Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA) announced on Tuesday its membership approval in INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) as an Associate (Reciprocal) Member.

As stated, the decision was officially communicated by the Secretary General of INTERCARGO, Kostas G. Gkonis, confirming the commencement of CYMEPA’s active participation in the Association’s international network.

As it is noted, INTERCARGO, founded in 1980 and headquartered in London, is the internationally recognised institutional representative of dry bulk shipowners, with a substantial and continuous presence in major international maritime organisations and decision-making centres.

It is added that today INTERCARGO represents more than 250 shipping companies from approximately 30 countries, managing a particularly significant share of the global dry bulk fleet, and plays a key role in shaping policies and regulations related to maritime safety, environmental protection, the sustainability of international shipping, and compliance with the standards of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and other international bodies.

‘CYMEPA’s membership in INTERCARGO constitutes a strong international recognition of its credibility and long-standing work in the field of marine environmental protection. At the same time, it strengthens Cyprus’ presence in one of the most influential global maritime fora”, it is further noted.

It is also stated that CYMEPA’s participation in INTERCARGO creates new opportunities for constructive cooperation between the shipping industry and environmental education, marine pollution prevention, and sustainable development, further reinforcing its long-standing mission towards bridging shipping with environmental responsibility and social awareness.

‘CYMEPA’s membership in INTERCARGO further strengthens its international role and provides Cyprus with yet another opportunity to reaffirm that it can play a substantive and credible role in the global dialogue on sustainable shipping and the protection of the marine environment’, the press release concluded.

EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, have issued a statement on the Kosovo parliamentary elections noting that “after the political stalemate following the February 2025 elections, we look forward to the swift formation of the new Assembly and Government and to continuing our engagement with the authorities”.

In their statement, issued on Monday, they say that on Sunday 28 December, the people of Kosovo exercised their democratic right by casting their vote in the early parliamentary elections.

“After the political stalemate following the February 2025 elections, we look forward to the swift formation of the new Assembly and Government and to continuing our engagement with the authorities. The new government should redouble its efforts on much needed EU-related reforms” they note.

The EU, they add, takes good note of the active participation of all communities and their political parties in the elections, the electoral process demonstrated a strong commitment to democratic principles.

The European Union, the statement says, has deployed an Expert Electoral Mission (EEM) which will remain in Kosovo to follow the post-electoral procedures.

They call upon the Parliament once formed to ratify the Growth Plan-related agreements, saying that the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a time-limited instrument adopted for the period 2024-2027 and it is in Kosovo’s interest that ratification takes place as soon as possible to make full use of all opportunities under the Growth Plan, for the benefit of its population.

The normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia facilitated by the EU continues to be the only way for both to achieve progress on their European paths, they add.

In addition, they note that “we expect all obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation, as well as all past Dialogue agreements to be implemented without further delays or preconditions. The EU stands ready to host a High-level meeting once conditions allow”.

“To recall, the EU is moving forward to lift the measures on Kosovo. pound 216 million of financial assistance was already released following the orderly transfer of local governance after the recent local elections. We also intend to release additional pound 205 million early next year” the statement concludes.

The Industrial Production Index reached 116.4 points (base 2021=100) in October 2025 , marking a 3.5% increase compared to October 2024, the Statistical Service said on Tuesday

During the period January-October 2025, according to the Statistical Service, the index recorded an increase of 3.1% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

As stated, the manufacturing sector registered an increase of 4.3% compared to October 2024, while an increase was also recorded in the water supply and material recovery sector (+7.4%). On the contrary, a negative change was recorded in the electricity supply (-3.4%) and mining and quarrying (-1.7%) sectors.

It is added that in the manufacturing sector, the most significant positive changes compared to October 2024 were in the production of basic metals and fabricated metal products (+13.8%), the wood products and manufacturing of wood and cork products, except furniture (+9.9%), the manufacture of rubber and plastic products (+8.0%), and the manufacturing of furniture, other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment (+7.4%).

Correspondingly, the most significant negative changes were observed in the manufacturing of textiles, wearing apparel and leather products (-6.5%) and the manufacturing of paper and paper products and printing (-5.1%).

Comparing the rates for the period January-October 2025 with the corresponding period of the previous year, the Statistical Service reports that the most significant increases were observed in the manufacturing of basic metals and fabricated metal products (+8.7%), the manufacturing of other non-metallic mineral products (+8.5%), the manufacturing of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture (+8.4%), and in the collection, treatment, and supply of water (+7.2%).

