Category: Cyprus News Agency

Approximately 40 actions have been completed or are in progress within the framework of the National Strategy (NS) for Gender Equality 2024 – 2026, which includes approximately 60 actions, Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, said in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

At the same time, she pointed out ‘that for the first time we are promoting equality issues in all Ministries and Deputy Ministries’, adding that there is close cooperation between her Office and other partners, such as the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation and the Union of Municipalities.

Expressing her satisfaction with the progress of the Strategy’s implementation, Josie Christodoulou noted that, based on a ministerial decision, equality officers have been appointed in all Ministries and Deputy Ministries, with whom there is daily coordination and cooperation.

She also explained that within the framework of the Strategy, which is characterized by a “holistic and horizontal approach”, an effort is made to break down stereotypes through education, the launch of information campaigns and cooperation with career guidance counselors, so that children are advised on their professional orientation based on skills and not on stereotypes.

At the same time, Christodoulou said that many information campaigns are being implemented with women working in sectors where fewer women work (technology, diplomacy, shipping), pointing out that ”we are breaking down stereotypes, promoting women role models, we are coming to reconcile family and professional life with policies.”

Replying to a question from CNA about the measures the Government should implement to achieve wage equality and professional advancement of women, Josie Christodoulou noted that paid maternity leave has recently been increased and parental leave has been extended, adding that her Office is discussing with the Ministry of Labour the increase in paternity leave.

At the same time, she said that by the end of 2026, a directive regarding transparency among employees regarding their salaries should be incorporated into national law, pointing out that this directive will contribute to reducing the pay gap between women and men.

Invited to speak about the actions of her Office to address femicides, the Commissioner for Gender Equality said that, due to the Istanbul Convention, a law is being implemented regarding violence against women and domestic violence. Within this framework, as she explained, the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence has been created, which is under the coordination and monitoring of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, adding that ”under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice, many steps are being taken towards the prevention of the phenomenon.” In addition, she pointed out that the Women’s House has been created, an interdepartmental space for women who have suffered any form of violence together with their children, where there are front-line workers (police, psychologist and social worker), who can provide guidance to victims of violence.

The Commissioner for Gender Equality also stressed the importance of the launch of the ‘Hope’ application by the Police, which concerns women victims of violence who are at risk. According to data by the Police, so far 176 women have gained access to the application, with 13 of them seeking help through it, she said. ‘The most important thing is prevention, so that no other woman loses her life,’ she pointed out.

Replying to a question from CNA about the sexist behaviours observed in the public sphere and the actions of her Office to limit this phenomenon, the Commissioner noted that Cyprus is among the first countries that, since 2021, have adopted a law concerning the prevention and fight against sexism, including online sexism, adding that since 2024, by ministerial decision, the responsibility for monitoring this law has been transferred to her Office.

At the same time, she clarified that her Office does not receive any complaints, explaining that ”we are not supervisory mechanism” and that “our role is purely the implementation and coordination of Government policies and actions.”

An archaeological excavation led by the University of Cyprus at ancient Palaipaphos has uncovered significant new evidence of large-scale fortifications dating to the Cypro-Classical period, shedding further light on the political and economic power of the city-kingdom of Paphos in the 5th and 4th centuries BC.

According to a press release by the Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the 2025 excavation season at Kouklia, in the localities of Hadjiabdulla and Laona, was completed at the end of October. The work was carried out by the University of Cyprus Archaeological Mission under the direction of Professor Emerita of Archaeology Maria Iacovou.

The most important discovery of the season was a series of large towers situated between the Laona tumulus and the Hadjiabdulla plateau. The towers form part of a massive fortification wall that is believed to have encircled the acropolis of the ancient city-kingdom of Paphos. Built with dressed stone blocks and preserved to heights of up to two metres, the wall and its towers represent a substantial defensive and administrative undertaking for the period.

Fieldwork was conducted in two phases, in spring and autumn 2025. Alongside the project’s permanent collaborators, the excavation involved undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students from the Department of History and Archaeology of the University of Cyprus, as well as graduates of the department, who participated in excavation, analysis and documentation.

One of the most notable features uncovered is a new tower at Laona, almost square in plan, measuring approximately nine by 8.8 metres. Its walls survive to heights of up to 1.5 metres, while the inner face is preserved to two metres. A wide stone staircase with brick treads, likely leading to the roof of the tower, was identified on the western side, along with stone railings and architectural projections that are thought to have controlled access to the interior of the fortification.

