Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

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

Barometric low is expected to affect the area from afternoon onwards. The weather will be mainly cloudy and initially isolated showers and/or thunderstorms are expected, mainly over the western coastal areas. By late afternoon, showers and local thunderstorms are expected. THUNDERSTORMS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY SUDDEN CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTION AND INCREASES IN WIND SPEED.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually South to Southwest

Slight to Moderate

Morning

South to Southeast 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

South Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually South to Southwest

Slight to Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight, locally Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually South to Southwest

Slight to Moderate

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, at times locally 5

Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight, offshore Slight to Moderate

Time of issue: 1700

Date: 14/10/2026

President in Maastricht and Brussels for future of Europe speech and European Council

President, Nikos Christodoulides, is travelling to Maastricht, where he will deliver a speech at the University of Maastricht, and then to Brussels, where he will take part in the proceedings of the European Council, which will discuss the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034.

According to a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides is travelling to Maastricht today, where, at the invitation of the University authorities, he will deliver a speech at Maastricht University entitled ‘Cyprus and the European project: Bridging Europe and the Middle East on the path to strategic autonomy’.

The President will visit the University this evening, where he will be welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Esther Versluis, Letymbiotis says. This will be followed by a tour of the University premises and then the President’s speech, after which there will be a discussion with students and lecturers.

‘The speech will focus on the future of Europe, contemporary geopolitical challenges, the work and achievements of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as the strategic role of the Republic of Cyprus as a bridge for cooperation between the European Union and the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East’, Letymbiotis notes.

Later this evening, he adds, the President of the Republic will travel to Brussels, where he will take part in the European Council meeting on 15 and 16 October.

The Government Spokesperson added that on Thursday, President Christodoulides will take part in the European People’s Party Summit and will subsequently hold a meeting with the leaders of the Member States participating in the ‘Friends of Cohesion’ group, ahead of the crucial negotiations on the next European budget.

Subsequently, he adds, ‘he will take part in the proceedings of the European Council, which will focus on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, with the aim of achieving substantial progress that will keep the prospect of an overall political agreement alive until the end of 2026.’

‘These are negotiations of crucial importance for the future of the European Union, as the next European budget will determine its ability to fund its strategic priorities, strengthen its competitiveness and security, and ensure economic and social cohesion,’ he stressed

The Republic of Cyprus, continues the Government Spokesperson, is entering the discussions having contributed substantially to shaping the negotiating basis through the work of the Cypriot Presidency, which is also recognised in the recent joint statement by the 17 member states of the ‘Friends of Cohesion’.

‘The formulation of a balanced and ambitious European budget that will respond to new challenges, whilst ensuring sufficient resources for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, with particular emphasis on balanced development and support for rural areas and the primary sector, continues to be a key priority for the Republic of Cyprus,’ he notes.

According to Letymbiotis, the European Council’s agenda also includes the competitiveness of the European economy, rising energy prices and their impact on households and businesses, European security and defence, developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, migration, as well as the enlargement and reforms of the European Union.

‘Particular emphasis will be placed on the need for a coordinated European response to the consequences of rising energy prices, with the Republic of Cyprus advocating for greater flexibility within the European economic governance framework, so that Member States have the ability to take additional measures to support citizens and businesses, as well as to finance investments that strengthen energy self-sufficiency, whilst safeguarding fiscal sustainability,’ he points out.

At the same time, he adds, ‘the President of the Republic will highlight the need to strengthen European competitiveness, with an emphasis on the completion of the single market, attracting investment and ensuring that European policies take into account the specific characteristics of all Member States.’

On Friday, 16 October the President will take part in a meeting of like-minded leaders on migration and subsequently in the continuation of the European Council’s proceedings, while on Friday afternoon, the President of the Republic, accompanied by the Government Spokesperson, the Director of the President’s Press Office, Viktoras Papadopoulos, and officials, will depart for Cyprus, he concludes.

UK reaffirms support to a Cyprus settlement based on UN resolutions

The British government remains committed to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, UK Minister for Europe Lord Wood reaffirmed during an official reception on Tuesday in London marking the 66th anniversary of the independence of Cyprus.

On his part, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Kyriacos Kouros, called on the British government to continue playing an active and constructive role in efforts to resume negotiations, underlining London’s particular responsibilities as a guarantor power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The reception took place at the official residence of the High Commissioner, where Kouros, his spouse Vasiliki Kinani Kourou, and members of the Cypriot diplomatic mission welcomed British politicians, diplomats and representatives of international organisations.

Among the guests were Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.

In his address Kouros stressed that Cyprus continues to live with the consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974, noting that Ankara has shown no willingness to return to the negotiating table.

