Category: Cyprus News Agency

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is seeking either to achieve meaningful progress towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue during his term of office or, if that proves impossible, to hand over to his successor a process that is ‘in the last mile’, informed sources told CNA, assessing the messages emerging from Guterres visit to Cyprus.

According to the same sources, Guterres believes it is important to maintain the momentum that has developed over recent months so that the next UN Secretary-General inherits a process that has already made substantial progress.

They also note that António Guterres was the one who, in 2017, recorded and summarised the substance of the negotiations in the form of the six-point framework. As such, he has the necessary knowledge and continuity to try to move the process to its next stage. In their view, if progress is achieved on this basis, it will be difficult for any successor to abandon a process that is already well under way.

Against this backdrop, the same sources consider it particularly significant that the prospect of convening another meeting on the Cyprus issue in a broader format, remains open. They point out that moving to such a conference presupposes a positive outlook for continuing discussions within the framework established by the United Nations and is not a development that should be regarded as either automatic or insignificant.

According to the same information, any decision to resume formal negotiations would mean that agreement – or at least substantial convergence – had already been reached on certain key aspects of the Cyprus issue.

At the same time, they stress that the Turkish side has not rejected the continuation of discussions on the Cyprus issue.

They also attach particular importance to the meeting between the President of the Republic, the Turkish Cypriot leader and the UN Secretary-General, noting that the very fact that all three parties sat around the same table is in itself an indication of the progress made compared with where the process stood just a few months ago.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources link the increased momentum surrounding the Cyprus issue to the enhanced role played by the Republic of Cyprus in the wider region, as well as to the position adopted by the European Union.

The same sources clarify that no specific dates have yet been set for the possible convening of an expanded meeting. They say that the next steps will depend on the contacts António Guterres continues to hold in Cyprus, with the aim of determining whether the necessary conditions exist for the next stage in the Cyprus peace process.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. 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.

The UN Secretary-General’s objective of resuming Cyprus peace talks from where they were left off is fully aligned with the Republic of Cyprus’ position, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday after President Nikos Christodoulides met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Letymbiotis described the meeting as “substantive and frank”, welcoming Guterres’ “sincere and strong personal political commitment” to efforts aimed at restarting negotiations. He said the Republic of Cyprus stands ready to contribute in every possible way to ensure that this political commitment is translated into concrete developments.

“Those developments can only be the resumption of negotiations from the point where they were interrupted,” he said, adding that Nicosia will continue supporting the efforts of both the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy.

He noted that the recent diplomatic momentum should now intensify and evolve into a substantive negotiating process. The immediate objective, he said, is the convening of an informal expanded conference that would serve as a springboard for the resumption of negotiations.

Asked whether there had been any discussion about securing the 2017 negotiating framework, Letymbiotis said the process has not yet reached that stage. Instead, discussions focused on how to create the necessary conditions for a return to the negotiating table.

“What the Secretary-General has set out, and what fully aligns with our own aspirations, is the resumption of negotiations from the point at which they were interrupted,” he added.

Referring to Guterres’ long involvement in the Cyprus issue, Letymbiotis said the UN chief has developed ideas on the next steps through his diplomatic contacts and initiatives launched since March. However, he stressed that Guterres has also made clear that political will must come not only from the two sides in Cyprus but also from the guarantor powers.

“The solution must remain within the framework of international legality,” Letymbiotis said, referring in particular to Turkey’s need to return to the agreed basis for a settlement as set out in UN Security Council resolutions.

He reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, and to a settlement fully compatible with the EU acquis, principles, values and the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union.

The Spokesman said the UN Secretary-General’s current efforts are focused on creating the conditions for an expanded conference that would produce a substantive outcome, namely the announcement of the resumption of negotiations, rather than another procedural meeting.

Asked about the fact that Guterres’ term ends in a few months, Letymbiotis expressed hope that meaningful progress, including the resumption of negotiations, could be achieved before then. He said upcoming meetings, including Guterres’ working dinner with President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, as well as their subsequent joint meeting, form part of this broader effort.

At the same time, he underlined that the key to progress remains “Turkey’s genuine intention and political will to realign itself with international legality.”

Commenting on whether there were reasons for optimism, Letymbiotis said Guterres’ decision to visit Cyprus for the first time in his capacity as UN Secretary-General, together with his personal engagement and political commitment, were encouraging signs. Nevertheless, he stressed that the Government remains fully aware of the challenges posed by Turkey’s stance in recent years and will continue to support the UN-led process through active diplomacy.

