Category: Cyprus News Agency

The subsidies paid by the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO) to farmers in 2025 amounted to pound 138,700,000, said Commissioner for Agricultural Payments, Andreas Kyprianou, on Friday, during a press conference CAPO’s work in 2025.

The Cypriot agricultural economy has received pound 2.3 billion since Cyprus’ accession to the EU, he noted, adding that in 2024, CAPO provided pound 118 million, while in 2025 a an amount of pound 138,700,000 was provided, recording an increase of 20% compared to 2024. The 2025 amount also includes state aid, not only European, he said.

Referring to the devastating fires in Limassol district during the summer of 2025, the Commissioner for Agricultural Payments noted that CAPO, ‘using the expertise at its disposal, helped as much as possible to have an immediate response’, noting that many programs were subsidized through CAPO for the fire-stricken areas. At the same time, he said that CAPO ‘was the first to delimit the burned area and had even decided at that time that the subsidies for our farmers would proceed, regardless of whether their property had burned, as a result of which any program did not proceed and was completed, and this without any obligation whatsoever’.

In relation to the new investment intervention package, with a budget of pound 60 million, which expires in January 2026, Andreas Kyprianou stated that applicants can receive support for large agricultural investments of up to pound 400,000 per project, while young farmers have the opportunity to benefit from additional grants for targeted actions, amounting to up to pound 600,000.

Regarding the extraordinary payments, he pointed out that to date CAPO has had approximately 28,000 applicants for the Single Application for Hectare Subsidies, adding that the average requested plot in Cyprus is approximately 4 decares, while the corresponding average in the European Union is 1500 decares, i.e. 150 hectares. He also noted that the processing of 70% of applications has been completed, adding that by the end of 2025 this percentage is expected to exceed 95%.

The British Bases in Cyprus have introduced precautionary measures at crossing points in Pergamos and Strovilia following reports of suspected Foot and Mouth Disease in the occupied areas of the island.

As it is noted in a press release, at the request of the Republic of Cyprus Veterinary Services, the British Bases have put in place disinfection facilities and stopped the crossing of all Products of Animal Origin.

The Bases Administration has said the measures are designed to reduce any potential risk and reflect its commitment to supporting its partners wherever possible.

While the disease has not been confirmed, the steps are seen as a proactive measure to protect animal health and the wider community according to Mark Hartley, Head of Customs and Immigration in the British Bases.

He said that ‘we are taking swift and responsible action. By working closely with the Republic of Cyprus Veterinary Services, we are doing everything possible to support our partners and keep everyone safe while maintaining smooth operations at crossing points.”

Cyprus has been the divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has published a consultation paper proposing a new Directive on the submission of prudential information by Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), in the context of Article 67 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCAR).

According to a press release, the proposed Directive introduces periodic reporting requirements to CySEC, including the submission of prudential information under MiCAR, financial reports (trial balance, balance sheet, and profit and loss statement), and audited annual financial statements.

The framework aims to support CySEC’s supervisory oversight and verify CASPs’ compliance with MiCAR prudential requirements.

The proposed reporting regime aligns with the prudential reporting framework applicable to Investment Firms and follows submission deadlines consistent with existing EU implementing regulations, ensuring streamlined and timely supervisory reporting.

CYSEC notes that the consultation applies to CASPs authorised by CySEC under Article 63 of MiCA. It does not apply to central securities depositories, CIFs, market operators, management companies, or AIFMs providing crypto-asset services under notification, as these entities are exempt from the relevant prudential supervision requirements.

Interested parties may submit their comments at policy@cysec.gov.cy by 12 January 2026 the latest.

Today, the Commission renewed the two 2021 adequacy decisions for the free flow of personal data with the United Kingdom. The decisions ensure that personal data can continue flowing freely and safely between the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom, as the UK legal framework contains data protection safeguards that are essentially equivalent to those provided by the EU.

In June 2025, the Commission had adopted a technical extension of the 2021 adequacy decisions with the United Kingdom – one under the General Data Protection Regulation and the other concerning the Law Enforcement Directive – for a limited period of six months, as they were set to expire on 27 December this year. This extension allowed the Commission to conduct a thorough assessment of the legal framework in the UK as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act.

The adoption of the renewal decisions follows the European Data Protection Board’s opinion and the Member States’ green light in the so-called comitology procedure.

The new decisions are subject to a sunset clause of six years, running until 27 December 2031, with the possibility to be renewed. The Commission together with representatives of the European Data Protection Board will review the functioning of the adequacy decisions after a period of four years.

