Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus embarks on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union determined ‘to act as a bridge between member states, between institutions, between ambition and delivery, and between Europe and its wider region,’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Cyprus’ EU Presidency in Nicosia.

Addressing the event, Raouna said Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency ‘with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility,’ noting that while Cyprus is a small island, it carries a big European soul, at a time when Europe stands at a pivotal moment calling for ‘unity, resilience, boldness and confidence in our shared future.’

Referring to Cyprus’s geostrategic position, the Deputy Minister said the island, located at the crossroads of three continents, has for centuries served as a meeting point of peoples, cultures and ideas, and today acts as a bridge between Europe and the wider region of the Middle East and Gulf, as well as ‘the EU’s beacon in the Eastern Mediterranean.’ This lived experience, she said, shapes Cyprus’s Presidency, which is based on dialogue and cooperation, mutual respect, and building bridges.

Raouna noted that the opening of the Presidency through culture was deliberate, stressing that ‘culture is our common language,’ which connects nations, unites citizens and strengthens Europe’s shared home.

Welcoming guests to Nicosia, described as ‘Europe’s last divided capital’ and the Union’s ‘southeastern-most frontier,’ Raouna said that ‘tonight, the heart of our European Union beats louder in Cyprus.’

French company Nexans announced a rescheduling of activities that lead to changes affecting GSI’s delivery date.

In a press release communicated on Tuesday to the French stock market, the company says that it wishes to provide additional clarifications regarding the execution of the Great Sea Interconnector contract.

”Nexans is executing the project in accordance with its contractual obligations, and in line with the milestones defined since 2023. A rescheduling of activities is ongoing with its customer. Nexans is therefore working closely with its customer to evaluate the best available options for a revised execution schedule”, the press release reads.

Nexans adds in the press release that while these changes will affect the project delivery date, ”they will not affect Nexans’ 2028 financial guidance, thanks to the Group’s large backlog and proactive actions to offset any potential impact starting in 2026”.

Nexans will provide its 2026 guidance alongside its full-year 2025 results on 19 February 2026, says the press release, pointing out that it stays committed to executing this project with its customer.

”Beyond the GSI project, Nexans remains highly confident in the strong long-term growth prospects of the PWR-Transmission business, supported by structural trends and a robust and diversified order backlog”, according to the press release.

Julien Hueber, Chief Executive Officer of Nexans, said that the GSI project remains underway ”and we are fully committed to supporting our customer in bringing this critical infrastructure to completion.”

Hueber said that they were managing this situation ”’with strong discipline in their execution,” adding that the mitigating steps starting 2026 in response to external developments ”allow them to stay firmly on track with their financial trajectory as well as with their 2028 guidance.”

”Supported by long-term structural demand and a solid backlog, Nexans’ PWR-Transmission business remains a strong driver of value creation, and we remain resolutely focused on disciplined execution,” the Chief Executive Officer said.

More than 700 kilograms of Late Roman amphora fragments, dozens of painted inscriptions and new evidence for large-scale harbour works linked to the reign of Emperor Justinian are among the highlights of the 2025 archaeological season at Agios Georgios, Pegeia.

The Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture announced the completion of this year’s work by the New York University (NYU) Archaeological Mission, following a six-week program of excavation, survey and study.

Directed by Joan Breton Connelly, Professor of Classics at NYU, the mission focused on the ancient harbour at Maniki and continued surface survey at the ancient necropolis of Pegeia-Meletis. The project brought together an international, multidisciplinary team of scholars and students from NYU, the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Institute.

A key component of the season was the study of amphorae from the Maniki harbour excavations. Professor Stella Demesticha of the University of Cyprus oversaw the identification, classification and quantification of more than 700 kilograms of amphora sherds dating to the 6th century AD. The assemblage is dominated by Late Roman 1 amphorae of local Paphian and Cilician production, alongside imports from Palestine and Gaza. Particularly significant are 68 inscriptions painted in red ink (dipinti), a corpus that remains largely understudied in Cyprus and offers substantial potential for future research.