In parallel with the excavation work, the Department of Antiquities completed the installation of a unified protective fence in October 2025 around the expropriated plots that contain the urban fabric of the ancient city. Within this fenced area lie several major monuments already identified by the Palaipaphos Urban Landscape Project, including the palatial complex at Hadjiabdulla, a workshop complex to its west, the Laona tumulus and a so-called pseudo-monument within it, the five-metre-wide great wall of Laona with its staircases, and a complex of towers at the northeastern corner of the palace.

Archaeologists highlight the exceptional state of preservation of the site. Monuments excavated between 2009 and 2025 are found under as little as half a metre of overburden in agricultural land, with no significant later construction after 300 BC. This absence of later building activity is considered rare and has allowed the fortifications, palace and associated structures to survive largely intact.

Researchers believe the Laona tumulus may have been completed in the 3rd century BC, after the administrative centre of Paphos was transferred to Nea Paphos. Even so, beneath the eight-metre-high mound, parts of the fortification wall, including a northern staircase and its landing, are preserved to heights exceeding four metres.

Israeli media reports on the beating of an Israeli national at a hotel in Limassol, supposedly because he was speaking Hebrew, are unfounded, police sources told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Tuesday, noting that the incident involved a scuffle with fellow nationals.

Israeli media reports, which have been circulating widely online since Monday, refer to the brutal assault of a young Israeli based on claims made on social media by his father. According to the father, the attack was carried out by individuals who heard his son speaking Hebrew at the entrance of the hotel. According to the same reports, the young man has returned to Israel, where he underwent eye surgery.

Police sources told CNA that ‘what is being written is not accurate’ and that the incident occurred between Israelis during an event at the hotel. ‘The Israeli national allegedly got into an altercation with compatriots of his and has declared in writing that he has no complaint,’ the same sources added.

The case is being investigated by the Episkopi Police Station.

The Department of Meteorology issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms that is valid until 0900 on Tuesday.

CyMet said that isolated heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect the island at times initially mainly the western and southern coastal areas and gradually also the rest of the island.

In thunderstorm hail is expected while wind may be variable strengthening.

Precipitation rate is likely to exceed the 35 millimeters per hour.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

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

Date 23/12/2025

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

17 (17.2)

10 (10.1)

69

Larnaka Airport

20 (19.7)

13 (12.7)

77

Limassol (New Port)

21 (20.5)

12 (11.5)

63

Limassol (Municipal Garden)

18.1

11.3

Pafos Airport

20 (20.2)

13 (13.2)

63

Frenaros

18 (18.1)

11 (11.3)

73

Prodromos

9 (9.1)

4 (4)

90

Polis Pafos

20 (19.9)

12 (11.9)

58

Cyprus ranks first in the European Union for housing conditions, recording the lowest rate of household overcrowding, according to latest Eurostat data for 2024. Just 2.4% of the population in Cyprus lived in overcrowded households, the lowest share among all EU member states.

At EU level, 16.9% of people were living in overcrowded households in 2024. While this marks a slight improvement compared with 2014, when the figure stood at 18.1%, the data highlight significant disparities between member states.

More than 30% of the population lived in overcrowded households in five EU countries. Romania reported the highest rate at 40.7%, followed by Latvia (39.3%), Bulgaria (33.8%), Poland (33.7%) and Croatia (31.7%).

After Cyprus, the lowest overcrowding rates were recorded in Malta (4.4%) and the Netherlands (4.6%), further underlining the sharp contrasts in housing conditions across the European Union.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 23/12/2025 UNTIL 0600 24/12/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be at times mainly cloudy and local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected. In storms winds will be variable with strong gusts.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

In 2025, in line with the expectations of the EU’s 27 Member States and 450 million citizens, the European Commission placed a particular policy priority on Europe’s competitiveness and solidarity.

In particular, the Commission’s work focused on helping industries navigate the changing global environment, improving affordability and quality of life for citizens, boosting the clean energy transition and seizing the opportunities of the digital transformation, strengthening international partnerships and upholding democracy and fundamental rights. You can find more details on key milestones and initiatives for 2025 in the dedicated factsheet and webpage.

Delivering on a top priority of the Draghi Report, the Commission made steady progress on its simplification agenda, aiming to make it easier for businesses to operate on a day-to-day basis, while maintaining our overarching social and climate goals. An overview of what has been achieved in 2025 can be found online.

