Category: Cyprus News Agency

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 21/01/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Highest

Lowest

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Nicosia (Athalassa)

12 (12.1)

1 (0.7)

49

Larnaka Airport

15 (14.8)

4 (3.5)

50

Limassol (New Port)

14 (13.5)

3 (3.4)

56

Limassol Garden

13,1

2,2

Pafos Airport

15 (14.6)

5 (4.8)

42

Frenaros

13 (13.1)

2 (2.2)

53

Prodromos

3 (2.5)

-3 (-3.3)

65

Polis Pafos

15 (15.2)

3 (2.6)

37

The view that the renewal of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is going to be possible “without much difficulty” was expressed by a French diplomatic source, who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency in New York about the relevant consultations at the Security Council, while adding that the renewal is important. Highlighting a “new political situation” on the island, the same source said that the Secretary General has all authority to seek “whatever progress is possible” in relation to a Cyprus settlement.

‘I think that the renewal is going to be possible without much difficulty, which for us is important, because UNFICYP is indeed providing a non-conflictual environment to the two sides for many years’ a French diplomatic source told to CNA.

For France the renewal of the UNFICYP is important, it was added.

The same source said that ‘we noted with interest the result of the ‘elections’ in the Turkish Cypriot part of the island, and we believe that the UN has to grasp this opportunity for renewing the political dialogue between the two sides with the special Good Offices power that have been given to the Secretary General many years ago.’

Paris considers ‘that when you have Confidence Building Measures going on, it is more easy to have talks.’

‘We believe that the Secretary General has all authority to seek whatever progress is possible, given the new political situation, with a new Turkish Cypriot leader [Tufan Erhurman], who is supposedly more open to the bizonal bicommunal solution, and a deeply committed Cyprus President [Nikos Christodoulides] who wants to overcome this decade-long conflict” and work for “a lasting solution in Cyprus’ the French diplomatic source noted.

‘So we have to be dynamic in order to push for renewed discussions between the two sides’ said the same source.

Most of UNSC member-states during closed consultations affirmed UNFICYP’s crucial role in the island and expressed satisfaction about the intensification of the dialogue between the two sides, CNA learns. Moreover, some UNSC member-states underscored the importance of avoiding unilateral actions.

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

MEETING DATE: 21/01/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

383.318,57

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

172,250

-0,650

277.317,090

MAIN MARKET INDEX

230,660

-0,470

240.626,580

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.028,520

-1,250

27.049,450

CSE GENERAL INDEX

287,550

-0,410

376.703,990

HOTELS INDEX

2.057,140

-0,470

540,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.939,910

-0,350

141.122,540

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

Administrative fines totaling pound 2.3 million were imposed in 2025 by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) as a result of its supervisory inspections, CySEC Chairman George Theocharides said at a press conference on Wednesday, presenting the Commission’s annual review.

Specifically, CySEC conducted approximately 600 on-site and off-site inspections of Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), as well as extensive reviews of asset managers and collective investment entities, issuers, and market infrastructures.

According to Theocharides, supervision focused on professional conduct, sustainability risks, data quality, capital adequacy, and compliance with the MiFID II, DORA, and MiCA, as well as emerging challenges such as the promotion of investment products through “finfluencers”.

In addition, he noted that special attention was given on preventing money laundering, with 43 thematic inspections and enhanced monitoring of compliance with EU restrictive measures, especially those related to Russia.

As a result of these inspections, administrative fines amounting to pound 2.3 million were imposed, while over the past three years total fines reached pound 7.3 million. Beyond the administrative sanctions imposed, Theocharides stated that corrective actions were requested in over 170 cases, four licenses were revoked, and five suspensions of securities trading were carried out on the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE). In addition, two cases were referred to the Police, five to the Attorney General, and two to MOKAS (Cyprus Financial Intelligence Unit).

CySEC also issued dozens of warnings to alert the investing public regarding unlicensed online entities and strengthened public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting citizens from digital fraud.

According to CySEC’s Chairman, “despite the difficult economic environment, mainly due to external factors,” the number of supervised entities recorded an increase of 2.53% over the past five years (2020-2025), which, as he noted, “is an indication that Cyprus continues to offer substantial advantages as an investment destination.”

