Category: Cyprus News Agency

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 27/07/2026 UNTIL 1200 28/07/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

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

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

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally West 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally at first Northwest 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3, locally Variable Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, locally South to Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, initially Southwest Smooth to Slight

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to South Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3, locally Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

The transformation of Nicosia’s Old Municipal Market into a state-of-the-art Research and Innovation Centre, now home to the CYENS Centre of Excellence, has been selected among the 25 best EU Cohesion Policy projects for 2026.

According to the Directorate General for Growth of the Ministry of Finance, the project, implemented under the THALIA 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme with co-financing from the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus and the Nicosia Municipality, has reached the final stage of the REGIOSTARS Awards 2026.

Officially named CYENS Hub Nicosia, the project was chosen from 274 submissions across Europe and is competing in the category “A Competitive and Smart Europe”. Finalists will present their projects during the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels on October 13, with the winners announced the following day.

The Ministry described the nomination as significant European recognition for a project that successfully combines heritage preservation, urban regeneration, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

With an investment of pound 7.8 million, the historic market has been transformed into a modern innovation hub while preserving its architectural heritage. Today, it houses research laboratories, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms, multimedia studios, demonstration facilities and specialized infrastructure supporting research, technology development and innovative start-ups.

The project forms part of Nicosia’s Integrated Urban Development Strategy and demonstrates how EU Cohesion Policy investments can link cultural heritage protection with sustainable urban development and economic growth.

Officials said the investment has strengthened Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem, expanded CYENS’ activities and fostered collaboration among researchers, universities, businesses and the wider community. It has also contributed to job creation, attracted businesses and researchers, and reinforced the regeneration of Nicosia’s historic walled city.

CNA/MC/EC/EPH/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Both deposits and loans recorded a net monthly increase in June 2026, according to statistics published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Monday.

Total deposits in June 2026 recorded a net increase of pound 601.2 million, compared with a net increase of pound 343.8 million in May 2026. The annual growth rate of total deposits stood at 5%, compared with 5.1% in May 2026. The outstanding amount of total deposits reached pound 58.7 billion in June 2026.

Deposits of Cyprus residents exhibited an increase of pound 626.2 million. More analytically, deposits of households and non-financial corporations increased by pound 49.7 million and pound 480.3 million respectively. Deposits of the remaining domestic sectors exhibited a total increase of pound 96.2 million.

According to the CBC, total loans in June 2026 recorded a net increase of pound 499.4 million, compared with a net increase of pound 260.3 million in May 2026. The annual growth rate of total loans stood at 11.6%, compared with 12.6% in May 2026. The outstanding amount of total loans reached pound 28.6 billion in June 2026.

Loans to Cyprus residents exhibited an increase of pound 213.7 million. More analytically, loans to households and non-financial corporations increased by pound 131.4 million and pound 90.1 million respectively. Loans to the remaining domestic sectors exhibited a total decrease of pound 7.8 million.

CNA/MCH/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Press Release

University of Nicosia and NEOLAiA – Innovative Programme in Global Health

Rector Pouyioutas: “The distinctive advantages of this 3-year programme, which incorporates mobility to up to two other European countries, make it an exceptionally attractive study option”

The University of Nicosia is proud to announce the accreditation and launch of the new, innovative, English-taught joint three-year Bachelor’s degree programme, ‘Science, Management and Politics in Global Health’ (BSc), developed within the framework of the NEOLAiA European University Alliance.

The programme leads to a single joint award title issued by the University of Nicosia and two other universities, the University of Jaén (Spain) and the University of Salerno (Italy), where students will spend their third year of studies. Another mobility option during the 3rd year of study is the Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences (Lithuania).

During the 1st semester of their 3rd year of studies and depending on the mobility placement and host country/university they choose, students will specialise in one of the following areas: (1) Data Analysis for Global Health, (2) Information and Communication in Global Health, and (3) Management of Global Health.

The programme has been accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) and is recognised by the respective quality assurance authorities of the partner institutions’ countries, ensuring high academic standards and international recognition of the awarded degree title. The programme will commence in the Fall Semester of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University of Nicosia, expressed his excitement for the new programme: “This new joint and interdisciplinary programme reflects the shared vision of the University of Nicosia and the NEOLAiA Alliance to develop innovative European study programmes that combine academic excellence, international experience, and meaningful societal impact. Graduates of the programme will be well prepared for careers in international organisations, public health agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), policy-making bodies, healthcare enterprises, and research centres, but also for pursuing postgraduate and doctoral degree studies. The distinctive advantages of this 3-year programme, which incorporates mobility to up to two other European countries, make it an exceptionally attractive study option”.