2025 also marked an important year of solidarity, both inside the EU and in the rest of the world: responding to record-breaking wildfires; needs following the floods in Valencia in 2024; crisis measures for farmers; supporting Ukraine; remaining the leading global donor for Palestinians; pushing for the energy transition in Africa. You can find more information in the dedicated factsheet.

Looking ahead, on 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its currency, becoming the 21st member of the euro area and marking an important milestone in the history of both the euro and of the EU.

(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)

Spain and Portugal celebrate 40 years in the European Union

The 1st of January 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal joining the European Union.

The two countries have enriched the EU culturally, politically and economically. Their accession provided European citizens with more trade, travel opportunities, reinforced solidarity amongst peoples, and strengthened our Union internationally, boosting our bonds with partner countries in Latin America, Africa and the Mediterranean.

Since 1986, Spain and Portugal saw their real GDP double, with a substantial increase in exports towards the rest of the continent thanks to their integration in the Single Market, and the creation of more than 11 million jobs. 91% of Portuguese and 76% of Spaniards agree that their countries have benefitted from EU membership.

The two countries have also brought many benefits to the EU and other Europeans, from contributions in research and innovation to high-quality agrifood and seafood products. They are at the forefront of civil protection actions and humanitarian aid, strengthening our role as a leading donor. Thanks to them, many young Europeans get the opportunity to travel and study. Spain alone was the top Erasmus+ destination, welcoming almost 680,000 learners and staff between 2021 and 2024.

Spain and Portugal have made a central contribution to the EU’s great progress over these past 40 years, ensuring that citizens benefit from more rights, better health and additional freedoms.

More information is available online.

(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)

Stronger toy safety rules enter into force

The new Toy Safety Regulation will enter into force on 1 January 2026, following its adoption by the European Parliament and the Council. It strengthens children’s protection from harmful chemicals in toys and improves enforcement of EU toy safety rules.

Under the Regulation, substances will be banned from toys as soon as they are identified as hazardous, including chemicals that disrupt hormones, harm the lungs, cause skin allergies, or damage specific organs. The ban also covers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenols. The new rules also strengthen the existing ban on substances that can cause cancer, genetic damage or harm reproduction (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances).

Enforcement will be enhanced through digital tools. All toys placed on the EU market will be required to have a digital product passport containing safety and compliance information, accessible to consumers online via a QR code or other data carrier. For toys sold online and imported into the EU, customs authorities will be able to check the product passport.

The new rules will apply from 1 August 2030.

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98)

New rules to streamline EU chemical assessments to enter into force

On 1 January 2026, the ‘one substance, one assessment’ (OSOA) package will enter into force. This is a key deliverable of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It will make chemical assessments more consistent, transparent and efficient across EU legislation, covering products such as toys, food, pesticides and biocides. This new framework will also help identify risks earlier and allow faster action when needed. This is a significant step towards better and faster protection of people’s health and the environment.

The ‘one substance, one assessment’ package is composed of three legislative proposals: a regulation establishing a common data platform on chemicals; a regulation re-attributing technical tasks and improving cooperation among EU agencies; and a directive on the re-attribution of technical tasks to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

At its core is a new common data platform on chemicals, due to be operational within the next three years. Accessible to everyone, this platform will act as a central hub, bringing together chemical data gathered under different EU laws. It will enable public authorities to re-use information on chemicals more easily, supporting better decision-making.

The new measures will bring stronger cooperation between EU chemicals agencies by clarifying the division of tasks, reducing duplication of work, and consolidating scientific and technical tasks. The OSOA package also introduces a monitoring and outlook framework to detect emerging chemical risks earlier. By systematically gathering data and using indicators and early-warning tools, the EU will be better equipped to identify new concerns and act swiftly when necessary.

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘By streamlining the way chemicals are assessed, we can act earlier and more decisively to protect people’s health and the environment. This new framework will make it easier to access reliable data, strengthen our scientific cooperation, and improve the EU’s ability to anticipate and manage chemical risks.’

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

Commission extends nitrates derogation for Ireland

Today, the Commission extended Ireland’s derogation under the Nitrates Directive for a further three years, starting 1 January 2026. This decision follows the approval of the Commission’s proposal by Member States on 9 December. It is subject to additional conditions, including the evaluation of environmental impacts.