Background

The European Commission has the competence to determine, on the basis of the General Data Protection Regulation, whether a country or international organisation outside the EU ensures an adequate level of data protection. Following this, the Commission might initiate the process for the adoption of an adequacy decision, which allows the free flow of personal data from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) to a third country or international organisation without further obstacles.

For More Information

Data protection adequacy for non-EU countries

UK Adequacy: Renewal decision under the GDPR

UK Adequacy: Renewal decision under the LED

Quote(s)

The renewal of our adequacy decisions benefits businesses and citizens alike on both sides of the Channel. It ensures the free flow of personal data between the EEA and the UK in full compliance with data protection rules while reducing costs and administrative burdens. This continuity allows European companies to keep sharing data seamlessly with their UK partners, supporting innovation, competitiveness and trusted digital cooperation.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

The United Kingdom is an important strategic partner for the European Union and the adequacy decisions form a central pillar of this partnership. By enabling the free flow of personal data, they underpin both commercial exchanges and cooperation in the fields of justice and law enforcement. Their renewal reflects the Commission’s assessment that the United Kingdom’s legal framework continues to provide robust safeguards for personal data that remain closely aligned with EU standards, including in the context of recent legislative developments.

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

EU institutions define priorities for 2026: A Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026 was signed today by the European Parliament, Council and Commission

Given the speed and complexity of challenges faced by the European Union, unity, urgency and ambition are key. That is also the spirit behind which President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, representing the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, signed the Joint Declaration in the margins of the European Council today.

The Joint Declaration prioritises legislative actions that focus on boosting the EU’s competitiveness and resilience, safeguarding citizens and businesses, while pursuing ambitious simplification goals and working towards swift agreement on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Utmost priority will be given to key policy objectives for a new era for European defence and security, to secure Europe’s sustainable prosperity, competitiveness and simplification, to strengthen our societies and our social model and quality of life, to ensure comprehensive approach to boarder management and migration, to protect our democracy, uphold our values and to leverage our global influence and partnerships.

The Declaration highlights legislative proposals listed in the accompanying document, which the three Institutions commit to pay particular attention to and to prioritise in 2026. Progress on these proposals should be regularly monitored throughout the year, both to provide updates on the state of play and to allow for early warning of any developments that risk any delays.

The Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, will closely ensure the timely and effective implementation of this Joint Declaration.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: ‘Europe moves when we all pull in the same direction. This Joint Declaration for 2026 is more than just words on a paper – it is a sign of unity and our firm conviction to deliver on people’s expectations. For the first time, it sets out a clear and focused list of ten legislative priorities to make our Union stronger, safer, and more competitive. Parliament is ready to get to work.’

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: ‘Today we stand united with a shared vision for our Union’s future. We must deliver a new era of European security – and that starts with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine an strengthening our own defences. We must also build a more competitive, fairer Europe for our citizens and businesses. And finally we are committed to reaching a swift agreement on the next long-term EU budget. Because to turn our common vision into reality, we must have the means to deliver it.’

Next steps

The Joint Declaration will be published in the EU’s Official Journal in the coming days. The co-legislators will ensure the timely and effective implementation of this Joint Declaration.

Background

As set out in the Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making, signed in 2016 by the three institutions the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission discuss and agree on legislative priorities for the next year through an annual Joint Declaration, after the Commission adopts its work programme. This approach helps the institutions collaborate more efficiently on key legislative proposals, with the Parliament and the Council acting as co-legislators.

For more information

Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026

Quote(s)

Europe moves when we all pull in the same direction. This Joint Declaration for 2026 is more than just words on a paper – it is a sign of unity and our firm conviction to deliver on people’s expectations. For the first time, it sets out a clear and focused list of ten legislative priorities to make our Union stronger, safer, and more competitive. Parliament is ready to get to work.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament

Today we stand united with a shared vision for our Union’s future. We must deliver a new era of European security – and that starts with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine an strengthening our own defences. We must also build a more competitive, fairer Europe for our citizens and businesses. And finally we are committed to reaching a swift agreement on the next long-term EU budget. Because to turn our common vision into reality, we must have the means to deliver it.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Final steps taken to ensure smooth entry into application of the EU Deforestation Regulation

The European Commission welcomes the final vote by the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission proposal for targeted amendments of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We now must ensure that the EUDR delivers on the ground. Tackling global deforestation and forest degradation is one of the most urgent challenges of our time – as they are important drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss. The amending Regulation will be published in the Official Journal on 23 December 2025.