The amphora sherds were found in a construction fill used to level steep bedrock in order to build harbour installations and piers. These works facilitated the transport of large quantities of Proconnesian marble, including column drums and capitals, destined for basilicas constructed at Cape Drepanum under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD.

Another major focus was the continued study of a rock-cut tomb of Hellenistic and Roman date, discovered by the NYU team in 2018, the Department of Antiquities said.

Ceramic analysis by Professor Jolanta Mlynaczyk of the University of Warsaw indicates use of the tomb from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD. Organic residue analysis of Roman cooking vessels, led by Dr Rebecca Gerdes of Cornell University, aims to shed light on ancient dietary practices and funerary rituals, while Dr Mariusz Burdajewicz documented a rich assemblage of Roman glassware.

Despite extensive looting from antiquity to the 20th century, precious metals were recovered in situ and are now under scientific analysis. Additional studies of human and animal remains point to complex funerary practices involving food offerings and ritual burning.

The season also included further survey of the Meletis Necropolis, oral history interviews with local fishermen, and an exploratory retracing of 19th-century archaeologist David George Hogarth’s route across Cape Drepanum, linking past observations with modern archaeological research.

President von der Leyen travels to the Middle East

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, will be in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon this week. Their visit follows the adoption of the Pact for the Mediterranean in November, promoting cooperation, prosperity and lasting stability in the region.

On Thursday, 7 January, in Amman, they will meet His Majesty King Abdullah II for the first-ever EU-Jordan Summit, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Jordan as a key strategic partner in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The three leaders will take stock of the implementation of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, signed one year ago, and set the priorities for the future.

On Friday, 8 January, Presidents von der Leyen and Costa will travel to Damascus to meet with President al-Sharaa and deepen political ties and economic engagement with the country. The EU remains strongly committed to Syria’s recovery, reconstruction and civil peace.

Later in the day, the two leaders will travel to Beirut to meet with President Aoun and further strengthen the EU-Lebanon partnership, focusing on prosperity, security and stability.

Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS.

(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15; Anouar El Anouni – Tel. +32 2 291 35 80; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33)

Commission awards over 40,000 free DiscoverEU travel passes to young people on the 40th anniversary of Schengen

More than 40,000 18-year-olds will be able to embark on a free rail journey across Europe following their selection in the latest DiscoverEU awards by the European Commission.

On top of the travel pass, participants will benefit from a discount card, offering thousands of reductions on cultural activities, accommodation, local transport, food and other services. DiscoverEU will also contribute to the Culture Compass for Europe through stronger promotion of the DiscoverEU Culture Routes, a collection of European destinations carefully curated for fans of film, fashion, food, fine art and more. Part of their programme will be pre-departure information sessions and DiscoverEU meet-ups. One of those meet-ups will be organised in Lyon (France) in July, in the context of the European Youth Week 2026, focusing on solidarity and fairness. More than 200 young travellers will gather there from all over Europe.

DiscoverEU is a key part of the Erasmus+ programme and fosters youth mobility, eco-friendly travel, cultural exchange, and European unity. This edition also celebrates 40 years of travelling around Europe without borders, following the Schengen agreement.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said: ‘DiscoverEU gives thousands of young Europeans the chance to explore our continent, meet new people and experience the value of free movement first-hand. This special Schengen 40th anniversary edition is a reminder that mobility is a right we cherish; a cornerstone of our shared European identity.’

This round was open to people born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, from both EU Member States and Erasmus+ associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Trkiye) and attracted 246,782 applications. Since 2018, more than 1.9 million young people have applied for 431,931 travel passes. As in past editions, special arrangements will ensure access for travellers from islands, outermost regions or remote areas.

More information on DiscoverEU, including call results per country, is available online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

Robust Security Guarantees for a Solid and Lasting Peace in Ukraine – Statement of the Coalition of the Willing

The members of the Coalition of the Willing, Ukraine and the United States have convened today in Paris.