He emphasised that Nicosia remains ready to resume negotiations from where they left off, on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Addressing Lord Wood, he highlighted the United Kingdom’s particular responsibility, not only as a guarantor power but also as the country responsible for drafting Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

In response, the British Minister reaffirmed London’s continued support to United Nations-led efforts, encouraging all parties to engage constructively in the process.

Particular emphasis was placed on further strengthening relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom.

Lord Wood noted that Cypriot Foreign Minister,Constantinos Kombos, was among the first counterparts he contacted after taking office in July.

He also confirmed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries is scheduled for later this year, covering defence, security, trade and other areas of cooperation.

Kouros also referred to the differences that remain regarding the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, expressing confidence that these could be addressed through frank and constructive dialogue.

The British Minister expressed particular gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus for its support for efforts to bring the United Kingdom and the European Union closer together, describing the strengthening of this relationship as a key priority for his government.

He also congratulated Nicosia on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Cypriot High Commissioner highlighted Cyprus’s role as a force for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, its contribution to humanitarian operations and the importance of maritime security, particularly in light of developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Both speakers paid tribute to the contribution of the Cypriot community to British society.

Kouros estimated that the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom numbers up to 450,000 people, while Lord Wood praised its contribution to the economy, science, culture and public life.

The independence anniversary celebrations also included a second event at the Cypriot Brotherhood in North London, attended by members of the Cypriot and Greek communities, as well as prominent figures from the Cypriot diaspora who have distinguished themselves in British society.

The national anthems of the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom were played at the opening of both events.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Orange warning for severe thunderstorms in Cyprus on Wednesday evening

The Cyprus Meteorology Department has issued an orange warning for severe thunderstorms, with rainfall intensity expected to reach between 55 and 70 millimetres per hour.

The warning will be in effect from 1900 local time on Wednesday until 0500 on Thursday.

A low-pressure system accompanied by severe thunderstorms is expected to affect the area.

During thunderstorms, winds will be variable, with strong gusts, while hail is also possible.

Deputy Minister presents AI strategy featuring 16 flagship programmes by 2032

The development of 16 flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmes by 2032, the establishment of new structures to support its use in the public sector and the economy, and the implementation of workforce upskilling programmes are among the key elements of Cyprus’ new national AI strategy, outlined on Wednesday by Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou.

Speaking at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit, during a presentation entitled ‘On our own terms: Cyprus and AI, 2032’, the Deputy Minister said Cyprus does not aim to compete with major economies in developing large-scale AI technologies, but rather to leverage their capabilities in areas where they can generate the greatest added value for the country.

He explained that the strategy focuses on the adoption and practical application of AI, with the aim of increasing productivity, improving public services and strengthening the economy’s competitiveness. ‘We don’t want to win the AI race. We want to capitalise on it,’ he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, the ambition is for Cyprus to become a trusted European AI hub, where systems and services can be developed, tested and validated in accordance with the EU regulatory framework before being scaled into other markets.

Priority for the public sector and five economic sectors

Damianou said the new strategy identifies the public sector as a key priority for AI adoption, with the aim of addressing longstanding challenges and improving productivity.

It also identifies five economic sectors in which Cyprus has the necessary expertise and institutional capacity to accelerate AI adoption. These are financial services and financial technology (fintech), tourism and hospitality, shipping and maritime activities, healthcare, and legal and judicial services.

The strategy identifies 16 flagship programmes that will form the basis of transformational projects to be implemented by 2032.

For the public sector, key projects include upgrading the Digital Citizen application to Digital Citizen 2.0, incorporating AI capabilities, and developing Digital Company 2.0 to serve businesses.

The strategy also provides for the establishment of a dedicated Government AI Accelerator, which will be responsible for developing and delivering AI services across public administration. Plans also include a Government Innovation Hub and two industrial innovation hubs or centres of excellence, focusing on the development of specialised solutions.

Infrastructure, funding and business support

Referring to the infrastructure required, the Deputy Minister said the strategy rests on three main pillars: securing adequate computing capacity, establishing an intelligent government platform and modernising the country’s connectivity infrastructure.

The government platform will include infrastructure for connecting and utilising data from different public services, enabling the development of AI applications and interoperability with the private sector. The strategy also envisages upgrades to submarine cables and broader connectivity infrastructure.

Damianou also referred to three main funding mechanisms supporting the strategy, covering research, startups and scaleups, as well as the establishment of an AI sovereign investment matching fund.

He added that a national programme is planned to accelerate AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Human oversight in critical decisions

The Deputy Minister placed particular emphasis on ensuring that AI development remains human-centric, based on the principles of transparency, trust and effective oversight.