Academic Milestone, Innovation and Key Advantages of the Joint 3-year Degree Programme

The programme represents a significant milestone in the University of Nicosia’s academic development and international engagement, offering a range of distinctive features.

It is the University of Nicosia’s 11th joint degree programme and its 1st joint undergraduate degree programme.

It is the 1st joint degree programme developed within the framework of the NEOLAiA European University Alliance.

It is an interdisciplinary three-year programme (180 ECTS), delivered in English.

It offers lower overall tuition fees because of its three-year duration.

It includes compulsory international mobility, with the third year of studies taking place in one or two of the following countries: Spain, Italy, and Lithuania, providing students with valuable academic, professional, and intercultural experience.

It financially supports the mobility with a grant at a level equivalent to Erasmus+ funding (covering travel and accommodation expenses in the host country).

It includes an internship in Spain, Italy, or Lithuania.

It provides students with the opportunity to learn the language of the host country during their mobility period while enhancing their linguistic and intercultural competencies.

It strengthens graduates’ international outlook and competitiveness in both the European and global labour markets.

During the online ceremony held in March 2026 to sign the joint programme agreement, the following statements were made:

Virgilio D’Antonio, Rector of the University of Salerno: ‘This Joint Bachelor’s Degree represents an added value both for the Alliance and for the community at the University of Salerno. It demonstrates the transformative power of internationalisation and interdisciplinarity in addressing complex global challenges’.

Nicolás Ruiz Reyes, Rector of the University of Jaén: ‘This Joint Degree opens an unprecedented door to global education, where structural mobility and international collaboration become the very essence of learning’.

Philippos Pouyioutas, Rector of the University of Nicosia: ‘We are very proud that within NEOLAiA we will now launch our first Joint Bachelor’s Programme. The structured mobility in Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Lithuania will enrich students’ learning experience and enhance their employability’.

Lina Tamutiene, Director of the Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences: ‘Integrating Lithuania into the mobility pathway will allow students to experience a dynamic regional innovation ecosystem and a practice-based academic environment, strengthening intercultural competence and employability’.

For further information and applications, interested candidates should contact the Admissions Department at admissions@unic.ac.cy or +357 22841528. Places are limited and admission is competitive based on the programme’s entry requirements.

The Department of Meteorology issued a fresh yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures for Tuesday. It will come into effect from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

The maximum temperature inland is expected to rise to around 40 degrees Celsius.

Last week high temperatures affected the island but during the weekend there was a significant drop. As of tomorrow soaring temperatures will again give a hard time to locals and visitors.

CNA/KCH/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

The UNSG’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, said Antonio Guterres is arriving in Cyprus this afternoon to encourage the people and the leaders to look forward to negotiations.

In statements after being received by President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace, Holguin said they are preparing the SG’s visit which starts on Monday. ‘The mission of the SG is to facilitate, encourage the people and the leaders to look forward for a negotiation’, she told reporters adding that is ‘why he is coming’.

Holguin said Guterres ‘is visiting Cyprus after pushing, supporting Cyprus for almost 10 years. So he is coming for that and I hope we can have some progress’.

She noted that she is in Cyprus after ‘a long trip to Brussels and Ankara with good meetings, talking about all the necessary points that we need for to move forward’.

‘And I am very happy to have the Secretary General here this afternoon’, she added.

She is set to meet later on Monday morning with the Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

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. 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.

Average hotel bookings across Cyprus for July and August are around 85%, noticeably lower than last year, the Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), Christos Angelides, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Monday. He noted that higher energy costs resulting from regional conflicts are having a visible impact on the hospitality sector.

Similarly, the President of the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA), Charis Papacharalambous, told CNA that every time hostilities resume in the region, the effect on tourism is “immediately apparent.” He estimated that overall, the year will end 12-14% below last year’s figures, with 2025 having been a record-breaking year for the island’s tourism industry.

Asked about booking trends this summer, Angelides said there has been an improvement in the pace of bookings. “There is increased demand during long weekends, particularly from last-minute bookings originating from neighbouring countries and the domestic market, which is helping improve the overall picture,” he said.

However, he added that there is still uncertainty about the autumn season. “We are always hoping the autumn period will recover, and we remain alert and ready to respond appropriately,” he said.

Angelides also pointed out that recent developments have pushed energy costs higher, keeping airfares expensive. “These factors continue to be an issue of concern for Cyprus and must remain on our radar,” he said.

Although arrivals from Cyprus’ key tourism markets have improved, he noted that there is still a considerable gap compared with last year. “We remain optimistic. As a private sector and as an industry, we continue our coordinated and organised efforts,” he said.

Asked about occupancy levels for July and August, Angelides said that the nationwide average hotel occupancy currently stands at around 85%. “We hope these levels will be maintained and even increase,” he said, noting that during last year’s record-breaking season, August occupancy reached as high as 97%, whereas this year it remains 10-15% lower.