We all stressed our commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter principles, and welcomed the progress achieved, including in the discussions between the Americans, the Ukrainians, European and other partners.

In particular, the Coalition was clear that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is critically important for ensuring the future of Ukraine’s and Euro-Atlantic collective security. We confirmed that ensuring the sovereignty and lasting security of Ukraine shall be an integral part of a peace agreement, and that any settlement will have to be backed up by robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

We stand ready to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force, in addition to bilateral security agreements and in accordance with our respective legal and constitutional arrangements.

They will include the following components :

Participation in a proposed US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. There will be a continuous, reliable ceasefire monitoring system, including contributions from members of the Coalition of the Willing. The Coalition of the Willing will also be represented in the Special Commission that will be established to address any breaches, attribute responsibility, and determine remedies.

Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine : The Coalition agreed to continue critical long term military assistance and armament to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to ensure their sustained capability, as they will remain the first line of defence and deterrence. This will include but not be limited to : long term defence packages ; support for financing the purchase of weapons ; continued cooperation with Ukraine on its national budget to finance the armed forces ; access to defence depots which can deliver rapid additional support in the case of a future armed attack ; provision of practical and technical support to Ukraine in building defensive fortifications.

A Multinational Force for Ukraine made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition, to support the rebuilding of Ukraine’s armed forces and support deterrence. Coordinated military planning has been conducted to prepare for reassurance measures in the air, at sea and on land and for the regeneration of the armed forces of Ukraine. We confirmed that these reassurance measures should be strictly implemented at Ukraine’s request once a credible cessation of hostilities has taken place. These elements will be European-led, with the involvement also of non-European members of the Coalition, and the proposed support of the US.

Binding commitments to support Ukraine in the case of a future armed attack by Russia in order to restore peace. We agreed to finalise binding commitments setting out our approach to support Ukraine and to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack by Russia. These commitments may include the use of military capabilities, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives, adoption of additional sanctions.

Commitment to deepen long-term defence cooperation with Ukraine. We agreed we would continue to develop and deepen mutually beneficial defence cooperation with Ukraine, inter alia : training, defence industrial joint production, including with the use of European relevant instruments, and intelligence cooperation.

We have further decided to establish a US/Ukraine/Coalition coordination cell at the Coalition Operational Headquarters in Paris.

The goal of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to promote a European Union that combines strategic autonomy with strong international engagement, while defending its interests and citizens and acting as a force for peace, stability and growth, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.

Addressing the official ceremony marking the launch of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, President Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus, situated at the crossroads of three continents and in a region facing multiple challenges, will continue to serve as a reliable bridge between the European Union and the wider region. He said Cyprus would promote dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding, ‘always as part of the solution and never as part of the problem.’

He noted that the Cypriot Presidency will work toward this vision on behalf of the 27 EU member states and the Union’s 450 million citizens. The more united, credible and outward-looking the EU becomes, he said, the more security, stability and prospects it can offer its citizens, with the ultimate goal of ‘greater European integration and more Europe through an autonomous Union that is open to the world.’

The President expressed his pleasure at welcoming guests to the ceremony at ‘the southeasternmost edge of Europe,’ referring to Nicosia as the last divided capital of the continent. ‘A city that embodies what is at stake when it comes to peace, security and European integration,’ he said.

He also spoke of feelings of pride and responsibility, stressing that the Presidency of the Council of the EU is not merely an institutional milestone, but a collective national mission undertaken with full awareness of its significance. ‘Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus, is ready and fully prepared to lead with determination,’ he said.

President Christodoulides outlined Cyprus’s clear vision for the next six months: to translate the EU’s vision and strategic goals into concrete action. He said Cyprus aims to contribute positively, as an honest broker, to safeguarding institutional cohesion and promoting initiatives that will strengthen the European integration process.

‘We must build together, with a strong sense of responsibility, pride and faith in the European project, the future of the EU,’ he said.