He said this approach is reflected in an ‘AI Social Contract’, under which technology should be used to make people more productive rather than replace them. In this context, he said every citizen should have the right to contest decisions made using AI systems in sensitive areas, such as healthcare and social benefits. He also stressed that no critical AI system should operate without human oversight.

Regarding technological sovereignty, he said Cyprus must retain control over critical infrastructure while leveraging international partnerships and, wherever possible, open-source models and platforms for the public sector.

‘We should not confuse bureaucracy with digitisation’

Damianou returned to the need for broader changes in the functioning of the state during his participation in a panel discussion entitled ‘How AI is reshaping the relationship between citizens and the state’.

He said that tackling bureaucracy is often confused with digitising processes, although the two represent different challenges.

He explained that introducing digital tools alone is not enough to address structural problems, citing the employee evaluation and reward system as an example. He reiterated the need to change the strictly hierarchical model so that creative thinking, critical thinking, decision-making and adaptability are rewarded.

According to the Deputy Minister, tackling bureaucracy requires a comprehensive, whole-of-state effort rather than action by the Government alone. He acknowledged that obstacles continue to hinder the country’s progress, stressing the need for solutions and greater speed in policy planning and implementation.

Nevertheless, he said the new AI strategy creates the conditions for faster progress, provided emphasis is placed on the practical use of available technological tools.

He explained that priority should be given to empowering citizens, businesses and particularly SMEs to use existing AI applications to increase their productivity.

240,000 uses of new digital services in the first nine months

During his presentation, Damianou also reviewed progress in public sector digitisation. He said new digital services developed over approximately the past 18 months were used 240,000 times during the first nine months of 2026.

Examples included the new school management system, which contains 253,000 student and parent profiles, and the electronic justice system, through which 1.3 million court documents have been filed.

He also reported a 13% to 17% reduction in response times for digital social benefit services presented the previous month. Damianou further announced that three new features are scheduled to be added to the Digital Citizen application within the next three to four weeks, including an electronic ticketing feature for football matches.

Interest in ground station for European IRIS satellite network

Finally, Damianou referred to the opportunities arising from the development of the European IRIS secure satellite communications network.

He said the network will comprise 348 satellites, with deployment scheduled to begin in 2029.

He disclosed that Cyprus is exploring the possibility of becoming one of the European locations hosting a ground station for the network, highlighting the importance of such infrastructure.

He noted that combining high-resolution satellite data with AI applications could create new capabilities for protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing security and communications, and preventing natural disasters such as wildfires.

Concluding, he said the rapid pace of technological advancement makes it essential for Cyprus to prepare in good time, with the new national AI strategy aimed at establishing the conditions needed to harness these capabilities for the benefit of the economy and society.

Cyprus establishes Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) Caucus

Cyprus has established an Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) Caucus with the new Ambassador of Israel to the island, Shuli Davidovich, noting that this reflects the continued development of the relationship between the two countries and shows a clear understanding that the bond between the two countries is based not only on diplomatic relations, but on shared values, mutual security interests, and a common vision for a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.

The launch of the cooperation group in the House of Representatives with the Israel Allies Foundation took place on Wednesday at the House of and was attended by former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, DIKO President, Nicolas Papadopoulos, and the Ambassador of the United States of America to Cyprus, John Breslow.

The parliamentary cooperation group comprises two MPs from the Democratic Rally (DISY), George Karoullas and Charalambos Petrides, two MPs from ELAM party, Sotiris Ioannou and Marios Pelekanos and two MPs from the Democratic Party (DIKO), Andreas Apostoloy and Chrysis Pantelides.

In his introductory speech, DIKO MP and Chairman of the Cyprus IAF Chapter, Chrysis Pantelides, said that it is more evident than ever today that building relationships, developing alliances, and strengthening cooperation and communication between like-minded countries is of paramount importance, adding that at the parliamentary level, the development of cooperation within a network of faith-based legislators and within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy is equally important.

‘We are therefore honoured to launch the Cyprus Caucus, composed initially by six MPs out of the 56 members of the Cyprus Parliament, from three out of the six parties of the House, for cooperation with the Israel Allies Foundation Europe. Our initiative stands as a testament to our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation,’ he noted.

Recalling that Cyprus and Israel cooperation dates back to the establishment of the two states in 1960 and 1948 respectively, he said that it has expanded across major sectors such as defence and security, cybersecurity, energy, tourism, healthcare, trade, research, education, agriculture, innovation, and others.