A pioneering treatment administered in Cyprus for the first time at the EOKA Fighters’ Melathron marks a new development in the management of Alzheimer’s disease, as it can significantly slow its progression during the early stages.

Details were presented at a press conference by the Melathron’s Scientific Director, neurologist Dr Georgios Kaponides, and neurologist Dr Evgenios Kinnis.

Kinnis said Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 80% of cases. It affects between 5% and 10% of people over the age of 65 and approximately half of those aged over 85.

Around 16,500 people in Cyprus are estimated to have the disease, with the number continuing to rise as life expectancy and awareness of the condition increase, he added.

Kaponides said the new treatment, involving the monoclonal antibody donanemab, was administered for the first time last week to a 72-year-old woman who had been diagnosed at an early stage of the disease.

The patient underwent specialised examinations and received approval from the Pharmaceutical Services to use the medicine, which is not yet available in Cyprus.

‘The treatment is intended for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who have mild cognitive impairment and can follow the very strict protocol required for its proper administration, as there can be serious side effects, such as microhaemorrhages or cerebral oedema,’ he said.

The treatment lasts between 12 and 18 months and is administered intravenously every four weeks, while patients require continuous monitoring through MRI scans, he explained.

Kaponides said the treatment, which has been approved in the European Union and the United States, identifies beta-amyloid plaques, activates the immune system and helps remove them from the brain, significantly slowing the progression of the disease.

‘The important thing is that we now have an effective tool that did not previously exist and the possibility of managing the disease more effectively in people who are at an early stage,’ he said.

He also expressed hope that the treatment would soon be included in Cyprus’ General Healthcare System.

Asked about access to the treatment, Kaponides said interested patients could contact the EOKA Fighters’ Melathron for information and an assessment of whether they meet the criteria for receiving the medicine.

He reiterated that the treatment is not intended for people at an advanced stage of dementia.

The Fire Service made an appeal to the public in a statement issued on Tuesday to exercise particular caution and to completely avoid any actions or activities that could cause a fire, given that current conditions significantly increase the risk of fires breaking out and spreading.

As stated, anyone who notices smoke, a fire or actions that could potentially cause a fire is asked to immediately notify the Fire Service on 112 or the Department of Forests on 1407, whilst at the same time the public is being urged to report immediately to the relevant authorities any suspicious activity or behaviour that could be linked to the starting of a fire.

It is noted that lighting fires, for any reason, in the countryside and in forests is strictly prohibited, as are actions such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce sparks, heat or flames, such as grinders, oxy-acetylene welding and electric welding, as well as the disposal of lit cigarette ends or the lighting of fires, which can easily cause fires with devastating consequences for the environment, property and human lives.

Cooperation and a sense of responsibility on everyone’s part are essential to prevent such unfortunate events, the statement concludes.

Peace is built not only at the negotiating table, but through the hard work of people creating connections, solving practical issues and strengthening cooperation, the UN in Cyprus said following a meeting of the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres with the heads of the Technical Committees.

In a post on X following Guterres’ meeting on Tuesday afternoon with the heads of the bicommunal Technical Committees, which was also attended by the negotiators of the two sides, the United Nations in Cyprus said that ‘peace is built not only at the negotiating table, but through the hard work of people creating connections, solving practical issues and strengthening cooperation’.

‘Today’s exchange with the Technical Committees highlighted the power of inclusive dialogue in advancing peace efforts in Cyprus’, the post said.

The community of Agia Anna awoke on Tuesday to the smell of burning and a blackened landscape after a major wildfire scorched about 120 hectares, threatened residential areas and prompted a large-scale emergency operation in Larnaca district.

Firefighting crews remained in the area throughout the night, dealing with minor flare-ups, while an aircraft continued precautionary patrols over the affected zone. Authorities remained on heightened alert as winds were forecast to strengthen after 10 a.m.

Eleven fire engines, two water tankers and four tracked vehicles remained at the scene, monitoring the perimeter, extinguishing hot spots and reinforcing firebreaks.

The fire broke out at 12:40 p.m. on Monday at the Kalo Chorio firing range during an explosives disposal operation. Strong winds quickly drove the flames beyond the range towards Agia Anna.

The national Ikaros II emergency plan was activated and coordination centres were set up in Agia Anna and at the Zenon crisis management centre.