The agreed amendments ensure clarity and predictability regarding timelines and requirements for economic operators. They provide an additional year for economic operators’ preparations before the EUDR entry into application on 30 December 2026. For micro and small operators, the period is extended until 30 June 2027, except for those already covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The agreed amendments further limit the obligation to submit due diligence statements to the first operator placing the relevant products on the market. They also replace the regular submission of due diligence statements by a simplified one-off declaration for micro and small primary operators from low-risk countries.

Altogether, these amendments will reduce the data load on the IT system so that it can handle the expected due diligence statements and simplified declarations submitted by all operators. This will provide for a well-functioning IT system, which is necessary for a smooth implementation of the EUDR.

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘With the agreement on the EU Deforestation rules, businesses can now continue preparing for the application of the EUDR. It provides the necessary certainty and predictability and will make it possible to implement the law in the most efficient way possible to reduce global deforestation.’

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

Statement by the European Commission on International Migrants Day

On International Migrants Day, we recognise the aspirations and challenges faced by migrants across the world. The reasons for people to leave their home countries are manifold, be it in search of safety or opportunity. They do so in a global environment that is increasingly complex, making international cooperation paramount to effectively manage migration.

The European Union is consistently engaging with our partner countries through comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnerships. Together we address the root causes of migration, fight migrant smuggling, strengthen readmission cooperation and promote legal pathways.

On 10 December 2025, President von der Leyen hosted the Second Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling with more than 80 partners from around the world committing to strengthen international cooperation and to break the business model of smugglers and prevent the loss of lives.

The European Union is building a system that is fair, firm and humane. We are implementing and further strengthening and complementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will be fully applicable from mid-2026, with stronger border protection, a fair system of responsibility and solidarity and stronger rules on returns.

We are countering illegal migration, while enhancing safe and legal pathways to the EU – always in cooperation with partners countries and international stakeholders, in full respect of international law and fundamental rights.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the European Council press conference of December 2025

Good evening.

We all share one clear goal.

A just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

So we gathered with a clear objective:

To address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs for the next two years.

And I am very pleased to say: we made it.

We have secured an agreement to deliver on the financing needs for Ukraine for the next two years.

As you know the Commission had proposed two solutions.

Both legally sound.

Both technically feasible.

On the one hand, we proposed EU borrowing on the market.

And on the other hand, we have developed the Reparations Loan.

Last week already, we sent a clear and strong political message by immobilising Russian assets in the EU over the long term.

And building on that, we agreed to find a solution for the financing of Ukraine for the next two years.

Member States have agreed to finance Ukraine through EU borrowing on the capital markets.

For an amount of EUR 90 billion for the next two years.

We will do this by way of enhanced cooperation that is backed by the EU budget headroom.

And based on a unanimous agreement to amend the MFF.

Similarly to the Reparations Loan, very important, Ukraine would only need to pay back the loan once it receives reparations.

Until then, the assets will remain immobilised.

And the Union reserves its right to make use of the cash balances to finance the loan.

This is the solution we found together.

And as discussed in the last weeks, financing Ukraine beyond 2027 will be part of the next MFF discussion.

The EU’s next budget was also on the agenda.

The Danish Presidency has done a remarkable work.

Today, it was mostly about architecture and calendar.

We need a budget that is faster, simpler and more flexible.

A budget that will ensure Europe’s capacity to meet the demands of a world of crises as demonstrated again today for the financing of Ukraine.

Finally, we agreed on the sense of urgency, and the intense work ahead with the Cypriot Presidency.

We then moved on to the discussion on geoeconomics, including on the Mercosur agreement.

This evening, we have achieved a breakthrough to pave the way for a successful completion of the agreement in January.

We need a few extra weeks to address some issues with Member States.

We have reached out to our Mercosur partners and agreed to postpone slightly the signature.

This deal is of crucial importance for Europe – economically, diplomatically and geopolitically.

It opens new trade and economic opportunities for all our Member States.

With additional checks and safeguards, we have built in all necessary protections for our farmers and our consumers.

In a year dominated by news of rising tariffs and new trade restrictions, the positive impact of this pact matters – not just for our two regions, but for the global economy.

Finally, Mette, I want to praise the Danish Presidency.

In just six months, you delivered impressive results.

41 files were concluded and negotiating mandates secured on 17 more.

