Category: Cyprus News Agency

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be in Nicosia on Wednesday for the official launch of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.

As announced by the chief Commission spokesperson, following her visit to Paris on Tuesday for the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, von der Leyen will travel to Nicosia to mark the start of the presidency and then, on Thursday, to other countries in the wider region-Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

There were no flight safety issues caused by yesterday’s prolonged blackout on almost all radio frequencies of Athens FIR, the President of the Mediterranean Flight Safety Foundation (FSF-MED), Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, told CNA on Monday.

He added that information suggests that this was a matter of equipment upgrades and that the relevant authorities in Cyprus were able to manage all flights that avoided Greek airspace.

According to Chrysanthou, there is still insufficient information about what exactly caused the problem.

As he said, from contacts with people in the field, it appears that the problem may be due to systems that have not been modernized, noting, however, that it did not cause any problems with flight safety.

“As far as we know, there were no problems with flight safety, either in the Greek or in Cypriot airspace. The number of flights passing through the Cypriot airspace increased significantly because they were coming from other airspaces via Cyprus, avoiding the Greek airspace while there was no communication with the pilots,” he added.

He also said that there was another issue regarding the transfer of data from Greek airspace to other airspaces, as when an aircraft passes from one country’s airspace to another, the other country is informed in advance by the control center of the country through which the aircraft is passing and transfers the data so that when it arrives in the other airspace, the air traffic controllers possess this data.

“We cannot say with certainty what caused it, but what we can say is that it did not cause any problems with flight safety,” he reiterated.

Asked about the possibility of external interference, Chrysanthou said that interference from another country has not been confirmed.

“Interference usually occurs at certain frequencies; it is difficult to interfere with all frequencies. The information points to this being a matter of equipment upgrades. There are also issues between controllers and politicians, problems that in our opinion should not exist. These are issues that should have been resolved by political leaders, civil aviation, transport, etc., without delay,” he said on the matter.

Asked if any additional measures were taken in Cyprus during the disruption, he said that the competent authorities in Cyprus were able to manage all flights that avoided the Greek airspace, either from Turkey or from the south, without any problems.

In October 2025, the Industrial Turnover Index reached 148.1 units (base 2021=100), recording an increase of 6.9% compared to October 2024, according to data published on Monday by the Statistical Service.

In manufacturing, the Industrial Turnover Index for October 2025 reached 150.3 units, recording an increase of 9.5% compared to October 2024. Increases were also recorded in water supply and materials recovery (8.4%) and mining and quarrying (6.8%).

A decrease was noted in the electricity supply sector (-5.8%).

For the period January – October 2025, the index recorded an increase of 4.6% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The year 2025 proved to be a year of international recognition for Cyprus cinema, with Cypriot creators and producers competing on equal footing with productions from major countries and winning awards as well as international visibility, according to the Deputy Ministry of Culture. The Ministry said that 2026 is expected to be a ‘highly productive year’ for the Cypriot film industry.

According to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry, the world premieres of two Cypriot productions at major international festivals are also anticipated: ‘Hold Onto Me’ by Myrsini Aristidou at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and ‘Motherwitch’ by Minos Papas at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

It is further noted that ‘All That’s Left of You’ by Cherien Dabis, which is Jordan’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, has been shortlisted for the category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, it said, is a Cyprus-Germany co-production, with the participation of the Deputy Ministry of Culture through the minority co-productions scheme, and production company AMP Filmworks serving as the Cypriot producer. The film also received support from the Cyprus Film Commission (Invest Cyprus) and funding from Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s film fund.

The film ‘All That’s Left of You’ tells the story of a Palestinian family across several decades, set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on issues of displacement, collective trauma, memory and survival through three generations, it said. The film’s world premiere was at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025 and was screened at major international festivals, winning audience and jury awards. Executive producers include Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem, the Deputy Ministry notes.

It is also noted that the Best Animation Film award was recently won by short film ‘The Weaver’ by Yiorgos Tsangaris at the 16th Karama Human Rights Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, which took place from December 9 to 14.

According to the festival’s jury statement, the film highlights important truths and inspires audiences to reflect on the challenges and aspirations of communities striving for justice and dignity, it said. The film was also included in the official competition of the 45th Anima Festival in Brussels and previously screened at the historic Festival de Cine y Derechos Humanos de Barcelona and the 22nd Animateka Festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Deputy Ministry of Culture was a co-producer and sponsor of the film.

It also said that ‘Sirens’ continue their festival run after its premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, ‘one of Europe’s most important film festivals’, in November 2025. The short film by Argyro Nicolaou participated in the Shorts Live-Action Competition section of PÖFF Shorts 2025, the announcement said.

The film ‘Ektropi’ by Marinos Kartikkis, following its premiere at the Alexandria Mediterranean Countries Film Festival and participation in international festivals such as the Thessaloniki Film Festival, continues its journey with another official selection, this time at the 2026 Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh. The film was also on the list of 20 European films competing this year for the Arab Critics’ Awards.