More than 220 firefighters, forestry personnel, Civil Defence members, National Guard personnel, police officers, volunteers and residents took part in the operation.

Six firefighting aircraft and five helicopters carried out repeated drops, while ground crews used fire engines, water tankers, tractors and tracked vehicles to create firebreaks and contain the blaze.

The most critical moment came when the flames approached the first homes in Agia Anna. Authorities ordered the precautionary evacuation of Agia Anna and later Psevdas, while church bells were rung to warn residents.

Civil Defence evacuated 21 elderly people and people with disabilities to a temporary reception centre in Mosfiloti. A young man who fell from a height while trying to help sustained a leg injury and was taken to Larnaca General Hospital.

The fire was brought under control shortly after 6:30 p.m. and declared fully under control at 7:30 p.m. No lives were lost and no homes were destroyed, although about 120 hectares of mainly low scrub and wild vegetation were burned.

The cause is under investigation, while an administrative inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances in which the fire broke out at the firing range. The incident has also renewed concerns over military activity during the fire season, the maintenance of firebreaks and the effectiveness of public warning systems.

Agia Anna community leader blames Defence Ministry, while wind shift saved nearby villages, Psevdas community leader says

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Agia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou blamed the Defence Ministry for the fire at the Kalo Chorio firing range and its spread towards the community, while Psevdas community leader Giorgos Filippou said a change in wind direction saved nearby villages.

Georgiou said the community was facing extensive environmental damage, although the efforts of firefighters, volunteers and residents had prevented the worst.

He said firebreaks in the area had not been cleared for several years, despite a letter sent by the community to the district administration, the Forestry Department and the Defence Ministry.

‘If they had been cleared, the fire could have been stopped,’ he said.

Georgiou added that the possible relocation of the firing range would be raised with other community councils in the area. He also called for those responsible for authorising activities at the range under the prevailing weather conditions to be held accountable.

Filippou told CNA that the situation was calm on Tuesday, with no further flare-ups and fire engines remaining on standby.

‘If the winds had not changed direction, we would have been facing a very different situation. The fire would have spread to the surrounding villages,’ he said.

He noted that Agia Anna and Psevdas adjoin one another and that residents of both communities own property in the affected area. Much of Psevdas was covered in smoke during the fire, but no homes were damaged.

Kalo Chorio community leader Flourentzos Theodorou told CNA that his community had not been threatened, as the fire started at the far end of the National Guard’s firing range and spread towards Agia Anna, away from the village.

He said no contact had yet been made with the National Guard or the Defence Ministry, but added that a meeting with the Defence Minister would be requested.

Dozens mobilised for safe evacuation of residents from Agia Anna, Civil Defence says

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Dozens of Civil Defence members and volunteers were mobilised under the Polyvios emergency plan to coordinate the evacuation of Agia Anna and Psevdas on Monday.

Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides told CNA on Tuesday that a technical problem caused a two-hour delay in sending the warning message through the CY-Alert early warning system during the wildfire. The cause is being investigated in cooperation with the contractor.

The service was informed at around 3 p.m. that a precautionary evacuation was needed and immediately activated the Polyvios plan.

The two community leaders were asked to alert residents through local communication channels, while first responders, liaison officers and the director of the Larnaca Civil Defence district office were sent to the area.

The operations team at Civil Defence headquarters was also activated, along with the Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia district offices.

A total of 42 Civil Defence members and volunteers assisted with the evacuation and organised the temporary reception centre in Mosfiloti.

Civil Defence said the Polyvios plan had previously been updated in cooperation with local councils, based on conditions in each community, while evacuation exercises had been held in all districts.

It added that the CY-Alert malfunction was being investigated by the contractor’s technicians under the terms of the contract.

There is no alternative to resolving the Cyprus issue, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday evening after a dinner with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman, in Nicosia, expressing hope that Wednesday would bring positive developments.

He also expressed satisfaction with the discussion they had over dinner, saying he was encouraged by the fact that the Secretary-General “is so strongly politically committed to this effort.”

Speaking to journalists after returning to the Presidential Palace, following the dinner held by Guterres for the two leaders at the residence of his special representative in Cyprus at the Nicosia airport in the UN Buffer zone, Christodoulides said the discussion covered ‘all issues’, including the substance of the Cyprus problem, methodology, convergences, a meeting in a broader format, and confidence-building measures.

‘It was a good, open and sincere discussion’, he said, adding that talks would continue Wednesday morning with the aim of securing concrete announcements.

