Cyprus News Agency – Page 36 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Press service

European Parliament

16-10-2026

Plenary session

Briefing

Newsletter – 19-22 October 2026 – Strasbourg plenary session

Parliament to review October European Council

On Wednesday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting with Presidents Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.

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2026 Sakharov Prize laureate to be announced on Thursday

President Metsola will announce the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought laureate on Thursday, following a decision by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents.

Escalation of Russian strikes in EU, on Black Sea shipping in particular

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate Russian drone incursions and strikes on EU territory with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and vote on a resolution on Thursday.

EU support for the International Criminal Court

On Tuesday, Parliament will debate the EU’s support for international justice and its response to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court.

Houthi attacks: rising regional tensions and maritime security risks

On Tuesday, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will discuss the escalation of Houthi attacks and their implications for regional security, followed by a vote on Thursday.

The 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme

On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the priorities and budgetary needs of the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme, followed by a vote on Thursday.

Better enforcement of passenger rights in the EU

On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to give its final green light to updated EU rules to improve the protection and information passengers receive if travel is disrupted.

The future of EU-UK relations

On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the upcoming EU-UK summit on 20 November with representatives of the Irish Council Presidency and the European Commission.

EU-Canada summit

On Wednesday, MEPs and the Commission will discuss their expectations for the EU-Canada summit taking place in Montreal on 29-30 October.

Daphne Caruana Galizia murder: Parliament to discuss delayed justice in Malta

Nine years after the journalist’s assassination, MEPs and the Commission will discuss developments in the court case and the rule of law in Malta, on Wednesday.

Securing the supply of critical raw materials

Parliament will adopt its position on plans to bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy by securing a sustainable and circular supply of critical raw materials.

Emissions trading: more free allowances for industry to curb carbon leakage

On Thursday, MEPs will vote on a targeted change to the EU emissions trading system (ETS) to increase free allocation for industries covered by heat and fuel benchmarks until 2030.

Chemicals: simplification of cosmetics, fertiliser and labelling rules

On Thursday, MEPs are set to approve changes to EU chemicals legislation that should increase flexibility while ensuring protection for human health and the environment.

The circular economy and waste rules for packaging, batteries and textiles

MEPs will vote on suspending obligations imposed on companies intended to ensure the proper management of their products once discarded and discuss the upcoming Circular Economy Act.

Parliament’s position on the 2027 EU budget

On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the budgetary figures and a resolution on the 2027 budget ahead of negotiations with the Council.

COP31: priorities for the Antalya climate summit

Ahead of COP31 in Trkiye, MEPs are set to push for a faster fossil fuel phase-out, more climate finance and stronger support for vulnerable countries.

Accelerating the roll-out of Europe’s high-speed rail network

On Tuesday, MEPs will adopt their recommendations for improving the EU’s high-speed rail connectivity and territorial cohesion.

A stronger cohesion policy for EU cities and eastern border regions

MEPs are expected to demand that future cohesion policy uphold the ‘right to stay’ in EU cities and strengthen support for regions facing Russian aggression.

Recovery aid for Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta after destructive storms

On Wednesday, Parliament is expected to unlock aid worth pound 489 million to help the four countries recover following severe storms and flooding earlier in 2026.

EU funds to help laid-off workers in Finland

On Wednesday, MEPs are set to vote on the disbursement of pound 1.1 million for 351 workers who lost their jobs in the Finnish paper industry.

Cyprus prosecutor Despina Kyprianou re-elected as CCPE Vice-President

Cypriot Prosecutor Despina Kyprianou was unanimously re-elected on October 15 Vice-President of the Bureau of the Council of Europe’s Consultative Council of European Prosecutors (CCPE) by the Council’s plenary.

According to a press release by the Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyprianou was first elected to the position in October 2025. Her re-election is an important recognition of both her work and that of the Law Office, the press release said.

She is the only Cypriot to have been elected to the post to date.