Referring to the presence of the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova at the ceremony, President Christodoulides noted the profound positive changes brought about by Cyprus’ accession to the EU, which he said significantly upgraded all aspects of daily life. He stressed the strengthening of Cyprus’ diplomatic and political influence as a key benefit of EU membership, noting that as part of a family of 27 states and nearly half a billion citizens, Cyprus has a stronger voice and an expanded diplomatic footprint.

This, he added, is particularly important for a small country under occupation like Cyprus, which continues to strive for security, reunification and peace, while progressing and developing.

He noted that as an EU member state, Cyprus has successfully overcome serious crises, including the economic crisis of the previous decade and, more recently, the pandemic. Within this context, he said, Cyprus provides unwavering political, economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine, defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

‘This policy will continue and be strengthened during our Presidency,’ he said, stressing that Cyprus knows firsthand what invasion and occupation mean, as well as the realities of refugees, missing persons and violations of fundamental human rights.

President Christodoulides concluded by noting that EU member states can only survive and play a leading role in today’s international environment if they remain united in their diversity and grounded in shared principles and values. The multitude and complexity of current challenges, he said, clearly demonstrate the need for ‘more and stronger Europe.’

He expressed his firm belief that the current climate of geopolitical uncertainty presents an opportunity for the EU to emerge stronger, safer, more united and more strategically autonomous.

As the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus will work actively to ensure that the EU’s support to Ukraine remains strong, united and unwavering, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides has stressed.

On a post on ‘X’ after hosting in Nicosia a quadrilateral meeting with the Presidents of Ukraine, the European Council and the European Commission, the President said that the discussions focused on the latest developments and efforts towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law.

“As the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus will work actively to ensure that the EU’s support to Ukraine remains strong, united and unwavering. Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is a top priority of our Presidency, as we work together for peace, stability and security in Europe” he wrote.

Later on, the President held a bilateral meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. The President wrote that “we look forward to close, productive cooperation during our Presidency, as we advance key EU priorities together, including our support to Ukraine, competitiveness and simplification, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement, and defence and security”.

“We will remain in close coordination also in view of the informal European Council in Cyprus in April. Your upcoming joint visit with President von der Leyen to Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon is of great importance – this is a vital neighbourhood for our Union” he pointed out.

The Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE) and Pixxelspace India Private Limited (Pixxel) have formalised their intention to work together through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across India, the European Union, the MENA region, and additional international markets.

ECoE said in a press release on Wednesday that “both organisations will explore joint activities that support innovation, research engagement, strategic outreach, and market development in areas of mutual interest.”

“ECoE is a leading hub for research, innovation, and Earth observation capabilities, while Pixxel is recognised for its space-based technologies and emerging solutions for commercial and governmental applications,” the press release added.

“This MoU marks an essential step toward strengthening the relationship between the two organisations and advancing joint efforts in strategic areas that contribute to technological progress and international collaboration,” it concluded.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed hope for ‘a lot of steps forward’ during Cyprus’ term at the helm of the Presidency of the Council of EU, in the first half of 2026, addressing the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, during a meeting on Wednesday morning, in Nicosia.

President Christodoulides received Zelensky, who visits Cyprus for the first time, at the Presidential Palace, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Cyprus EU Presidency, due later today. ‘We are very glad to have you on this very important day for Cyprus,’ President Christodoulides said, welcoming the Ukrainian President.

‘It seems that we have a lot of developments, a lot of positive developments, and I am looking forward to our discussion to briefing us on the latest developments and what we can do as a Presidency of the Council of the European Union to support the US and for the international efforts for a peace deal,’ President Christodoulides continued.

On his part, President Zelensky thanked his Cypriot counterpart for the invitation and added that he is very happy to be in Cyprus for the first time, while congratulating the President of the Republic for the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

‘I think this is so important,’ Zelensky noted, expressing hope that during the Cyprus EU Presidency there will be ‘a lot of steps forward’ closer to the EU. He also thanked President Christodoulides for ‘the humanitarian support especially during this war, during Russia’s attack,’ as he said.