You ensured the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, with the adoption of the 18th and 19th sanctions packages.

As well as the swift agreement on the immobilisation of the Russian assets last week.

Together we made history with the agreement on REPowerEU – our roadmap to full energy independence from Russia. And with the 2040 Climate target.

Thanks to your work on migration, we were able to effectively kick-start the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Notably with the progress on the Return and Safe countries of origin legislation – just agreed.

You also strengthened Europe’s defence by securing a much awaited agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme, EDIP, and the Defence Omnibus.

And you made significant progress on simplification, with agreement on several omnibuses, making life easier for companies across Europe.

Last but not least, you successfully steered the initial work on the next EU budget.

So you laid a very solid foundation for the presidencies to come.

These achievements speak volumes about your leadership and commitment to the European project.

Many thanks for that.

Strengthening efforts to achieve EU’s strategic autonomy is the number one priority of EU Cyprus Presidency, which begins January 1st, President Nikos Christodoulides said.

In statements to the press following European Council’s meeting in Brussels, the President said that EC’s Head Ursula von der Leyen will visit Cyprus January 7th for the Presidency’s opening ceremony and right after she will visit countries in the region.

He noted once again that Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency at a decisive and difficult time, ”taking into account the different views and approach on various issues and the need as a Presidency to find solutions and move forward together’.

President Christodoulides referred to the issues that are a priority for the Presidency namely the Multiannual Financial Framework, competitiveness, Ukraine, defence and security, enlargement and migration.

Strengthening of the great effort to achieve the strategic autonomy of the European Union is the number one priority, he noted, adding that a strong European Union also means a strong Republic of Cyprus.

He also referred to the need to strengthen EU relations with the countries of the wider Middle East.

He furthermore said that EU has common challenges and common strategic interests with the US “and as EU we must do more, institutionalize our cooperation, but also demonstrate in practice the 360-degree perspective’.

President Christodoulides also told the press that Cyprus is the Member State ‘that can lead this effort on behalf of the European Union, taking into account our geographical position but also our excellent bilateral relations with all the states of the region’.

He added that housing and energy issues are also high on the Presidency’s agenda as are protection of children from social media, health and education issues.

He expressed the belief that Cyprus will have a successful Presidency and prove that we are a reliable, predictable, serious and effective partner.

As the President said, the priorities and the logo of the Presidency will be unveiled Sunday during a press conference at the village of Lefkara.

A humanitarian aid delivery has been scheduled for December 20 within the framework of the ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian corridor, President Nikos Christodoulides said Friday.

Speaking in Brussels, after the all-night session of the European Council, the President of the Republic referred to the Conclusions on the Middle East, underlining the importance of that there is specific reference to the Cyprus Maritime Corridor. Given the opportunity, he said he informed his counterparts of the new delivery.

He noted that it concerns 950 tons of humanitarian aid in 44 containers from the Republic of Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, France, Slovakia and Kuwait.

President Christodoulides also referred to the letter of the President of the European Commission on migration, with two references to Cyprus.

The first one, he said, concerns the positive perspective of the Republic of Cyprus and the progress in the effort for full Schengen accession, and in the second one, Cyprus together with Austria and Germany, are mentioned as the countries with the most returns among all EU member states, ‘the most returns of migrants to Syria’, he noted.

The internationally recognized Experience AI program is now being introduced in Cyprus’ schools, with the aim of strengthening innovation and digital literacy in education and providing meaningful familiarization to students and teachers with Artificial Intelligence.

The Ministry of Education said in a press release that following its successful implementation in Greece, where hundreds of teachers have already been trained and thousands of students have been introduced to the basic principles of AI, the free program is now also being implemented in Cyprus, offering the school community modern, creative, and experiential learning experiences.

Experience AI was designed by Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and in Greece and Cyprus is funded by Google.org.

Its goal is to help students develop a basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence technologies, their social and ethical dimensions, and the role they can play in modern life.

At the same time, teachers are equipped with modern tools, methods, and innovative teaching material based on rigorous research. The program includes comprehensive lesson plans, activities, videos, and presentations, specifically designed for lower and upper secondary school students, while students in the upper grades of primary school can also benefit.

According to the press release, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus, Athena Michaelidou, recalled that the Ministry has recently announced a Policy and Guidelines Document for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in primary and secondary education.

She emphasized that this framework ensures that the use of AI will contribute positively to the educational process and to the well-being of students, teachers, and families.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, described the implementation of Experience AI in Cyprus as a substantial and practical step in the country’s strategic preparation for the new reality shaped by Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the government’s goal is the safe, responsible, and productive use of new technologies.