Kyprianou has been actively involved in the CCPE’s work for many years, representing the body at conferences and high-level meetings, including as a speaker. She also participates in working groups responsible for preparing the opinions issued by the Council, the press release concludes.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 16/10/2026 UNTIL 1800 17/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. ?solated showers are expected at times, with a small risk of a thunderstorm, overnight. IN STORMS WIND MAY BE VARIABLE STRENGHENING TO 5-6 BEAUFORT.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, later West 4

Slight, later Slight to Moderate

Morning

West 4, locally Southwest to West 3 to 4

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight to Moderate

South Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

Morning

Southwest to West 4, soon locally 5

Slight, soon locally Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5

Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night

Southwest 4, gradually locally Southwest to West 3 to 4

Slight, gradually locally Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southwest to West 4, gradually locally 5

Slight

Afternoon

Southwest 4 to 5

Slight, at times offshore Slight to Moderate

North Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, later 4

Slight

Morning

Southwest to West 4

Slight, offshore Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5

Slight to Moderate

President announces EU-Turkey meeting at highest level on Cyprus issue and relations with Ankara

A meeting between the EU and Turkey at the highest level will take place within October to discuss efforts to resume the Cyprus talks and possible progress in EU-Turkey relations, Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, announced upon his arrival on Friday morning for the second day of the EU summit in Brussels.

The President said he was informed on Thursday, following the meetings he held in New York, that ‘within October there will be a meeting of the EU with Turkey at the highest level, so that the two processes can be discussed: the effort to resume talks, but also a possible progress in EU-Turkey relations,’ he added, noting that the meeting will take place ‘at the request of the UN Secretary-General himself, so that we can see how the conditions are created for the resumption of negotiations.’ The President stressed that ‘any progress in EU-Turkey relations depends on the resumption of talks on the basis of the agreed framework.’

This development, he said, ‘combined with the visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Cyprus by the end of October can create the conditions for positive developments. Our clear political will is a given, and I repeat that the EU can play a leading role,’ the President said. He recalled that from the first day of taking office he had set as a priority a more active, leading involvement of the EU, and reiterated his satisfaction at the appointment of the Commission’s Executive Vice-President, Raffaele Fitto as the as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, a move that ‘clearly shows the EU’s approach to the Cyprus problem,’ as he said.

On the discussion on Thursday at the European Council about Cyprus’ participation in the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, the President said the Commission President, Ursula von der Layen the European Council President, Antonio Costa and the High EU Representative, Kaja Kallas, spoke about this. ‘After the publication of the known statement by the Turkish Cypriot leader, the European Union, on behalf of the 27 member states, contacted the Turkish government. It has received written replies from the Turkish government, and if these replies are implemented in practice, then we are satisfied,’ he said. He went on to say that ‘we will be here and we will see how the whole matter develops. On our side, as the Republic of Cyprus, we are ready to face any scenario.’

Christodoulides also expressed regret over the postponement of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit. ‘I have a strong conviction that, just as we very rightly do in the case of Ukraine, visiting the country in difficult times, when Russian missiles and Russian drones are striking Ukraine, we must do the same in relation to the countries of the region. As the Republic of Cyprus, we have this clear approach. I will also raise it during the discussion we will have today during the working lunch,’ he stressed.

The President also noted that ‘recently, a few days ago, the Energy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus was the only European minister who attended a relevant energy conference held in Saudi Arabia,’ adding that the postponement of the summit is not a positive development, and ‘we must now see on a bilateral level how we can be there in these countries, to show in practice both our solidarity and our support, especially in difficult times.’

Asked by CNA about the strategic debate on migration, and whether a clash among leaders close to the Spanish elections is helpful, given the particular situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, the President said that ‘certainly a clash would not be the most correct and best message we send to European citizens, especially on an issue that we know concerns all member states.’ However, ‘there is a significant reduction in all member states, with the Republic of Cyprus in the first place,’ he said, repeating that there has been a 90% reduction in arrivals and a 100% increase in returns compared with 2022.

‘Today we must have a strategic discussion, to see where there are gaps, so that, through this strategic discussion, always in a spirit of cooperation, we see what else we can implement, such as the idea of the European Mechanism, particularly in the event of instrumentalisation of migrants, but certainly not a discussion that will lead to a clash,’ he added.

On the energy discussion, the President said leaders had to go through the conclusions in four different phases before reaching agreement late last night. On the conclusions on ETS2, he said that ‘as the wording stands at the moment, as agreed last night, it satisfies us, and I believe the Commission too has understood the importance, so that there is further postponement, especially of the implementation of ETS2.’ He assessed that citizens and businesses should not be asked to pay ‘at a juncture where there are so many challenges due to energy costs, and indeed from a crisis that nobody can know when it will end.’

On the Multiannual Financial Framework, Christodoulides, commenting on the substantive rejection of the Irish proposal (negotiating box), said that ‘the role of the Irish Presidency is thankless, even more so than in our own case. We had managed to reach agreement on important aspects of the MFF. It is now in the hands of the European Council President.’