Referring to prospects for year-round tourism, particularly bookings during autumn, winter, and early spring, Angelides said that “our greatest hope is to continue where we left off last year. Our efforts are focused on improving the five-month period from November 2026 to April 2027. That is what will make the difference.” He added that stronger performance in the coming months would help offset the shortfall experienced at the beginning of the season.

For his part, ACTTA President Charis Papacharalambous said that bookings “are down. Not dramatically, but we are behind the corresponding months of last year.”

“Almost all source markets are down compared with last year, with the exception of Israel, where arrivals in June increased by 170% compared with June 2025,” he said, noting that the conflict between Israel and Iran had broken out in June 2025.

He estimated that tourism performance this year will remain slightly below last year’s levels, as it depends directly on regional developments. Asked whether the end of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran had affected bookings, he replied that the impact is “visible immediately”, even “the very next day”, although not to a significant extent.

Overall, he estimated that overnight stays across Cyprus for the full year will be around 12-14% lower than in 2025.

The total sales of petroleum products in June 2026 amounted to 129,479 tonnes, recording a decrease of 8% compared to June 2025, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Monday. Meanwhile, the total stocks of petroleum products at the end of June 2026 decreased by 19.6% compared to the end of the previous month.

Compared to last June, a drop was observed in the provisions of marine gasoil (-14.1%) and aviation kerosene (-13.7%), as well as in the sales of kerosene (-51%), light fuel oil (-44.2%), heating gasoil (-16.8%), asphalt (-12.2%) and road diesel (-2.4%).

On the contrary, a rise was observed in the sales heavy fuel oil (74.8%) and motor gasoline (1.8%).

As far as the sales from filling stations are specifically concerned, these have registered a drop of 1.4% to 59,271 tonnes.

The total sales of petroleum products in June 2026 compared to May 2026 recorded an increase of 1.5%.

Indicatively, a rise was recorded in the provisions of aviation kerosene (6.1%), marine gasoil (5.9%), as well as in the sales of road diesel (5.6%) and motor gasoline (4.5%).

During the period January – June 2026, the total sales of petroleum products increased by 1.2% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

CNA/MCH/EPH/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Department of Meteorology

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

Date 26/07/2026

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)

34

19

21

Larnaka Airport

32

21

55

Limassol

31

20

54

Pafos Airport

30

23

63

Frenaros

33

22

50

Prodromos

25

13

65

Polis Pafos

31

21

55

CNA/EA/AGK/2026, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Maria Ero?hina finished 13th in the 100m breaststroke ?n Saturday, at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bringing her campaign in the event to a close after finishing eighth in the second semi-final heat with a time of 1:09.44.

According to the Cyprus Olympic Committee, her time is the second-best of her career in the event.

By qualifying for the semi-finals, Erokhina became the first Cypriot swimmer to reach a semi-final heat at the Commonwealth Games.

Also in swimming, Alexandros Gregoriou, Markos Iakovides and Panayiotis Panaretos completed their 50m breaststroke races.

Panaretos finished in 28.55, Iakovides in 28.58 and Gregoriou in 28.77, with the three Cypriot swimmers failing to make the top 16, which would have taken them through to the semi-finals.

Furthermore, Anna Hadjiloizou narrowly missed out on the 100m freestyle semi-finals. The Cypriot swimmer clocked a time of 57.08, finishing 24th out of 70 competitors, failing to secure one of the 16 places leading to the semi-finals.

In artistic gymnastics, Georgia Charalambous finished 26th in the individual all-around, in her first appearance at the Games.

The 18-year-old athlete finished in 26th place out of 38 competitors, missing out on a place in the all-around final by just a few places.

The athletics programme at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow begins with four Cypriot entries, featuring Milan Trajkovic, Valentina Savva, Iosif Kesides and Alexandros Poursanides.

According to the Amateur Athletic Association of Cyprus (KOEAS), Trajkovic will kick off the Cypriot entries in the first round of the 110-metre hurdles at 13:25 Cyprus time, aiming to qualify for the final. The top three from each heat and the two fastest times will secure a place in the final.

At 13:40 Cyprus time, the women’s hammer throw qualifying round will take place, with Valentina Savva aiming for a throw of 70 metres and a place among the top 12 to qualify for Tuesday’s final. Savva has the ninth-best performance this year among the competitors, with 69.68 metres.

Monday’s programme also includes the men’s hammer throw final, in which Iosif Kesides and Alexandros Poursanides will compete.

The final will take place at 21:57 Cyprus time, with eight athletes taking part. Kesides has the third-best performance this year among the finalists, having set a new Cypriot record this year of 78.61 metres.