Cypriots appear to be generally satisfied with their lives, while at the same time expressing strong concerns about issues that directly affect their daily lives, most notably rising prices, inflation and the cost of living.

At the same time, they identify migration and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the key challenges facing the European Union, towards which they maintain an overall neutral to moderately positive attitude. These findings reflect broader trends and concerns within Cypriot society, as recorded in the latest Eurobarometer survey.

More specifically, according to the findings of the 104th Eurobarometer, conducted in October-November 2025, a large majority of Cypriots say they are satisfied with their lives (84%, up by 1 percentage point compared to Spring 2025), a figure close to the EU average (86%). Despite this general sense of satisfaction, citizens identify the most important issues facing Cyprus today as rising prices, inflation and the cost of living (37%, compared to 31% at EU27 level), migration (35%, EU27: 15%) and the economic situation (23%, EU27: 19%).

At the European level, Cypriots consider migration to be the most important issue facing the EU (45%, EU27: 20%), followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (24%, EU27: 26%) and rising prices, inflation and the cost of living (19%, EU27: 16%). At the same time, more than half of Cypriots say they tend not to trust the EU (57%, up by 2 percentage points since Spring 2025), while their overall image of the EU is mainly neutral (41%) or positive (30%). Particularly strong dissatisfaction is recorded with the way democracy works in Cyprus (67%), as well as a widespread feeling that people’s voices do not count either at national (66%) or at EU level (70%).

In terms of information sources, Cypriots tend to trust radio (62%) and television (55%) more, while they are more sceptical towards the printed press, websites and social media. Overall, 68% believe that things in the country are moving in the wrong direction, a higher proportion than the EU27 average (60%).

Today, the European Commission assessed Cyprus’s fifth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.

The Commission found that Cyprus satisfactorily completed 10 out of 11 milestones and all 8 targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision for the sixth grant instalment.

The pound 70.5 million payment request covers important steps in the delivery of reforms and investments that will drive positive change for citizens and businesses in Cyprus in the areas of public administration, justice, transport, tourism, education, healthcare, and energy efficiency renovations.

Flagship measures include:

Implementing a local administration reform, merging smaller municipalities for better efficiency and reduced costs, while empowering local authorities with increased responsibilities and a modern financial structure to support regional growth and transparency.

Upgrading schools with modern digital equipment such as laptops, projectors, and digital boards, aimed at improving the learning environment and equipping students with essential digital skills.

However, the Commission also assessed that one milestone related to green taxation (M19) has not been satisfactorily fulfilled.

As a result, the Commission will propose a suspension of the payment related to this milestone. Cyprus will then be granted additional time to complete the outstanding milestone, while still receiving a partial payment for the milestones that have been successfully fulfilled.

This approach is in line with the RRF Regulation and the Commission’s implementation guidelines published on 21 February 2023.

Next steps

Cyprus submitted its fifth payment request on 1 August 2025. The Commission has now sent its positive preliminary assessment of the milestones and targets that it considers satisfactorily fulfilled to the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC), which has four weeks to deliver its opinion.

In parallel, the Commission has communicated to Cyprus the reasons why it considers the abovementioned milestone not to be satisfactorily fulfilled. Cyprus now has one month to submit its observations to the Commission.

Should the Commission, following Cyprus’s observations, confirm its assessment that the milestone in question has not been satisfactorily fulfilled, it will suspend the corresponding part of the payment. The suspended amount will be determined by applying the Commission’s methodology for payment suspensions (outlined in Annex II of the Communication published on 21 February 2023), which applies to all Member States, and which puts significant weight on key reform milestones.

From that moment, Cyprus will have a period of six months to take action and fulfil the outstanding commitment. At the end of this period, the Commission will assess whether this milestone has been satisfactorily fulfilled. If so, it will lift the suspension and proceed with the payment of the suspended amount.

The payment to Cyprus for the already greenlighted milestones and targets can take place following the EFC’s positive opinion and the adoption of a payment decision by the Commission.

The work programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will be presented on Sunday, 21 December, by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

The presentation will take place during an event at the Lefkara Conference Centre, in Lefkara village, and will begin at 10:30 a.m local time. The village is located at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the south eastern region, 43 km from Larnaka.

According to a press release issued by the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU, the logo of the Cyprus Presidency will also be presented during the event.