The activities with the most significant decreases in production compared to the period January – October 2024 were those relating to the manufacturing of paper and paper products and printing (-11.2%) and the manufacturing of textiles, wearing apparel and leather products (-6.4%).

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 30/12/2025 UNTIL 0600 31/12/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but tomorrow afternoon it will become partly cloudy and gradually local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3, later East to Southeast 3 to 4 Slight

Afternoon Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

Night South to Southwest 4, gradually 5 to 6 Slight to Moderate, gradually Moderate to Rough

South Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Northeast to Southeast Slight, locally Smooth to Slight

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

Night South to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6 Slight to Moderate, gradually Moderate to Rough

East Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night South to Southwest 4, gradually 5 to 6 Slight, gradually Moderate

North Coast

Morning Southwest to West 3 to 4 Slight

Afternoon Southwest to West 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night South to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6 Slight to Moderate, gradually Moderate to Rough

Senior Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department (WDD), Marios Hadjicostis, described the inflow of water into Cyprus’ dams as tragic, noting that from October 1st until today the total inflow amounts to only 1.7 million cubic meters, a quantity which is considered insignificant.

Hadjicostis told CNA that the fullness of the dams continues to decrease, as water consumption remains greater than the inflow, resulting in further depletion of water reserves.

‘In order to record a substantial improvement, the average inflow would have to range between 10 and 12 million cubic meters,’ he pointed out.

According to WDD data, the average inflow for the months of October, November and December over the last 30-35 years amounts to 13 million cubic meters, which demonstrates the serious shortfall this year.

Referring to rainfall, he noted that the highest rates were recorded this year in the coastal area of Polis Chrysochous (170% of normal), as well as in Nicosia and Athienou (140%), and in Frenaros (115%). However, he said, there are no dams in these areas, and as a result the increased rainfall does not translate into water storage.

Torrential rains “for many days, many hours in the right place”, are required to reverse things, he stressed, noting that we need barometric systems that provide significant amounts of rain, not in coastal areas -as was the case recently- but in the mountains and large dams.

The goal, he went on to say, is to cover at least next year’s demand, and ideally to have storage for the next two years.

Asked about the problem of drought, he noted that this is a recurring phenomenon, with periods of drought that usually last up to three consecutive years. This year, he said, is the fourth consecutive one, expressing hope that it will eventually turn into a good, rainy year, so that sufficient quantities of water can be stored and the needs of all consumers can be met. He stressed that especially farmers have been in recent years deprived of the necessary water for their plantations.

Moreover, he called on the public to use water in moderation, regardless of weather conditions, saying that saving water must become a daily habit.

‘Droughts in Cyprus will not stop and with climate change things are getting worse,’ he said, and pointed out the need for continuous and responsible management of this valuable resource.

Scientific Symposium of the School of Medicine of European University Cyprus in View of the Cyprus EU Presidency 2026

A major scientific symposium focusing on cardiovascular health will be held on 8 January 2026 at the Presidential Palace, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Cyprus. The event forms part of the preparatory actions for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

The symposium is jointly organized by the School of Medicine of European University Cyprus, the Cyprus Atherosclerosis Society, and the Office of the Commissioner for the Citizen.

Symposium Theme:

‘From Prevention to Precision: Advancing Cardiovascular Health through Innovation and Personalized Care – From Scientific Evidence to Real-World Impact’

The event will highlight the latest developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, promoting modern strategies grounded in scientific innovation and personalized healthcare.

High-Level Participation

The symposium is expected to welcome leading institutional figures, including:

The President of the Republic of Cyprus

The Minister of Health

Citizens Commissioner

Cypriot Members of the Parliament/ European Parliament

Advocate patient

The Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Health

Representatives of patient associations, scientific bodies, and healthcare organizations

Particular interest is drawn to the participation of distinguished speakers, including academic and clinical scientists from the Cardiology Clinics of the Universities of Thessaly and Athens, as well as prominent Cypriot academics and clinical scientists.

Objectives of the Symposium

Highlight contemporary challenges in cardiovascular disease

Promote prevention and early diagnosis

Provide updates on innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and citizen engagement

Support national preparations for the Cyprus EU Presidency 2026

Admission and Registration:

Participation is free and open to healthcare professionals as well as the general public, including organizations and NGOs, who wish to be informed.

Pre-registration is required for security reasons.

The Republic of Cyprus aligns itself with the European Union’s call for respect to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry said that the Republic of Cyprus aligns itself with the European Union’s call for respect to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, “and underscores its position that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

Cyprus, it added, repeats its commitment to the African Union, EU, and wider international efforts in support of strengthening state- and peacebuilding in Somalia, including as provided for in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

“Cyprus strongly advocates for the peaceful resolution of all disputes through dialogue, in accordance with the UN Charter,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.