The President expressed satisfaction that Guterres remained ‘politically committed’ to the effort, saying the UN chief had reiterated that commitment during the dinner.

Asked whether differences between the two sides had resurfaced, President Christodoulides said that there had been differing approaches on some issues, but said the discussion had been frank and comprehensive, with arguments and counterarguments exchanged.

‘It was a focused discussion covering the full range of issues because we want the Secretary-General to be in a position to make specific announcements’, he said.

Responding to questions about whether any announcements might concern confidence-building measures, President Christodoulides said the discussions extended well beyond that, covering all aspects of the Cyprus issue.

Asked whether announcements could be expected on all these issues, he replied: ‘That is the goal’.

‘We are approaching these meetings with that objective. I want to remain optimistic that there will be announcements’, he said, adding that Guterres’ intentions were ‘clear’. The President also pointed to growing international engagement, citing both the United Nations and the European Union. He noted that the EU’s Special Representative for Cyprus Raffaele Fitto was due to visit Cyprus in the coming days, adding that the combined international effort was aimed at restarting negotiations from where they left off in 2017, adding that he was ‘ready for all that we discussed to get under way as soon as tomorrow’.

Asked whether he viewed the outcome of Tuesday’s talks positively, the President said he was satisfied with the discussion but preferred to wait until Wednesday before drawing conclusions.

Reflecting on developments since taking office in March 2023, President Christodoulides said there had been significant progress in terms of international interest and the level of engagement on the Cyprus issue.

‘For us, there is no alternative to resolving the Cyprus issue’, he said. ‘We know what we want, we know where we want to end up, we know the tools we are using, and they are producing results. I hope to hear positive developments and positive outcomes from the Secretary-General tomorrow’, he added.

Guterres is to hold a joint meeting with the two leaders at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and is to hold a press conference after the meeting.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. 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.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 28/07/2026 UNTIL 1800 29/07/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1008hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 28°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast to South 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northwest 3 to 4 Slight

South Coast

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, later Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast to East 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4 Slight

East Coast

Night Southwest 4, gradually Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast to East 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4 Slight

North Coast

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, soon near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast to East 4 Slight

Afternoon Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

The Department of Forests has warned the public that the risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading on Tuesday, has been upgraded from ‘Extremely High’ to ‘Red Alert’ level.

In a press release it is emphasised that, in accordance with the Forests Law and the Law on the Prevention and Extinction of Fires in Open Country, causing a fire constitutes an offence punishable by severe penalties.

An appeal is also made to the public to be particularly careful during their outings, completely avoiding any actions or activities that might cause a fire.

In case smoke or a fire is spotted, the public is urged to call 1407 (Forest Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately, the statement concludes.

Commission adopts new guidance to improve companies’ access to Europe’s cutting-edge research and technology infrastructures

The European Commission has adopted new Charter of Access for Industrial Users to Research and Technology Infrastructures, aimed at making it faster and easier for companies to use Europe’s world-class research and innovation facilities. The initiative is designed to help businesses, especially startups, scaleups and small and medium-sized enterprises, gain better access to advanced laboratories, pilot lines, testing environments and large scientific instruments.

By improving access to these services, the new guidelines will help companies develop, test and validate new technologies, products and services more efficiently, enabling them to reach the market more quickly. This is expected to strengthen Europe’s innovation capacity and competitiveness, in line with the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: ‘Innovative companies in Europe need cutting-edge infrastructures to develop and test ideas and bring their innovations to the market more quickly. This new guidance, presented in the form of a Charter, is seeking to reinforce Europe’s research and technology infrastructures by creating better access conditions and tailored services for companies. This accelerates innovation and strengthens Europe’s competitiveness. I invite research and technology infrastructures to endorse the Charter and champion its principles.’

The guidelines set out six key principles for research and technology infrastructures to endorse on a voluntary basis. These principles focus on increasing the visibility and availability of services, ensuring transparency and quality, simplifying contracts and agreements, promoting safe intellectual property management, providing tailored support to companies, and fostering cooperation between infrastructures, including access to data.

The initiative also aims to make Europe a more attractive place for innovators to develop and commercialise breakthrough technologies. By encouraging more visible, accessible and business-friendly services, the Commission hopes to reinforce Europe as a leading destination for industrial innovation.

Research and technology infrastructures across Europe are now invited to endorse the Charter and promote its principles. To support implementation, the Commission has launched an outreach campaign that includes webinars, events and an open repository of good practices. Organisations are also encouraged to share examples of successful approaches through the dedicated website.