The new derogation maintains the conditions of the current derogation and adds additional ones reflecting the measures of the Irish Nitrates Action Programme as well as additional measures in areas with significant challenges in terms of nitrate pollution. It also takes account of Ireland’s commitment to carry out required environmental assessments as well as the farming industry’s need for certainty and predictability.

You can find more information in our press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

Commission amends ETS State aid Guidelines to tackle carbon leakage for more energy-intensive industries

The European Commission has today adopted an amendment to the Guidelines on certain State aid measures in the context of the system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading post-2021 (‘ETS State aid Guidelines’).

The sustained rise in emission costs since the adoption of the ETS State aid Guidelines in 2020 has significantly increased the risk of carbon leakage for sectors that are exposed to international competition, but were not considered at genuine risk at that time. In this context, it is important to ensure that the ETS indirect compensation mechanism remains equitable and efficient, by maintaining an effective protection for certain sectors against carbon leakage while preserving their incentives to invest in decarbonisation.

To ensure a level playing field the ETS State aid Guidelines set out the conditions under which aid under these Guidelines can be cumulated with aid provided through other measures.

The Commission has adopted the following amendments to the current ETS State aid Guidelines: (i) the extension of the list of industrial sectors eligible for compensation, (ii) an increase in the aid intensity from 75% to 80% for sectors that were already eligible before the amendment to cater for their increased risk of carbon leakage, (iii) the option for Member States to notify sectors or subsectors that are not included in the amended list of eligible sectors, and (iv) the requirement for large beneficiaries to contribute to the green transition by, among others, investing a share of the aid in projects that contribute to reducing the costs of the electricity system.

The Veterinary Services of the Republic of Cyprus are on red alert due to the detection of a case of foot-and-mouth disease in the Turkish occupied territories of the Republic, Director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, said Tuesday replying to journalists’ questions during a visit to supermarkets in Famagusta ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Pipis was accompanying Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Maria Panayiotou, who was also asked on the matter and said “we are on alert.”

Asked about reports that Cypriot exports are being hit by foot-and-mouth disease and which products are banned, the Minister of Agriculture said that “the Australian authorities have informed us that they have effectively banned imports of products from Cyprus as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the occupied territories.”

She noted that from the first day they were informed by the Australian authorities, they have taken a series of actions, clarifying that ‘our actions certainly did not arise from the information from Australia. Since the issue broke out and we had information, the Veterinary Services have taken 16 very specific steps so far.’ Among these, she said, is the intensification of controls everywhere.

“The Veterinary Services are on alert and we have contacted all the services that need to be informed and intensify controls.’

Asked about the shipments that are on their way, Panayiotou said that ‘we will see in the coming days how the issue will develop. What interests us is that the controls continue intensively in order to manage the situation. There are 16 steps that have been taken to date. The information that is provided is daily.’

She noted that yesterday the Veterinary Services, under her instructions, had a three-hour meeting with all those involved to be informed about the further security measures that the livestock units must also take. “We are monitoring the issue,’ she concluded.

Meanwhile, Director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, said that they have taken steps from the very beginning and are in communication with the European Commission, as well as with the competent Australian authorities, who have informed them that they will review the information Cyprus had submitted to them and, based that they will possibly reconsider their decision, possibly amending the list of products that have been excluded for the time being.

Regarding the fate of the shipments, which are on their way to Australia, he said that the Veterinary Services will investigate the possibility that they will at least accept them so that they do not have to be rejected or returned.

Asked about the visit of a European Commission delegation saying that “from the very beginning we had requested the arrival of this specific group of experts, who went to the occupied areas two days ago and have reviewed the case and the situation.”

The situation, he stressed, is crucial, and for this reason the Veterinary Services are on red alert.

“We are ready to take action wherever required, taking all measures that can be taken with the aim of excluding the spread of the virus in the government controlled areas of the Republic,” Pipis said.

He explained that the foot-and-mouth disease is airborne, it is very difficult to 100% exclude it, stressed that they are in full cooperation with everyone involved to proceed with whatever is required to be done to exclude the possibility of having the disease in the government controlled areas.

Invited to comment on reports in the occupied territories that blame the Republic of Cyprus of having transferred foot-and-mouth disease from the government controlled areas through illegal trade, Pipis said that this accusation is unfounded. In addition, he pointed out that “it has also been raised to the experts of the European Union, who said that even if you wanted to hide the cases that you might have in the areas controlled by the Republic, the disease is of such epidemiology and such seriousness that you could not hide it, let alone hide it for 1-2 days beyond that, the disease itself would betray you”.