The implementation of the State Budget in relation to revenue during the first 11 months of 2025 recorded a decrease compared to the corresponding period last year, while, on the contrary, there was a slight increase in the implementation of the state budget in relation to expenditure, as announced on Tuesday by the Treasury of the Republic.

Presenting the results of the State Budget implementation report for the period from January 1 to November 30, 2025, the Treasury stated that the State Budget, which is prepared on a cash basis, shows a 4% increase in revenue for the year 2025 (2025: pound 11.75 billion, 2024: pound 11.28 billion) and a 4% decrease in expenditure (2025: pound 13.01 billion, 2024: pound 13.60 billion).

It is added that the projected increase in revenue is mainly due to a rise in direct and indirect taxes of pound 0.27 billion and pound 0.17 billion, respectively, while the projected reduction in expenditure is mainly due to lower loan repayments of pound 0.76 billion, combined with increased social benefit expenditure of pound 0.15 billion.

Regarding the implementation of the State Budget, it is noted that at the end of November 2025 revenues amounted to pound 8.60 billion, which corresponds to 73% of the state budget (2024: pound 9.20 billion, 82%), and actual expenditure amounted to pound 9.59 billion, corresponding to a 74% implementation (2024: pound 9.65 billion, 71%).

It is also noted that the implementation of the State Budget in relation to revenue shows a decrease from the corresponding period last year (2025: 73%, 2024: 82%), mainly due to a pound 1.05 billion decrease in borrowing, which is offset by an increase in direct and indirect taxes of pound 0.17 billion and pound 0.14 billion, respectively, while the implementation of the state budget in relation to expenditure shows a slight increase (2025: 74%, 2024: 71%), mainly due to an increase in transfers and subsidies of pound 0.14 billion.

In particular, with regard to state revenues, it is reported that indirect taxes increased by pound 0.14 billion (4%) compared to 2024, mainly due to an increase in VAT revenues of pound 0.07 billion (2025: pound 2.92 billion, 2024: pound 2.85 billion), revenue from other indirect taxes by pound 0.04 billion (2025: pound 0.49 billion, 2024: pound 0.45 billion) and excise duty revenue by pound 0.03 billion (2025: pound 0.49 billion, 2024: pound 0.46 billion).

Similarly, direct taxes increased by pound 0.17 billion (6%) compared to 2024, mainly due to an increase in corporate and personal income tax of pound 0.13 billion (2025: pound 2.92 billion, 2024: pound 2.79 billion). Also, by the end of November 2025, loan withdrawals amounted to pound 0.09 billion (2024: pound 1.14 billion).

Regarding the implementation of the State Budget for total expenditure, for the category of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, the implementation at the end of November shows a slight decrease of pound 0.03 billion, from pound 3.04 billion in 2024 to pound 3.01 billion in 2025.

In addition, loan and interest repayments up to the end of November amounted to pound 1.87 billion (2024: pound 2.06 billion), of which pound 1.23 billion (2024: pound 1.07 billion) relates to the repayment of external loans, pound 0.56 billion (2024: pound 0.63 billion) related to loan interest and charges, and pound 0.08 billion (2024: pound 0.37 billion) relate to the repayment of domestic loans.

In addition, social security expenditure until the end of November amounted to pound 1.70 billion (2024: pound 1.65 billion), representing an increase of pound 0.05 billion (3%), mainly due to the increase in the subsidy to the Renewable Energy Sources Fund of pound 0.03 billion (2025: pound 0.04 billion, 2024: pound 0.01 billion), the increase in health benefits by pound 0.05 billion (2025: pound 0.74 billion, 2024: pound 0.69 billion) and a decrease in social welfare benefits of pound 0.02 billion (2025: pound 0.62 billion, 2024: pound 0.64 billion).

Furthermore, transfers and subsidies until the end of November amounted to pound 1.63 billion (2024: pound 1.49 billion), representing an increase of pound 0.14 billion (9%) compared to the same period last year, mainly due to an increase in grants to municipalities of pound 0.06 billion (2025: pound 0.11 billion, 2024: pound 0.05 billion), the gross national income-based own resource by pound 0.04 billion. (2025: pound 0.20 billion, 2024: pound 0.16 billion) and the General Government Contribution to the Social Security Fund by pound 0.05 billion (2025: pound 0.61 billion, 2024: pound 0.56 billion).