Concluding, Zelensky said that he will brief Christodoulides on the meetings he had with the US and the European partners.

After the meeting, President Christodoulides noted in a post on X that he had a ‘fruitful meeting with President Zelensky’ weeks after his visit to Kyiv and added that ‘Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’

‘As a country that still lives with the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing military occupation, we fully understand what is at stake,’ the President continued and reaffirmed that Ukraine will be a central priority of the Cyprus Presidency and ‘will work to ensure sustained support at all levels.’

‘We stand firmly with you as you work for a just and lasting peace, firmly rooted on the UN Charter and fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ he concluded.

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 UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus and head of the international organization’s peacekeeping force on the island (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, is in New York for contacts at the UN headquarters and to brief the UN Security Council, CNA has learnt.

Diagne, according to information, is expected to brief this week the representatives of the troop and police contributing countries.

On January 15, he is expected to brief the UN Security Council based on the latest reports of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on his mission of Good Offices in Cyprus and UNFICYP.

The same sources told CNA that Diagne is to also have meetings with the UN Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

On January 29, the Security Council will vote on the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate for another year.

In the meantime, according to the Security Council January Forecast, based on a report in line with the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative, on proposed structural and programme realignments for the Office of the Special Adviser on Cyprus, the proposed 2026 programme budget reflects a reduction of $1.2 million (37.7%) for the Office, including the proposed abolishment of eight posts, among them the Special Adviser at the Under-Secretary-General level. The elimination of the Special Adviser post is attributed to the absence of formal negotiations since 2017 and the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus to follow up on initiatives agreed in Geneva in March 2025, it said.

Competent sources noted that the Special Adviser post has been vacant since Espen Barth Eide left (in 2017). The same sources said that the elimination of seven civilian posts in the Good Offices is expected, staff currently offering administrative support to Technical Committees and arranging meetings and contacts, expressing concern about the Office’s activity.

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.

Heads of European institutions, leaders and representatives of states and governments as well as representatives of other organisations and bodies will attend the opening ceremony of the Cyprus EU Presidency Wednesday, at the Cyprus Theatre Organization building in Nicosia.

In statements in Paphos on Tuesday, President Nikos Christodoulides referred to the official opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU as “a moment of pride for our country.”

He referred to developments and challenges, with Nicosia at the EU’s helm and expressed his certainty that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will fulfill its obligations to strengthen the autonomy of the EU and promote European integration.

A press release issued by the EU Secretariat says that the Ceremony will be attended by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Court of Auditors Tony Murphy, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Moldova Maia Sandu, the President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid, the President of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, will be represented at a ministerial level.

The ceremony, starting at 6:30 pm (local time), will include speeches to be followed by an artistic performance in three acts, directed by Costas Silvestros.

The performance titled ‘MEMORY – PRESENT – FUTURE’ will combine music, dance, theater, image, poetry and digital technologies.

It will narrate the history of Cyprus through the centuries, highlighting its culture as an integral part of European civilization.

Over 100 Cypriot artists and cultural professionals contributed to the performance.

The ceremony will be broadcasted live by public boadcaster CyBC 1 and CyBC HD as well as EBS.

President Nikos Christodoulides will host an official dinner for the heads of the 14 official delegations, at the Leventis Gallery.

Cyprus an EU member since 2004, assumed the EU Council Presidency for the second time, January 1st.

Meetings and contacts in framework of ceremony

President Nikos Christodoulides will hold bilateral meetings with heads of EU institutions, heads of state or their representatives, and other foreign officials, in the context of working visits to Cyprus by high-level guests attending the Opening Ceremony.

As announced by the Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, a joint meeting between Cyprus President, the heads of the European Commission and the European Council and Ukrainian President will take place today.

President Christodoulides will also have bilateral talks with the President of the European Council and Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of the Republic will also meet the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun and Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum, who will represent the Egyptian President at the opening ceremony.

Tight security measures are in place for the opening ceremony.