More information on the Charter is available online.

(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)

Commission seeks projects to fund under Battery Booster Facility

The European Commission has today launched a call for proposals under the Battery Booster Facility, making available up to pound 1.5 billion in interest-free loans to support battery cell manufacturing projects across the European Economic Area (EEA). The facility is financed through the Innovation Fund, using revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System. Applications can be submitted until 30 September 2026.

The Battery Booster Facility was established in June 2026 as part of the Battery Booster Strategy. It will help to accelerate industrial deployment of batteries, strengthen Europe’s battery manufacturing capacity and support the development of a resilient European battery value chain.

The facility provides interest-free loans to eligible battery cell manufacturing projects during the critical ramp-up phase between pre-series production and full commercial operation. By addressing financing needs at this stage, the facility will help innovative projects scale up production, attract private investment, and bring new manufacturing capacity to Europe faster.

The call is open to eligible battery cell manufacturing projects located in the European Economic Area. Projects have to focus on battery cell manufacturing suitable for electric-vehicle applications, be in the ramp-up phase at the opening of the call, represent the applicant’s first full commercial-scale production project for electric vehicle battery cells globally, and have a planned annual production capacity of at least 10 GWh. Successful applicants can receive interest-free loans covering up to 60% of eligible costs, with a maximum of pound 500 million per project.

Applications will be assessed against the award criteria set out in the call for proposals, including technical and financial maturity, and the project’s added value for the European battery ecosystem.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission seeks feedback on proposed amendments to regional State aid guidelines

The European Commission has launched a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on its proposal to amend the Guidelines on regional State aid to keep them up-to-date. The guidelines set out the legal framework governing the granting of State aid for regional development and territorial cohesion. They aim to promote the economic development of disadvantaged regions in the EU while ensuring a level playing field between Member States.

In this context, the guidelines also lay down criteria Member States should use to identify the areas that can receive regional aid. Those areas are approved by the Commission in regional aid maps. The current regional aid maps expire at the end of 2027.

With the amendments, the Commission proposes the criteria for the identification of the relevant areas for the period 2028-2034.

Interested parties are invited to respond to the public consultation on the draft Guidelines by 30 September 2026. The Commission welcomes feedback from all interested stakeholders, in particular national and regional authorities that grant aid.

Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: ‘Our proposed amendment of the State aid rules for regional aid ensures that support is directed to the regions where it is most needed while ensuring a level playing field in the Single Market. We encourage all interested parties to share their views.’

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission approves pound 149 million Swedish State aid for agricultural, fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices

The European Commission has approved a pound 149 million (SEK 1.6 billion) State aid scheme for agricultural, fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel and fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The aid will take the form of direct grants. The scheme concerns the grant of a limited amount of aid based on the increase of the prices of fuel and fertilisers. The aid intensity corresponds to 85% of the estimated increase in fuel and nitrogen fertiliser costs for agricultural companies and in fuel costs for the fishery and aquaculture companies. The aid will not exceed pound 50,000 per company.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF.

The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission approves changes and budget increase to Spanish State aid scheme for road transport companies facing increased fuel prices

The European Commission has approved the prolongation and modification of a previously approved Spanish State aid scheme to support road transport companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Crisis in the Middle East. The existing scheme was approved on 29 June 2026 under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF).

The scheme, which originally covered the period March to June 2026, will be extended for by three months so it also covers the period July to August 2026. The estimated budget will be increased to pound 703 million. In addition, the aid amounts have been adjusted to take account of the temporary reduction of the national excise duty on hydrocarbons. All other conditions of the initial scheme remain the same.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.2 of the METSAF.

The Commission found that the notified scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the Commission concluded that the prolongation and the amendments have not affected the conclusions set in the initial scheme that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

More information on the METSAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.124070 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission clears acquisition of HUGO BOSS by Frasers

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of HUGO BOSS AG of Germany by Frasers Group plc (‘Frasers’) of the UK.

The transaction relates primarily to the supply and retail of premium apparel, shoes and accessories.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12514.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry- Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschtz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)

Commission clears creation of a joint venture by Brookfield and Lunate

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Brookfield Capital Partners Manager (Bermuda) Ltd. (‘Brookfield’) of Bermuda and Lunate Capital Limited (‘Lunate’) of the UAE.

The transaction relates primarily to residential real estate development projects in the Middle East.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12347.