Specifically, 47 new licenses were approved in 2025. Of these, 26 operate in collective investments, 12 in the provision of investment services, 8 in crypto-asset services, and one in the provision of administrative services.

At the end of 2025, the total number of supervised entities reached 808, while a further 61 license applications are under evaluation. Assets under management in collective investment schemes amounted to pound 11.4 billion, ‘with a significant portion invested in the Cypriot economy,’ he said.

CySEC’s active role during the EU Presidency

————–

The Chairman of the Commission highlighted the active role CySEC will play during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU. As he noted, preparation for the Presidency was a key priority for the Commission throughout 2025, with more than 15 CySEC staff members appointed as experts on important legislative proposals.

Specifically, he said, CySEC is actively involved in the Market Infrastructure Package, the Retail Investment Strategy, and the revision of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

At the same time, CySEC is responsible for hosting the meetings of the ESMA Management Board and the ESMA Board of Supervisors in April 2026.

‘CySEC sees the Cyprus’ Presidency as another opportunity to make a substantive contribution to the European dialogue in shaping a modern, reliable, and resilient framework for the EU capital markets,’ Theocharides added.

In conclusion, Theocharides said that Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, significant regulatory reforms at the European level, and the acceleration of digital transformation ‘make the coming period particularly demanding. CySEC remains fully committed to its mission of protecting investors, ensuring the smooth functioning of the market, and supporting the sustainable development of the investment sector.’

Finally, he stressed that accountability and transparency are core pillars of CySEC’s operations. ‘We are committed to continuing with the same responsibility and dedication in the years ahead,’ he noted.

The PLANBEE project (Promoting Local Apiary Networks and Bee Entrepreneurial Excellence) is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for its official Launch Conference, entitled ‘From Hives to Horizons: Building a Sustainable Bee Economy in Jordan’, taking place on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, from 09:00 to 13:00 (Cyprus time), in Amman, Jordan, with the option to participate online.

Interested participants are invited to register through this official registration form.

The Conference Agenda is also now available and can be accessed here:

https://bit.ly/4sW0Srh.

The conference will bring together policymakers, beekeepers, researchers, environmental organisations, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders and civil society representatives to explore how the Bee Economy can drive sustainable rural development, biodiversity protection, women’s entrepreneurship and innovative apitourism models.

The programme will open with welcome remarks from Jordanian national authorities and representatives of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the PLANBEE project by its Coordinator, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, outlining the project’s vision, activities and expected impact across six Mediterranean countries.

Key sessions of the conference will include expert insights and a high-level panel discussion focusing on:

Flora, climate and biodiversity as key determinants of honey quality, authenticity and branding

MED Queens, highlighting the role of women bee entrepreneurs in strengthening local and Mediterranean bee economies

Apitourism, showcasing how HoneyBeeRoutes and community-led experiences can diversify rural incomes, building on lessons from the MedBEESinessHubs project

The event will conclude with a networking lunch, offering participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore future cooperation in the Bee Economy.

The conference will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Arabic.

Co-funded 89% by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, PLANBEE has a total budget of EUR 2,807,656, with an EU contribution of EUR 2,498,813.84, and is implemented by seven partners from Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

There’s no Plan B for the planet – only PLANBEE.

For further information, please contact:

Demetra Palaonda, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry

From December 10, 2025 until January 20, 2026, 164 deportations of foreigners from detention centers and the Central Prison have taken place, government sources have told CNA.

They noted that operations to identify illegal immigrants and the flexible management for the decongestion of the Nicosia Central Prisons continue at an intensive pace throughout Cyprus and that a decision that is being coordinated with priority by the Government to address the overcrowding in prisons, along with effective control of illegal immigration, is yielding significant results.

From December 10, 2025 until the 20th of January 2026, 164 foreigners were deported from detention centers and the Central Jail, while there were 450 voluntary departures and 29 other voluntary departures (people who were illegally in the Republic of Cyprus and chose to leave voluntarily) thus 643 people.