On the discussion on new own resources, the President expressed the belief that ‘we will move to a more concrete examination of ideas for more own resources of the European Union, so that there is no further cut, or if there is a further cut, the reduction of the budget is very small.’ Although some member states voiced opposition because of national priorities regarding certain own resources, ‘in general there were also some ideas that are being approached by the 27 with a positive approach,’ he said in closing.

Five arrested in pound 114 million VAT fraud probe by EPPO, three arrests in Cyprus

Three people have been arrested in Cyprus as part of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigation into an alleged pound 114 million cross-border VAT fraud involving smartphone sales and estimated tax losses in Sweden and Germany. Five suspects were arrested this week in Cyprus, Germany and Italy, at the request of the EPPO’s Munich office. Searches and seizures were also carried out in Cyprus, Greece and Italy.

According to the EPPO, the criminal organisation under investigation is suspected of operating a complex VAT carousel fraud scheme that exploited EU rules governing cross-border transactions between Member States, which are exempt from VAT under certain conditions. Smartphones were sold through companies and ‘missing traders’ based in Germany, Albania and Sweden.

The estimated tax loss amounts to pound 80 million in Sweden and pound 34 million in Germany. The arrested suspects are believed to have established and controlled the alleged fraud scheme. A total of 12 searches were carried out at the premises of suspects and companies under investigation. Assets worth up to pound 80,000 were frozen, while bank accounts, cars and real estate were seized in Cyprus, Greece and Italy.

Cyprus’ authorities involved in the operation included the Tax Department, the Cyprus Police, its Cybercrime Division and Digital Forensic Lab, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (MOKAS). Authorities from Germany, Greece and Italy also supported the investigation.

The case forms part of the EPPO’s wider ‘Midas’ investigation cluster targeting cross-border VAT fraud. All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty before the competent German courts.

https://www.cna.org.cy/subscriber/article/11042309?srv_id=110&list_id=-3017774841288482709

Cyprus Health Ministry decided to temporarily shut down a private clinic on Friday, after a newborn was diagnosed with Legionellosis. The Ministry said that the suspension of operations comes as a result of additional inspections that are underway and the evaluation of the findings.

The Ministry also said that a probe is taking place following the incident adding that the authorities have already collected samples from the water supply system of the facility where the newborn was delivered. Preliminary results have indicated the presence of Legionella pneumophila in parts of the system, the Ministry said.

The newborn is being treated at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Archbishop Makarios Children’s Hospital in Nicosia. Other newborns were also taken to other medical facilities following the closure of the clinic.

Furthermore, the Ministry said that additional environmental assessments will take place and the epidemiological surveillance has been strengthened, with relevant hospital units and pediatricians being duly informed.

It also clarified that to date, no other suspected or confirmed cases linked to this specific medical facility have been identified and it assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to protect public health and ensure patient safety, with a particular focus on the protection of newborns.

The Ministry said that Legionellosis is not transmitted from person to person, but primarily through the inhalation of water droplets containing the bacterium.

EPP summit backs Cyprus’ Schengen accession and resumption of meaningful Cyprus talks

Heads of state or government affiliated with the European People’s Party (EPP) have expressed their support to completing the remaining steps towards Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen area, in a statement issued following the political family’s summit in Brussels on Thursday morning, ahead of the European Council meeting. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, attended the meeting.

The EPP leaders also commended the efforts of the Cypriot government to resume meaningful negotiations on the Cyprus issue and welcomed the initiative of the UN Secretary-General to convene an enlarged meeting involving all parties concerned.

In their statement, the EPP leaders said that ‘we offered Turkey a constructive partnership, but we ask it to respect democracy, the rule of law and good-neighbourly relations. We show our full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus in their discussions with Trkiye. We commend the efforts of the Government of Cyprus towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations and welcome the initiative of the UN Secretary-General to convene an enlarged meeting with all parties involved.’

They added that stability and closer cooperation under NATO in the Eastern Mediterranean were of the utmost importance for the EU.

On Schengen, the EPP political family welcomed ‘the positive outcome of the Commission’s Evaluation Report on Cyprus’ bid to fully join Schengen and the opening of the relevant discussion in the Council’. It also expressed support for ‘the timely completion of remaining steps, as a set priority for Schengen Cycle 2026-2027′.

