Category: Cyprus News Agency

The match between Omonia Aradippou and Enosis Neon Paralimniou (ENP) concludes on Monday Match Day 18 of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 at the “Antonis Papadopoulos” Stadium.

On Sunday night, Apollon defeated APOEL 2-1 at the Alphamega Stadium in the Match Day’s top clash.

In summary, the results of the 18th round are as follows: Ethnikos Achnas – Aris 0-3, Akritas Chlorakas – AEL 0-2, Olympiakos – Paphos FC 2-0, Omonia – Anorthosis 2-0, AEK – Krasava Ypsonas 2-1, Apollon – APOEL 2-1.

Standings: Omonia 42 points, Paphos FC 37 (17 matches), Aris 37, AEK 37, Apollon 33, APOEL 32 (17 matches), AEL 27, Olympiakos 20, Akritas Chlorakas 19, Omonia Aradippou 17 (17 matches), Anorthosis 17, Ethnikos Achnas 14, Krasava Ypsonas 14, ENP 1 (17 matches).

President Nikos Christodoulides who is addressing on Tuesday the plenary of the European Parliament is expected to speak to MEPs about the need for the EU to be powerful and cohesive at home, as well as to showcase the close cooperation the Cyprus EU Presidency will have with the European Parliament as a substantive condition to promote important European policies and legislative initiatives, reliable sources have said.

President Christodoulides’ speech, they note, will refer ‘to the European responsibility the Republic of Cyprus is undertaking as the most southeastern part of Europe and as the only European capital which continues to be under illegal occupation, with an emphasis on a Europe which will enhance its strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness in an environment of increased geopolitical challenges.’

The President is expected to focus, they add, on the fact that a truly autonomous Europe ‘must be powerful and cohesive from within, able to protect its citizens, borders and interests and at the same time be outward looking, create alliances and cooperations from a position of credibility, and having as compass principles, international law, dialogue and diplomacy.’

In this context, they continue, the President is expected to underline that a commitment to international law, the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states are a prerequisite for the Union’s security, stability and cohesion, in the same spirit of continued and resolute support of the EU towards Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

The same sources say that the President is expected to present five interconnected pillars regarding security and defence, competitiveness, external affairs, social cohesion and economy.

The President is expected to place emphasis ‘in showcasing the close cooperation the Cypriot Presidency will have with the European Parliament, as a substantive condition in promoting important European policies and legislative folders,’ the sources note.

The same sources also refer to the fact that during his visit the President will open together with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola an exhibition by the Press and Information Office entitled ‘Myths of Cyprus’, ‘as a reminder that the European political identity is founded both on common values as well as on the culture of the peoples of Europe.’

Everyone’s primary objective is the convening of an informal meeting on the Cyprus issue, President Nikos Christodoulides said Monday.

In statements to journalists on arrival at an event in Nicosia, and asked to comment on indications that the prospect of a five-party meeting on the Cyprus issue appears to be receding, the President said: ‘I do not want to predetermine the outcome of Ms (María Ángela) Holguín’s visit’. He noted that Holguin, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy on Cyprus, is expected to arrive in Nicosia before the end of the month, and that, prior to her arrival, she is to meet with several parties involved and interested in the Cyprus issue in various capitals. ‘This is important. The primary objective of all sides is for this informal meeting in a broader format to be convened’, he said.

The President urged everyone to wait until Holguin’s arrival and for the results of her contacts abroad, ‘and then we will see how things stand,’ he noted, stressing that ‘our own wish – and I can state this with certainty – is for this meeting in a broader format to be convened as soon as possible, leading to an announcement on the resumption of substantive talks.’

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.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process, in cooperation with Holguín.

Cyprus’ financial services landscape has changed markedly over the past decade, Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus Christodoulos Patsalides said on Monday in his opening remarks at the 13th Banking, Payments and Fintech Forum and EXPO in Nicosia.

Noting that Cyprus domestic economy continues to perform robustly, he said that growth remains significantly above the euro area average at around 3.5%, supported by services, tourism, and professional activities, while public debt is on a downward trajectory, and labour market conditions remain favourable and close to full employment.

