. This is an annual awareness-raising campaign, offering practical guidance for EU citizens to stay safe online. This year’s focus is on combating phishing, the most common method attackers use to breach the security of digital devices.

Currently, 60% of cyberattacks begin with phishing, an attempt to steal information or access systems through deceptive messages or fraudulent websites. Phishing takes many forms, from e-mails that trick users into giving away sensitive data to fake websites designed to capture login details. This campaign places a strong focus on building citizens’ knowledge to counter these attacks, helping ensure they fail before they can cause harm.

Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: ‘Cybersecurity is not just about technology, it is a critical condition for all sectors of society and a shared responsibility. Phishing attacks and other cyber threats can have devastating consequences, disrupting our critical infrastructure and businesses, and undermining our trust in the digital world. By staying vigilant and taking simple steps to protect ourselves online, we can all play our role in fighting against cyber threats while helping to build a safer, more secure digital future for everyone.’

Organised by the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), with support from various organisations across Europe, the initiative also promotes cybersecurity careers and supports the European cyber workforce, at a time when the EU’s skills gap is more critical than ever.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)