Beyond these recent successes, in 2025, Cypriot films were distinguished at various festivals worldwide and were screened at more than 45 events, organised in cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Culture and embassies of the Republic of Cyprus, the announcement concludes.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 05/01/2026 UNTIL 1800 06/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

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

High pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with increased high cloud coverage.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3, at times locally 3 to 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3 to 4, gradually East to Southeast

Slight

Afternoon

East to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5

Slight

South Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3 to 4, offshore Northeast 4

Slight, offshore Slight to Moderate

Morning

Northeast to East 3 to 4

Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, locally 4 to 5

Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight to Moderate

Morning

North to Northeast 3 to 4, gradually Northeast to East 4

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5

Moderate

North Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3 to 4, offshore 4

Slight, offshore Slight to Moderate

Morning

Northeast to East 3 to 4, offshore 4

Slight, offshore Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, locally 4 to 5

Slight to Moderate

Time of issue: 1700 Date: 05/01/2026

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 05/01/2026 UNTIL 0600 06/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1023hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. Today the weather will be mainly fine, but later increased high cloud coverage will be present.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northeast to Southeast 4 to 5, locally Variable 3 Slight, locally Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northeast to Southeast 4 to 5, locally Variable 3 to 4 Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Slight, later Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Northeast to East 4, at times 5 Slight to Moderate, at times Slight

Afternoon Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight to Moderate, locally Slight

Night North to Northeast 4, gradually 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, gradually Slight

East Coast

Morning Northeast 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate

Afternoon Northeast 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate

Night Northeast 4, in the morning 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, in the morning Slight

North Coast

Morning Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally near the coast Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, locally near the coast Slight

Afternoon Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally near the coast 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, locally near the coast Slight

Night Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, at times offshore 4 to 5 Slight, at times offshore Slight to Moderate

An uptick in business confidence and stronger household expectations boosted the economic climate, while uncertainty continued to ease, according to a press release, on Monday, by the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus.

Economic sentiment in Cyprus recorded a notable improvement in December 2025, with the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-Cyphers) rising by 1.6 points compared to November.

The increase was mainly driven by higher business confidence in the services and retail trade sectors, as well as a marked strengthening in consumer confidence, the ERC said.

In services, the Confidence Indicator rose as firms reported improved assessments of their recent business situation and turnover, despite a deterioration in expectations for future turnover. Retail trade confidence increased for a second consecutive month, supported by upward revisions in sales expectations.

In contrast, the Construction Confidence Indicator remained unchanged from November, as negative revisions in employment expectations were offset by more positive views on order book levels. The Industry Confidence Indicator also remained at November levels, with firms reporting improved assessments of current order books, while views on stocks of finished products and production expectations weakened.

Consumer confidence showed a strong increase in December, “primarily reflecting stronger intentions to make major purchases”. At the same time, consumers’ assessments of their own financial situation and, more notably, their expectations regarding the country’s economic conditions continued to improve.

Meanwhile, the Economic Uncertainty Indicator for Cyprus declined for a third consecutive month in December, driven by lower uncertainty among consumers and among firms in the services and industry sectors.

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 at 6:30 pm.

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 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.

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

MEETING DATE: 05/01/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 276,964.06

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

170.490

0.000

268,798.580

MAIN MARKET INDEX

226.800

-0.110

239,747.680

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3,069.550

-0.620

23,679.060

CSE GENERAL INDEX

281.060

0.010

269,063.500

HOTELS INDEX

2,196.180

-5.200

7,650.000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1,899.440

0.240

29,487.930

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

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is to 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 of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Wednesday, according to a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

The Spokesperson said that, based on current schedule, President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to hold bilateral talks with the President of the European Council, António Costa, ‘focusing on the coordination of work on the European priorities of the six-month presidency’. These discussions, he notes, ‘will take place within the framework of the Presidency of the Council’s role in safeguarding the cohesion of the Union in the face of international challenges and in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, security and resilience’.

President Christodoulides is to also hold a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ‘at a time when European support for Ukraine remains pivotal, with an emphasis on efforts towards peace, the preservation of international legality and the protection of the fundamental principles that underpin the European project – principles to which the Republic of Cyprus remains firmly committed, having first-hand experience of the consequences of invasion and ongoing occupation,’ he added.

In the same context, Letymbiotis said, the President of the Republic will meet the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, with discussions focusing on stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, regional developments and the strengthening of cooperation channels between the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood. The President is to also receive Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum, who will represent the Egyptian President at the ceremony, the statement continued.

Following the Opening Ceremony, President Christodoulides will host an official dinner in honour of the heads of delegations, during which he will also hold contacts with the President of Moldova, the President of Iraq and other senior officials, the Government Spokesperson concluded.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is to 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 of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Wednesday, according to a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

The Spokesperson said that, based on current schedule, President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to hold bilateral talks with the President of the European Council, António Costa, ‘focusing on the coordination of work on the European priorities of the six-month presidency’. These discussions, he notes, ‘will take place within the framework of the Presidency of the Council’s role in safeguarding the cohesion of the Union in the face of international challenges and in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, security and resilience’.

President Christodoulides is to also hold a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ‘at a time when European support for Ukraine remains pivotal, with an emphasis on efforts towards peace, the preservation of international legality and the protection of the fundamental principles that underpin the European project – principles to which the Republic of Cyprus remains firmly committed, having first-hand experience of the consequences of invasion and ongoing occupation,’ he added.

In the same context, Letymbiotis said, the President of the Republic will meet the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, with discussions focusing on stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, regional developments and the strengthening of cooperation channels between the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood. The President is to also receive Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum, who will represent the Egyptian President at the ceremony, the statement continued.

Following the Opening Ceremony, President Christodoulides will host an official dinner in honour of the heads of delegations, during which he will also hold contacts with the President of Moldova, the President of Iraq and other senior officials, the Government Spokesperson concluded.