“The Cypriot banking sector stands as a pillar of resilience and an enabler of growth. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is roughly ten percentage points above the euro area average, and liquidity ranks among the strongest in Europe” he stressed.

Moreover, the Governor said that in line with European trends, our financial services landscape has changed markedly over the past decade.

“Alongside traditional institutions, Cyprus now hosts a growing community of digital payment players, such as Electronic Money Institutions and Payment Institutions, although most of this business is conducted outside Cyprus”.

Referring to AI, he said that recent surveys indicate that more than 70% of financial institutions globally are already using, piloting, or exploring AI-based applications-from customer interaction and credit assessment to fraud detection, trading, and risk management.

“While these technologies offer significant efficiency gains and analytical power, their impact is profound: they challenge existing business models, introduce new operational and model risks, and increase dependencies on data and third-party providers” he noted.

Innovation, he continued, must be embraced, but always anchored in sound risk management, strong governance, and a clear commitment to financial stability.

“In a world defined by rapid technological transformation and heightened global risk, maintaining trust in money and in financial institutions is paramount. The Central Bank of Cyprus, as a member of the Eurosystem, remains fully committed to this objective-working with European partners to support a resilient, innovative, and inclusive financial system” the Governor underlined.

Referring to the European Central Bank’s Financial Stability Review of November 2025 he said it underscores that financial stability risks remain elevated, although broadly contained. Despite the challenges, he added, the European economy has demonstrated resilience and similarly, euro area banks have shown resilience to recent shocks amid strong profitability and ample capital and liquidity buffers.

The Governor noted that the European banking sector is undergoing profound transformation and that technology, is the primary driver of change.

“Digital banks are gaining market share, while innovation is revolutionising payments through the utilization of new technologies” he said, adding that within this evolving payments ecosystem, the introduction of the digital euro represents an important strategic response.

Europe’s digital currency, he went on to say, aims to preserve public access to central bank money in digital form, support Europe’s monetary sovereignty, enhance resilience in retail payments and foster innovation while maintaining high standards of privacy and security. Importantly, the digital euro is designed to complement, not replace, cash and private payment solutions.

“In this context, it is essential for the financial industry to remain well informed, to engage proactively, and to navigate effectively the changes ushered in by new technologies” the Governor concluded.

The members of the European Parliament will be briefed on Tuesday by President Nikos Christodoulides on Cyprus’ political footprint during its six-month Presidency term which began on January 1st.

President Christodoulides departs on Monday afternoon for Strasbourg, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement, adding that the President will present the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency, under the central title “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World”, with an emphasis on an EU that wishes to strengthen its strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness in an environment of increased geopolitical challenges.

As the Spokesperson said, the President’s presentation will be based on the responsibility assumed by the Republic of Cyprus, as the southeasternmost tip of the Union and as the only European capital that is still under illegal occupation.

The President, he adds, will underline that adherence to international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, particularly in light of recent developments at European and international level, and safeguarding of fundamental European values is not an option but a prerequisite for the security, stability and cohesion of the EU, as the above are implemented in the framework of EU’s firm and unwavering support for Ukraine in light of Russia’s invasion and violation of international law and as an expression of European credibility and collective responsibility towards peace and international legality.

President Christodoulides will also place special emphasis on Cyprus’ role as a bridge between the European Union and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, highlighting the need for a more active, coherent and strategic European presence in the region, for the benefit of stability, peace and regional cooperation.

At the same time, the Spokesperson says, the importance of strengthening European competitiveness through investment in innovation, research, energy security, digital technology and the green transition will be highlighted, so that Europe remains economically strong, socially fair and geopolitically credible.

The President will also highlight the importance of protecting the Union’s external borders with full respect for the rule of law and human rights, as well as the need to accelerate the green and digital transition, with social justice and with real benefit for citizens, which are key pillars for a resilient, secure and globally competitive Europe.

The President of the Republic will receive comments and questions from MEPs and then will hold a joint press conference with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

He will also have a bilateral meeting with Metsola focusing on the close cooperation of the institutions during the Cyprus Presidency and the effective promotion of the priorities of the European agenda.