Pipis said that “from the facts alone you understand that these allegations are groundless”.

GetTransfer, an online marketplace for pre-booked ground transport that connects travellers with independent drivers, announced it delivered rides to 1 million passengers in 2025, marking a major milestone for the platform. The Cyprus-headquartered company – often described as the world’s largest mobility marketplace for travel transfers – said the strong annual traffic reflects a post-pandemic rebound in demand for pre-arranged rides.

‘By turning transfers into a marketplace, we let real competition work in favor of the traveler,’ said Alexander Sapov, CEO and co-founder of GetTransfer.com.

Global Reach and Growth: GetTransfer currently operates in over 180 countries, offering everything from airport pickups to longer intercity journeys. On the supply side, the company reported 70,000 new carriers (independent drivers and transport firms) joined its platform in 2025, greatly expanding its pool of vehicles and drivers. (As of 2022, the service already had over 100,000 drivers in its network) This growing global footprint enables travelers to book rides in destinations ranging from small island hubs to major international airports, according to the company. GetTransfer noted especially strong usage for early-morning departures, late-night arrivals, and trips involving heavy luggage or family travel – situations where having a reliable, pre-booked pickup is most valued by customers.

Service and Satisfaction Metrics: In its year-end report, GetTransfer highlighted several service metrics demonstrating speed and user satisfaction. The average response time from drivers to a new booking request was about 5 minutes, reflecting the platform’s quick turnaround on ride offers. Half of all passengers (50%) in 2025 were repeat users who had returned to book another trip, indicating a high retention rate. Meanwhile, riders gave an average post-trip rating of 4.67 out of 5, based on customer feedback after each journey – a figure that underscores solid satisfaction levels among users.

Marketplace Model and Low Prices: GetTransfer’s management attributes its growth to a unique marketplace model. Travelers submit a ride request and then receive multiple offers from independent transport providers who bid for the trip by competing on price, vehicle type, and other terms. The customer can review all the quotes – including vehicle class, price, and driver reviews – and choose the option that best fits their needs before booking. The ride itself is then carried out by the selected local carrier, not by GetTransfer directly, which acts purely as an intermediary. The company says this approach brings greater transparency for customers, since key trip details and costs are presented upfront before confirmation. Importantly, it also tends to drive prices down through competition. In fact, an independent analysis in early 2025 found that on many popular routes, especially long-distance transfers in regions like Europe and the Middle East, GetTransfer’s fares came in significantly lower than those of other transfer providers. Thanks to drivers bidding to win trips, travelers often secure some of the lowest rates for long rides compared to traditional fixed-price services – a major selling point of the platform.

Rank

Country

Route (typical)

Distance (km, approx.)

Price (pound /trip)

pound /km (approx.)

1

Thailand (TH)

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) ? Pattaya

120-130

59-67

~0.50

2

UAE (AE)

Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai) ? Fujairah

~130

63-92

~0.49-0.71

3

UAE (AE)

Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai) ? Ras Al Khaimah

~183

63-92

~0.34-0.50

4

Turkey (TR)

Antalya ? Gazipasa

162

81

0.50

5

Sri Lanka (LK)

Various airport ? destination routes

120-180*

~60-90*

~0.50*

6

Malaysia (MY)

Various airport ? destination routes

120-180*

~60-90*

~0.50*

7

Tunisia (TN)

Various airport ? destination routes

120-180*

~60-90*

~0.50*

Industry Trends and Recognition: The surge in GetTransfer’s usage aligns with broader travel trends. Industry analysts note that the market for pre-booked ground transfers is benefiting from a growing traveler preference for advance planning and cost certainty in trips. GetTransfer’s 2025 figures reflect this pattern, with the company reporting a clear spike in bookings during the autumn and a year-end surge in early December as holiday travelers locked in their rides ahead of time. The company’s successful year also brought external recognition: GetTransfer was named ‘Leading Travel App of the Year’ for 2025 at the Uzakrota Travel Awards, a travel industry accolade that underlines the platform’s rising profile.

Overall, reaching the one-million passenger mark caps off what GetTransfer describes as a banner year. By combining a vast global reach with fast service and budget-friendly pricing, the platform has ridden a wave of post-pandemic travel recovery – positioning itself as a go-to solution for secure and affordable transfers worldwide.