‘Cyprus and Israel have found themselves for decades at the epicentre of threats, conflicts, and instability in the eastern Mediterranean. Thirty seven per cent of Cyprus’ territory remains under Turkish occupation for 52 years, while Israel is constantly targeted by Iran and the terrorist organisations it controls, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which are also supported by Turkey. It is high time we acted,’ he stressed.

‘For 52 years, the Turkish occupation army has maintained an illegal and forceful presence a mere 500 metres from this room. The government of the Republic of Cyprus and the whole Greek-Cypriot community are deeply committed to a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the United Nations resolutions and high-level agreements, a solution which will free Cyprus from the Turkish occupation, allowing Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins, and all lawful residents of the island, including Jews, to live in peace and prosperity within a modern, democratic, European state governed by the rule of law, the Republic of Cyprus,’ he said.

‘I am positive that the Cyprus Caucus of cooperation with the Israel Allies Foundation Europe will contribute significantly to the promotion and accomplishment of the overarching goals of the Foundation’, he concluded.

On her part, the Israeli Ambassador acknowledged in her first public remarks since arriving to the island the steadfast commitment of the government of the Republic of Cyprus to further deepening the Israel-Cyprus relationship.

‘Our bilateral relations have developed significantly in recent years, becoming stronger, more resilient, and increasingly important to both countries,’ she continued, adding that governments lay the foundation, but it is parliamentarians, civil society leaders, faith organisations, and others that help build a structure that lasts for generations.

‘The establishment of the Cyprus IAF Chapter reflects the continued development of the relationship between Israel and Cyprus. It shows a clear understanding that the bond between our countries is based not only on diplomatic relations, but on shared values, mutual security interests, and a common vision for a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean,’ she underlined.

Thanking the House members who have supported the initiative and taken an active role in its establishment, she said that the broad political support for the group reflects the importance attached in Cyprus to strengthening bilateral parliamentary cooperation and the relationship between our countries.

‘Thank you all for your warm welcome to me as I arrived in this beautiful island, and above all for your friendship, partnership, and continued commitment to Israel-Cyprus alliance,’ she concluded.

IAF President, Josh Reinstein, referred to their meeting earlier today with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the support they have been receiving from all of the three main parties in Cyprus as ‘really outstanding’.

Regarding the Cyprus Caucus, he said that it is the 68th in six continents, following the creating of the 67th in Greece, including in total over 1,700 legislators. ‘Our foundation is the reason we see a lot of embassies in Jerusalem today, anti-BDS and anti-Semitism legislation in America and around the world, and even the fact that we have observer status in the African Union can be traced back to faith-based diplomacy, which we work in,’ he commented.

‘But we didn’t come to Greece and Cyprus so late in the game because we didn’t think it was a priority. This is all about timing. We are seeing an unprecedented coming together of the United States, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece in this incredible coalition, and I have to give all the credit to the greatest friend we’ve ever had in the White House, President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump has been a game-changer for the relationship between America and Israel, and a lot of countries are seeing this as an opportunity,’ he further stressed.

‘We are not coming together because of the common threat. We are coming together because of the common heritage and the ability to uplift this region of the world’, he continued, referring to important projects underway, from the underwater fibre optic cable to gas projects, ‘that will make this region a pivotal avenue for both North America and Asia, especially when you add in the IMEC coming from India,’ he added.

‘As some of the nations are faltering in Europe, Cyprus and Greece are standing strong, so we are very thankful to have this alliance. Our blessing and wish is that this will lead to a combination of mutual success for both Cyprus and Israel, and America and Greece, and that we can all celebrate this success in our undivided capital of Jerusalem together,’ he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Criteria in place to avoid a recurrence of problems in Vasiliko, DEFA President tells CNA

The problems that occurred in the past were taken into account when formulating the criteria for selecting the contractor for the completion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Vasiliko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) George Pistentis, has told CNA.

Based on the initial results, he added, the participation is considered very satisfactory.

The evaluation of the companies that expressed interest in undertaking the project has begun immediately, Pistentis said.

The selection, he went on to say, will be based on technical and financial criteria, including the adequacy, experience and financial solvency of the companies. He added that the goal is to complete the pre-selection phase before the end of this year with the award of the contract before the summer of 2027.

‘They took into account the experience of the past and the issues that arose, so that they do not happen again,’ he said and explained that the relevant criteria for the second phase are being prepared by the consultants in collaboration with the technical department of the organisation and the Public Procurement Authority.

The deadline for submitting interest expired on 9 October 2026. According to the published data of the Treasury of the Republic, eight companies expressed interest, namely AVAX S.A., The Petroleum Projects and Technical Consultations Company (PETROJET), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., TERNA S.A., ECOnnect Energy, Saipem S.p.A., Baran International Ltd. and ARCHIRODON CONSTRUCTION (OVERSEAS) COMPANY LIMITED.

Pistentis said that the evaluation began immediately after the completion of the process and that he is satisfied with the interest shown.

It seems, he continued, based on the names, that there are companies that can undertake the project. “We are satisfied with the interest shown,’ he noted.

He clarified that the current phase is not about the evaluation of complete technical and financial offers, as the companies have not yet received the relevant specifications. What is being examined at this stage, he added, is whether they have the required competence and experience to complete the project.

The next step is the submission of bids by the companies that will be pre-selected, based on the specifications and criteria that will be determined. He pointed out that the evaluation will not be limited exclusively to the financial aspect, since both technical and financial parameters will be taken into account.

According to the tender on the eProcurement platform, the process includes a pre-selection stage and then an invitation to the selected candidates to submit bids. The deadline stated on the platform for sending the invitations is January 11, 2027. The President of DEFA said that an effort is being made to ensure that this takes place within 2026.

The estimated value of the contract amounts to 180 million euro with a duration of two years. The award is expected to be made based on the best price-quality ratio.

As far as the timetable is concerned, he said that the aim remains to award the contract before the summer of 2027. The possibility of completing it earlier is not ruled out, he added.

Moreover, he said that the evaluation is being carried out by a special Evaluation Committee, which will present its report to the Board of Directors of DEFA – ETYFA Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (ETYFA) when it completes its work.

Concluding, he said that the process is being carried out with confidentiality and caution and the decisions will be announced when the planned stages are completed.

Cyprus at UN: Absence of convention on crimes against humanity a significant gap in international law

The Republic of Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment to the adoption of a legally binding international convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity during its statement before the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly at its 81st session.

Aligning itself with the statement of the European Union and its Member States, Cyprus welcomed progress following the General Assembly’s decision to convene a United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the issue.

The Permanent Representative of Cyprus at the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael also highlighted Cyprus’ active participation in the first session of the Preparatory Committee last January.

“The absence of a dedicated global convention on crimes against humanity constitutes a significant gap in the existing international legal framework,” she stressed.

Cyprus noted that, while genocide and war crimes are addressed by widely ratified conventions, crimes against humanity remain without a dedicated treaty framework, despite the fact that they may occur both during armed conflict and in peacetime.

According to the statement, a future convention would reinforce prevention and punishment, strengthen cooperation among States, help harmonize domestic legislation and promote accountability.

Ambassador Michael emphasized that the draft articles adopted by the International Law Commission in 2019 “constitute a sound and coherent foundation for the negotiations ahead.”

“Prevention must remain at the heart of our efforts, as it is fundamental to protecting human dignity,” she said.

Cyprus also stressed the importance of ensuring that the future Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court are mutually reinforcing, while emphasizing that the future Convention must preserve the integrity of the Rome Statute framework.

She highlighted Cyprus’ participation in submitting proposals for amendments to the draft articles, emphasizing effective prevention, accountability and the protection of victims’ rights, including appropriate safeguards for children.

Finally, she expressed Cyprus’ readiness to engage constructively in the second session of the Preparatory Committee in April 2027 and supported the timely completion of procedural arrangements for the first session of the Conference in 2028.

Cyprus among member states that introduced new foreign investment screening framework, Commission report says

Cyprus has been among EU member states that introduced a new foreign investment screening framework, a statement by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security published on Wednesday and the Commission’s sixth annual report on the screening of foreign direct investment have said.

As it is noted, Cyprus’ framework for the screening of foreign direct investment has been in force since 2 April 2026, while at EU level investments notified under the European cooperation mechanism increased by 40% in 2025.

According to the report, Cyprus established its screening framework with the publication of Law 194(I)/2025 on 14 November 2025, which entered into force on 2 April 2026. The Ministry of Finance is designated as the competent screening authority, while foreign investors are required to submit a written application for approval in advance, before completing an investment.

The Cypriot framework takes into account, among other things, investments in sensitive sectors such as critical infrastructure, financial services and real estate, as well as access to sensitive information, media pluralism, critical technologies and the supply of critical inputs.

Cyprus, together with Croatia and Greece, was among the member states that adopted national legislation on the screening of foreign direct investment in 2025. According to the report, by the end of that year all Member States had a relevant national framework in place.

At EU level, member states notified 667 investments to the Commission in 2025, compared with 477 in 2024. The 40% increase was the largest annual rise since the European cooperation mechanism became operational. Since 2021, the first full year of operation of the mechanism, notifications increased by 61%, from 414 to 667, while the number of Member States submitting notifications rose from 13 to 21.