The President of the Republic and the EP President will also inaugurate the exhibition by Cyprus’ Press and Information Office titled ‘Myths of Cyprus’, a cultural initiative that highlights the historical path and cultural identity of Cyprus in Europe, underlining that the European political identity is founded on both the values and the culture of its peoples.

President Christodoulides returns home on January 20.

This is the second time Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, assumes the EU Presidency. The first time was in 2012.

Opening remarks of the Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus at the 13th Banking, Payments and Fintech Forum and EXPO, 19 January 2026, Hilton Nicosia Hotel

Monday, 19 January 2026

For the Governor’s opening remarks please click here.

The strengthening of Cyprus-Egypt cooperation, with a focus on energy and regional coordination, was at the centre of the visit that Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos paid to Cairo, during his first bilateral visit for 2026. Kombos also took part in the Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kombos, who flew to Egypt on Saturday, held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty. Discussions focused on further enhancing bilateral relations within the framework of the Cyprus-Egypt strategic partnership, preparations for the next Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit, expected to take place in Cyprus in 2026, as well as cooperation in the energy sector.

Kombos briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the priorities of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the current semester and on developments in the Cyprus problem. Views were also exchanged on EU-Egypt relations and on broader regional developments.

Within the framework of the Trilateral Meeting of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, the three Foreign Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of common interest, ahead of the 11th Trilateral Summit at Leaders’ level, which is expected to be hosted by Cyprus in 2026. The Ministers also exchanged views on current regional developments, with a focus on the Middle East, as well as on issues related to EU-Egypt relations.

Following the conclusion of the trilateral meeting, the Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said that trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, since the inaugural summit in Cairo in 2014, ‘has proven its strength and resilience,’ adding that it ‘has become a model for similar cooperative initiatives in our region.’

‘The cooperation is deeply rooted in the history of our neighbouring countries, actively shapes the present and is particularly promising for the future,’ Gerapetritis noted, stressing that a critical factor for the success of the trilateral partnership is the shared understanding of regional and international relations among the three countries.

He also underlined that the commitment to international law was reaffirmed, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

‘We favour diplomacy over war and promote stability in the region instead of chaos. We believe in cooperation and understanding, avoiding hatred and division. We envision the Mediterranean not as a region condemned to conflict, but as a region of peaceful coexistence for all its peoples and future generations,’ Gerapetritis said.

During the meeting, discussions focused on developments in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Gaza and the West Bank, as well as on Syria, Yemen, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Iran and Libya.

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 Construction Materials Price Index recorded an annual increase of 1.54% in December 2025, compared with the corresponding month of 2024, according to data released on Monday by the Statistical Service.

On a monthly basis, the index stood at 118.74 points (with 2021=100), posting a marginal rise of 0.10%, compared with November 2025.

By main product category, increases were recorded in minerals (up 3.38%), mineral products (up 2.62%), electromechanical items (up 2.23%), and wood products, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics (up 1.33%). In contrast, prices of metal products declined by 0.54%.

Cypriot MEP, Geadis Geadi (ELAM – ECR) raised on Monday, at the European Parliament Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the issue of incidents against Greek Cypriot farmers by Turkish soldiers in the Buffer Zone.

He said that the incidents took place the village of Denia and then in the village of Mammari, where Turkish soldiers and the occupation authorities threw stones at farmers. ‘It was fortunate that there were no deaths,’ he said.

‘In the village of Avlona, they advanced into the buffer zone,’ he added. Geadis stressed the need for an immediate reaction from the European Parliament, saying that ‘I have called for the adoption of a condemnation resolution in the February Plenary and I hope that everyone will rise to the occasion before we have to mourn the victims,’ while calling for support from all political groups.

‘Greenland is not for sale, as the president [Roberta Metsola] said, and we must send the same message that Cyprus is not for sale either,’ he concluded.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will be addressing the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on Tuesday, presenting the Cyprus EU Council Presidency priorities.

European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, will greet President Christodoulides upon his arrival at the European Parliament, and they will have a bilateral meeting at 10:00 local time, according to her agenda.

The President will then address the European Parliament plenary and will present to MEPs the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities.

Presidents Metsola and Christodoulides will then give a press conference.

During his visit, President Christodoulides will also inaugurate a photographic exhibition of the Press and Information Office at the European Parliament.