Operating and other expenses up to the end of November amounted to pound 0.83 billion (2024: pound 0.90 billion), representing a decrease of pound 0.07 billion (8%).

The Treasury noted that over the last decade, the average implementation of the state budget for total expenditure up to November stood at 73%, with the lowest implementation rate for 2018 mainly due to the timing of public debt payments, while the implementation rate for 2025 stands at 74%.

Subsequently, with regard to the implementation of the State Budget for development expenditure, it is stated that the implementation of capital expenditure until the end of November amounted to pound 326.7 million and is mainly due to expenditure on the road network, amounting to pound 74.9 million, expenditure on construction projects, amounting to pound 51.1 million, expenditure on the construction, expansion and improvements to government buildings, amounting to pound 34.1 million, expenditure on sewerage and water systems, amounting to pound 29.4 million, expenditure on the purchase of land and buildings, amounting to pound 26.5 million, expenditure on the construction, extension, and improvement of school buildings, amounting to pound 25.5 million, expenditure on the purchase of fixed and mobile machinery, amounting to pound 14.9 million, expenditure on the purchase of other assets, amounting to pound 14.5 million, and expenditure on the purchase of equipment, amounting to pound 10.0 million.

Accordingly, the implementation of co-financed and other financial expenditures by the end of November amounted to pound 190.4 million and is mainly due to co-financed projects implemented by non-governmental agencies, amounting to pound 55.7 million, the plan to subsidize tuition and meals for children up to 4 years of age, amounting to pound 18.4 million, projects co-financed by Internal Affairs Funds, amounting to pound 13.2 million, the state contribution to the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation Payment Fund, amounting to pound 12.0 million, the “Saving – Upgrading Houses” Programme, amounting to pound 11.7 million, the Industry and Technology Service’s grant schemes, amounting to pound 9.5 million, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Promotion Plan, amounting to pound 7.3 million, co-financed construction projects, amounting to pound 7.1 million, European Competitiveness Programs, amounting to pound 6.9 million, the New Business Activity Support Plan, amounting to pound 5.8 million, actions to address skills mismatches/new evaluation system/digital transformation, amounting to pound 4.0 million, and the Competitiveness Plan for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, amounting to pound 3.9 million.

In the category of sponsorships, contributions, and grants, implementation by the end of November amounted to pound 203.8 million, mainly due to the sponsorship of the University of Cyprus, amounting to pound 109.7 million, the sponsorship of the Cyprus University of Technology, amounting to pound 57.9 million, the pound 8.6 million sponsorship to the Open University of Cyprus, and the pound 6.5 million sponsorship to the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

Finally, social benefits amounted to pound 90.2 million by the end of November, mainly due to the pound 44.5 million grant to the Renewable Energy Sources Fund, grants to voluntary organizations, amounting to pound 14.9 million, the state scholarship program, amounting to pound 13.2 million, cultural benefits, amounting to pound 9.0 million, student welfare subsidies, amounting to pound 2.8 million, and housing benefits, amounting to pound 2.7 million.

Over the last decade, the average implementation of the state budget for development expenditure by the end of November was 50%, with the implementation rate for 2025 reaching 56%, of which 2% is due to a reduction in the initial budget by pound 67.1 million, the report concluded.

The trilateral working plan for military cooperation and the working plans of the armed forces of Greece, Cyprus and Israel constitute another step toward deepening military cooperation between the three countries, competent sources told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), noting that there is no issue of creating a joint brigade.

Competent sources clarified that working plans, which were signed last week in Cyprus, include joint exercises and training, working groups in various fields, and strategic military dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

According to CNA information, the Israeli delegation, headed by commander of the Tevel Brigade, Brigadier General Amit Adler, met in Nicosia with counterparts from Greece and Cyprus, in the context of a joint annual meeting of the Israeli, Greek and Cypriot armed forces.

‘The signing of the working plans constitutes another step in deepening military cooperation between the countries and contributes to strengthening stability, security and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean region,’ the sources said.

The same sources also told CNA that Nicosia has no intention of provoking Turkey, nor of escalating verbal tensions.

It is further noted that there was no such thing as the three countries creating a joint brigade, refuting recent media reports.

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

MEETING DATE: 30/12/2025

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 256.151,93

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

167,930

0,990

209.823,400

MAIN MARKET INDEX

222,810

1,750

164.502,750

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.047,220

1,270

70.676,770

CSE GENERAL INDEX

276,870

0,990

216.244,480

HOTELS INDEX

2.306,930

2,170

6.117,340

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.881,560

0,280

55.447,430