It is recalled that the President of the Republic had announced the intention to implement measures in January and that consultations had taken place between the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Deputy Ministry of Immigration, for the implementation of mechanisms that will enhance voluntary returns, including the possible release of approximately 100 prisoners who have been convicted of non-serious offenses and are foreigners, with respect of the legal and humanitarian frameworks, the same sources said.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 21/01/2026 UNTIL 1800 22/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1022hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area and weak low pressure is expected tomorrow. The weather will be mainly cloudy at times by medium and high cloud with isolated showers from tonight. Low concentrations of dust in suspension.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 18°C

Warnings: WARNING NR: 9 VALID FROM: 210900 LT VALID TO: 212100 LT STRONG AND AT TIMES UP TO NEAR GALE NORTHEASTERLY TO SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS FORCE 6 BEAUFORT AND AT TIMES UP TO 7 BEAUFORT WILL BE AFFECTING THE WESTERN, THE NORTHERN AND LOCALLY THE SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS . THE STATE OF SEA WILL BE UP TO MODERATE AND LATER MODERATE TO ROUGH AND LOCALLY OVER THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN COASTAL AREAS ROUGH.

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Morning East to Southeast 5 to 6, locally 6 to 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon East to Southeast 5 to 6, locally 6 to 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

South Coast

Night Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Morning Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 to 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

East Coast

Night Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Morning Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

North Coast

Night Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Morning Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 to 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Afternoon Northeast to East 5 to 6, locally 6 to 7 Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Time of issue: 1700

Date: 21/01/2026

The issuance of a new pound 1 billion 10-year bond by the Republic of Cyprus was completed successfully on Wednesday, as investor interest surged to record levels, with total bids reaching pound 16.5 billion, the highest amount ever recorded for a Cypriot sovereign debt issuance.

According to a press release by the Public Debt Management Office of the Ministry of Finance, the final yield was set at 3.25%, while the spread over mid-swap rates narrowed to 44 basis points, marking a historic low and confirming the strong confidence of the markets in the Cypriot economy.

As noted in the announcement, this outcome reflects the government’s sound economic policy, which creates conditions of economic stability and security for investors.

It is further stated that fiscal discipline and the resilient fundamentals of the Cypriot economy have led to this very positive result, contributing to a reduction in the state’s borrowing costs and ensuring uninterrupted access to international financial markets.

According to the announcement, ‘the prudent fiscal and macroeconomic policy pursued by the government, with an emphasis on stability- and growth-enhancing measures, is expected to lead to similar or even better outcomes in the future’.

In a written statement, Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos expressed his full satisfaction with the strong success of the issuance, noting that investor interest was exceptionally high and far exceeded the amount sought by the Republic.

‘The distinguished success of today’s issuance reflects the confidence shown by the markets in the Cypriot economy, as a result of the rational economic policy pursued by the government, which is based on fiscal discipline and development-oriented practices, as well as the dynamism and resilience demonstrated by the Cypriot economy in an international environment marked by serious challenges and uncertainties,’ he said.

Guided by fiscal discipline and financial stability, the Minister added, the government will continue to implement its economic policy aimed at sustained, stable and sustainable growth, creating attractive conditions for foreign and domestic investment, while focusing on the continued reduction of public debt as a percentage of GDP. This, he noted, allows for greater fiscal space to deepen the government’s social policy for the benefit of lower- and middle-income groups.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, participated on Wednesday in a video conference of the European People’s Party in view of the extraordinary European Council that has been convened for Thursday.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis wrote on ‘X’ that the extraordinary European Council will take place in Brussels on Thursday focusing on the exchange of views on the latest developments regarding the transatlantic relations.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides described the successful issuance of the Republic of Cyprus’ 10-year bond as a vote of confidence by international markets in the Cypriot economy and the country.

‘The 16-fold oversubscription of the Republic of Cyprus’s bond issuance, with bids of pound 16.5 billion for a pound 1 billion issue, constitutes a strong vote of confidence by international markets in the Cypriot economy and our country,’ the President said in a post on X.

He further noted that the estimated growth rate of 3.1% in 2026 – among the highest in the euro area – near full employment with unemployment at 4.6%, strong fiscal surpluses and the steady reduction of public debt are real and measurable indicators that confirm the credibility, stability and responsible economic policy of the Government, which inspires confidence and strengthens the country’s international standing.