On the economy, the EPP leaders called for EU policies to avoid generating additional energy costs and for Member States to make the most of the scope for temporary, targeted and tailored support for households and businesses, within the limits of the economic governance framework and while safeguarding fiscal sustainability.

They also called for stronger European competitiveness, pointing out that the EU is losing 27,000 industrial jobs every month. In this context, they advocated reversing the ban on cars with internal combustion engines, recognising the role of low-carbon and renewable fuels, and reforming environmental regulations. They further called for accelerated efforts to simplify legislation and for a horizontal omnibus package on permitting.

On migration, the EPP said that irregular crossings at the EU’s external borders had fallen by 35% since the beginning of the year, reaching their lowest level since 2021. The leaders attributed this trend to the reforms already under way and called for a stronger Frontex, as well as the use of visas, trade and funding in relations with third countries to address migratory pressure.

On Ukraine, they reiterated their unwavering commitment to supporting the country against Russian aggression, welcoming the agreement to accelerate the disbursement of pound 45 billion under the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan. They also called for all remaining negotiating clusters with Ukraine to be opened by December 2026, in line with the country’s progress and the merit-based approach.

Finally, the EPP leaders backed concrete efforts to operationalise Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union on mutual assistance between Member States, as well as proposals for a European Security Council to improve strategic coordination and crisis response, while respecting Member States’ traditions of neutrality.

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.

Innovation a strategic pillar of national security, Minister says at EUDIS Defence Hackathon

The Ministry of Defence firmly believes that innovation is a strategic pillar of national security, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has said, addressing the EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026.

“Strengthening the connection between defence, research, academia and industry is essential for building resilience, technological excellence and strategic autonomy” he pointed out.

Palmas noted that “through our participation in European initiatives such as the European Defence Fund and EUDIS, we are committed to creating opportunities that enable Cypriot talent and organisations to contribute meaningfully to the European defence innovation ecosystem”.

Referring to the EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026, he said it is a unique initiative that brings together talented individuals from across Europe to tackle some of the most demanding technological challenges in the field of defence and security.

The Hackathon takes place simultaneously in eight European countries, with Cyprus participating as one of the host nations.

This year’s theme ‘Autonomy on the Battlefield’, the Minister added, “reflects one of the most important technological transformations of our time. Rapid advances in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, robotics and unmanned platforms are reshaping the security environment and creating new opportunities, as well as new challenges, for nations and armed forces around the world”.

Palmas said that what makes this event particularly valuable is not only the competition itself, but the spirit of collaboration that it promotes.

“Innovation thrives when people with different skills, experiences and perspectives come together to solve complex problems. Today, researchers, engineers, students, entrepreneurs, defence experts and industry representatives are gathered in one place with a common purpose: to create solutions that can shape the future” he continued.

He expressed satisfaction with the strong participation of young scientists, engineers and innovators and told participants that “your ideas, your creativity and your determination are among our most valuable strategic resources”.

“The challenges you will address during this Hackathon may well become the foundations of future technologies and capabilities” he concluded.

Cyprus, Bahrain discuss strengthening security cooperation

Efforts to strengthen bilateral security cooperation between Cyprus and Bahrain, along with regional security issues, were at the centre of talks on Wednesday between Cyprus’ National Security Adviser, Tasos Tzionis, and Bahrain’s Deputy National Security Adviser, Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, who was on a working visit to Cyprus.

According to a statement issued by the National Security Council, the meeting took place at the Council’s offices on October 14, with discussions focusing on further deepening cooperation between the National Security Councils of the two countries.

Emphasis was placed on promoting and implementing proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation in the security sector. The two officials also exchanged views on regional security issues.

The statement added that both sides reaffirmed their joint determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation as part of a long-term strategic partnership.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 15/10/2026 UNTIL 1800 16/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. Isolated showers are expected, while overnight a thunderstorm is also likely, mainly over the west and north. IN STORMS WIND MAY BE VARIABLE STRENGHENING TO 5-6 BEAUFORT.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Morning

Southwest to West 3, initially near the coast Variable

Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally West 4

Slight

South Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3, gradually Northwest to North 2 to 3

Slight, gradually Smooth to Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 2 to 3, gradually Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, locally 5

Slight

East Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3, gradually West to Northwest 2 to 3

Slight, gradually Smooth to Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 2 to 3, gradually Southwest 3

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest 4, locally offshore 5

Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Slight, later near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 2 to 3, offshore Southwest to West 3

Smooth to Slight, offshore Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight