Category: Cyprus News Agency

Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna welcomed on Tuesday the confirmation of the agreed positions of the EU with regard to Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations, the linkage of progress in EU-Turkey relations with tangible steps by Ankara towards the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue, as well as the strengthening of the EU’s role through the appointment of the European Commission’s Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, in close coordination with the UN and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín.

In a written statement on the conclusions of the General Affairs Council, Raouna notes that ‘today the EU’s support for the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus towards the resolution of the Cyprus issue was once again reaffirmed, as well as the EU’s full commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the agreed United Nations framework.’

As she adds, this is done ‘in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the principles on which the Union is founded and the European acquis.’

At the same time, she welcomes ‘the confirmation of the agreed positions of the EU with regard to Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations, the Cyprus issue, Varosha and the Eastern Mediterranean.’

In the same context, she says, reference is also made to ‘the call on Ankara, inter alia, to fulfil all of its Cyprus-related obligations, to contribute tangibly to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, including its external aspects, and to fully respect all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 541, 550, 789 and 1251.’

The Deputy Minister additionally welcomes ‘the confirmation of the framework decided on the basis also of the conclusions of the European Council of April 2024 and the clear linkage of progress in EU-Turkey relations with tangible steps by Turkey towards the resumption of negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue on the agreed basis of settlement.’

As she underlines, ‘in this context, it is particularly important to strengthen the paragraph on the Cyprus issue, with the addition of a reference to the appointment of the European Commission’s Special Envoy for Cyprus, Mr Hahn, and the readiness of the Council to cooperate closely with him, upgrading and legitimising, on behalf of the Member States, his presence and role.’

She notes that ‘equally important is the message of EU support for the efforts undertaken by the UN Secretary-General, also through the appointment of his Personal Envoy, Ms Holguín.’

In her written statement, Raouna points out that only a few days before the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU, ‘during which enlargement will constitute one of our key priorities, I welcome the sincere discussion on enlargement that took place at the General Affairs Council and the broad consensus that was achieved’ with regard to the assessment of the progress recorded by each of the enlargement partners during the current year.

She further notes that although Hungary did not give its consent to the Conclusions document due to its objections regarding Ukraine’s accession perspective, ’26 EU Member States approved the document, which will constitute the roadmap on the basis of which our Presidency will proceed over the next six months, with a view to translating the EU’s political commitment into tangible progress for all partners, always on the basis of the strict but fair conditionality that has been established, as well as in accordance with the principle of equal merit.’

According to the Deputy Minister, ‘especially under the current geopolitical conditions, EU enlargement constitutes a tool capable of contributing to the strengthening of peace, security, stability and prosperity on our continent and is, therefore, a strategic necessity.’ As she notes, ‘in this context, the EU’s commitment to the accession perspective of Ukraine and Moldova, as well as of the candidate countries from the Western Balkans, was reaffirmed today.’

At the same time, she notes that ‘we also call on all partners to respond to the commitments they have undertaken vis-à-vis the EU and to fully align with the fundamental principles and values of the EU.’ Raouna particularly welcomes ‘the fact that the accession perspective for the Western Balkans, after years of stagnation, now constitutes a realistic prospect.’

More specifically, she states that ‘Montenegro is entering a decisive phase of its accession path and the Cypriot Presidency is called upon to establish the working group that will be tasked with drafting its Accession Treaty to the EU.’ With regard to Albania, she notes that ‘provided that Albania demonstrates the necessary progress on the fundamentals during the next six months, Cyprus will contribute to the transition to the next important stage of the country’s accession process.’

As regards Serbia, she stresses that ‘the Cypriot Presidency will contribute decisively to addressing the challenges faced by Serbia, pushing for the return of its accession path onto a positive trajectory.’ Referring to Eastern Europe, she points out that ‘the progress made by Ukraine, under extremely difficult conditions, as well as by Moldova, is also noteworthy.’

As she underlines, ‘Cyprus will continue to support them tangibly during the next six months, doing everything possible within the framework of the applicable methodology, so that their accession path may advance at a rapid pace.’

With regard to the fundamental principles of the Union, she notes that ‘the EU is, first and foremost, a Union founded on the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international legality.’

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 due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, has placed particular importance to the two recent agreements Cyprus Republic signed with UAE and France, pointing out that “the conclusion of essentially two strategic agreements by the Republic in twenty-four hours is not something that is usual”.

The Minister who made statements to the press following the Cabinet’s meeting on Tuesday, noted that these two cases as well as the agreement with India during its Premier’s visit to Cyprus, have their own special importance nevertheless they are linked to each other diplomatically.

He recalled that the government set as its main driving objective from the very beginning the expansion of Cyprus’ footprint, but also the strengthening and exploitation of the Republic’s credibility, as well as the highlighting of the possibility for the Republic of Cyprus to function as a bridge between our wider region and the European Union.

He went on to say that the two agreements of the last few hours reflect exactly this, noting that the UAE is a very important country in the region with global influence and so is France, an EU member state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He also highlighted the fact that these developments are taking place a few days before the Republic of Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Kombos also underlined that these agreements are accompanied by action plans, which include a specific structured dialogue between the two countries and go beyond political declarations.

The Minister noted that one can identify references to the Cyprus problem, issues that are crucial for our side, but beyond that there is now an action plan, a structured dialogue with specific projects that will be examined, with the aim of their implementation within the framework of a dialogue, which has now been launched in a specific and targeted manner. He pointed out that they do not take place in a political vacuum and that preparatory work was carried out with consistency in terms of maximizing the potential for implementation.

The FM also noted that one should not take it for granted that these countries, namely the UAE and France, automatically conclude such agreements as they have their own interests. He further underlined the fact that the Republic of Cyprus falls within the broader sphere of their interests.

Kombos continued by saying that what he described is not unrelated to what is happening with Cyprus’ economy, the vote of confidence, credibility and stability, factors that lead to a favourable investment environment and interest.

He stressed that the result for Cyprus is self-evident from the point of view that the Republic of Cyprus, which is considered by some to be a defunct state, is present at the international level.

”We are still at the beginning of this effort, but we must not ignore the very basic parameter that there is institutional basis, trust and the launching of a political dialogue, with specific projects,” he said.

Cyprus has taken part with a national pavilion in the international maritime exhibition MARINTEC China 2025 for the first time this December.

According to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Cyprus’ participation in MARINTEC China, which is organised every two years and constitutes one of the most important global platforms for maritime technology and innovation, is part of the Ministry’s strategy to strengthen the international presence of Cypriot businesses, as well as to promote new collaborations in the maritime and technology sectors.

This year’s exhibition, which took place in Shanghai from December 2 to 5, brought together more than 2,200 exhibitors and over 80,000 visitors from 100 countries, it adds.

Participants in the national pavilion were the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and five Cypriot companies – Uniteam Marine Ltd, Intellar Innovative Solutions Ltd, Onetech Services Ltd, VenusHub Ltd and World Link Maritime Communications Ltd – which presented innovative solutions in areas such as ship management, technical and electromechanical services, artificial intelligence, digitalization, IPTV services and satellite communications.

On December 3rd a networking event was held at the Cyprus pavilion, in the presence of Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to China, Koula Sofianou, “strengthening contacts and the creation of professional partnerships with participants from international markets,” the press release says.

Furthermore, exhibitors had the opportunity to participate in bilateral meetings with international delegations, including a delegation from the city of Yidu in Hubei province, in addition to their scheduled contacts.

‘These meetings have already led to initial proposals for cooperation, underlining the dynamic and competitive presence of Cyprus in the international maritime space,’ it adds.

According to the press release, the Cypriot pavilion attracted a significant number of visitors, who were informed about the development of maritime technology in Cyprus, as well as the comparative advantages of Cyprus as a modern and reliable maritime hub.

The UN Secretary-General’s will to continue his efforts on the Cyprus issue has been declared, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Tuesday, referring once again to the joint statement following the leaders’ meeting last week and the position on a solution based on UN Security Council resolutions.

Following a Cabinet meeting, Kombos was invited by the press to comment on a statement by the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, on the expanded Cyprus meeting and the fact that good preparation is needed, as well as to comment whether this meeting is uncertain.

He clarified that he does not agree with this approach and added that it is a matter of interpretation and that in any case the SG is the one to send out the invitations.

“Ultimately, the Secretary General must take into account a series of factors. Many of these also have a practical dimension. Therefore, the final decision was and always remains with the Secretary General, whose will is declared in terms of continuing intensive engagement with the Cyprus issue”, he said.

Kombos noted also that the issue of the five-party expanded meeting for Cyprus and when this will take place depend on how things progress, possibly, but also on a series of other parameters.

The FM reassured of the Greek Cypriot side’s readiness and commitment to return to the dialogue, adding that it would be ideal if we could reach a form of announcement that we are now entering into substantive negotiations.

But he advised all to be patient as the SG’s envoy is yet to meet with Turkish FM.

Replying to another question the FM noted that there are other statements by Holguin in her interview [with Greek Cypriot daily Phileleftheros], ie the reference to the UN resolutions in the joint communiqué after the leaders’ meeting.

In response to another question, he said that the Greek Cypriot side was informed about Holguin’s meetings in Athens but will not speak on behalf of her interlocutors.

The Social Protection Expenditure as a Percentage of the GDP stood at 19.2% in 2023, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, it says that according to the results of the Social Protection Survey, which is based on the principles and rules determined by the European System of Integrated Social PROtection Statistics (ESSPROS), the social protection expenditure in Cyprus, as a percentage of the GDP, reached 19.2% in 2023, compared to 20.6% in 2022 which corresponds to pound 6,232.2 million in 2023, compared to pound 6,116.4 million in 2022.

The most significant functions were those of old age and sickness/healthcare, which combined, constituted 76.3% of the social protection benefits for 2023 (compared to 76.1% in 2022). The largest share of old age benefits (which comprise both cash benefits, i.e., periodic pensions and benefits, and lump sum benefits, as well as old age benefits in kind like housing, provision of assistance in carrying out daily tasks and other benefits in kind), concerns periodic pensions which amounted to pound 2,109.6 million and which constituted 83.5% of the total old age benefits.

The Statistical Service notes that the pound 1,986.3 million of the periodic pensions that were granted to beneficiaries in 2023, were non-means tested, i.e. without verification of the recipients’ financial situation.

There was an increase in the social benefits of the function of old age in 2023, which amounted to pound 2,525.3 million (compared to pound 2,391.6 million in 2022), the function of sickness/healthcare which amounted to pound 2,126 million in 2023 (compared to pound 2,095.4 million in 2022), the function of survivors with the social benefits amounting to pound 378.3 million in 2023 (compared to pound 360.2 million in 2022), the function of family with pound 283.2 million in 2023 (compared to pound 257.7 million in 2022), the function of disability with pound 193.2 million in 2023 (compared to pound 184.7 million in 2022) and the function of social exclusion with pound 234.9 million in 2023 (compared to pound 229.1 million in 2022).

On the contrary, a decrease in social benefits was recorded in the function of unemployment in 2023, which amounted to pound 246.3 million (compared to pound 265.9 million in 2022) as well as in the function of housing with social benefits which amounted to pound 108.4 million in 2023 (compared to pound 112.6 million in 2022).

Most of the social protection benefits that were provided to beneficiaries in 2023 (89.6%), were non-means tested benefits. Specifically, this accounts for pound 5,461.1 million in 2023. In most cases, the beneficiaries, having made cash contributions to various insurance funds (e.g. the Social Insurance Fund), gain the right to benefits, without their income being a criterion. In other words, most social protection benefits are not explicitly or implicitly conditional on the beneficiary’s income and/or wealth falling below a specified level.

Furthermore, most of the benefits in 2023 were cash benefits (pound 3,828.4 million), whereas benefits in kind constituted only 37.2% of the total of social protection benefits (pound 2,267.2 million).

As regards cash benefits, 80.7% (pound 3,089.3 million) were provided periodically, for example pensions and other benefits, whereas lump sum benefits constitute 19.3% of the cash benefits.

The Social Insurance Scheme is the largest provider of social benefits in Cyprus with benefits of pound 1,950.1 million in 2023, representing a share of 31.3% of the total expenditure. The contribution of the General Healthcare System (GHS) is also significant, with pound 1,459.1 million which represents a share of 23.4% of the total expenditure.

Then follows the scheme of Other Governmental Social Protection with pound 806 million and a share of 12.9%, the scheme of the semi-autonomous Social Insurance Institutions with pound 605.1 million and a share of 9.7%, the Central Government Health Services with pound 529.4 million and a share of 8.5% and the Civil Service Social Protection with pound 514.7 million and a share of 8.3%.

Energy Minister Michalis Damianos expressed the readiness of the Cyprus Presidency to work towards a more substantive Energy Union in a doorstep statement before the EU Energy Council (TTE), the first since assuming his new portfolio.

Damianos thanked the Danish Presidency ‘for the excellent work it has carried out over the past few months.’

‘As the incoming Presidency, Cyprus will work with determination to strengthen competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy in the energy sector,’ he added, expressing the belief that ‘it is vital to reduce energy prices for our citizens, as we believe this is a central pillar of competitiveness.’

For this reason, as he explained, the ‘EU Grids Package is essential and of key importance. The energy crisis has demonstrated that we must act collectively as a Union in everything we do. As the Cyprus Presidency, we are ready to work towards a more substantive Energy Union,’ he concluded.

At Monday’s meeting, EU Energy Ministers are expected to reach a partial agreement on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2028-2034, which forms part of the negotiations on the new post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.

The CEF will provide the legal basis for investments in trans-European transport and energy networks, including cross-border renewable energy projects and military mobility. The agreement is described as ‘partial,’ as it does not include financial and horizontal issues, which are being discussed within the framework of the overall EU budget for the period 2028-2034.

At the same time, Ministers will hold a policy debate on the European Grids Package, aiming at the modernisation and expansion of European energy grids, in order to support rapid electrification and ensure affordable, secure and clean energy for citizens and businesses. The discussion is expected to focus on the main priorities, strategic objectives and key measures of the package.

The President of the UN Security Council circulated to Council members a letter from Cyprus Mission reporting extensive Turkish air and naval violations, during July and August 2025.

In the letter dated 8 December, Cyprus cites ‘328 air and 16 naval violations’, noting that ’93 out of the 328 air violations were conducted by Turkish unmanned aerial military vehicles (UAVs)’ and ’56 by armed military fighter aircraft’.

Cyprus asserts that these actions constitute ‘yet another clear violation of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus’ and reflect what it calls Trkiye’s ‘typical blatant disregard of the UN Charter and international law’.

According to the letter, the incursions extended to Cyprus’ national airspace, its Flight Information Region (FIR), its territorial waters, and the ‘illegal use of closed ports and airports in Cyprus’ by Turkish forces.

Nicosia also highlights growing concern over ‘almost daily incursions into the buffer zone’ and the ‘strengthening of military infrastructure in the occupied areas’, describing these developments as part of Trkiye’s ‘persistent aggressive behavior aimed at creating new faits accomplis’.

Such conduct, the government warns, ‘undermines both the sense of security of all Cypriots and efforts to resume negotiations’.

Despite what it calls ongoing provocations, Cyprus affirms it remains ‘firmly committed to cooperate closely’ with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to create conditions for renewed talks.

The letter reiterates that Cyprus seeks reunification on the ‘UN-endorsed basis for a settlement, namely a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality’.

Cyprus requests that the correspondence and its annexes be circulated as official documents of both the General Assembly’s 80th session, under the agenda item ‘Question of Cyprus’, and of the Security Council.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 15/12/2025 UNTIL 1800 16/12/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be at times partly cloudy.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 22°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northeast 4, locally 5 Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Morning Northeast to North 4, gradually Northwest 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, gradually Slight

Afternoon Northwest to Northeast 4 Slight, locally near the coast Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night North to Northeast 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Morning Northwest to Northeast 4, locally at first 4 to 5 Slight, locally at first Slight to Moderate

Afternoon North to Northeast 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

East Coast

Night North to Northeast 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight to Moderate, locally Moderate

Morning Northwest to Northeast 4 Slight to Moderate, initially Moderate

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

North Coast

Night Northeast to East 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6 Slight to Moderate, locally Moderate

Morning Northeast to East 4, later Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate

Afternoon Northeast to East 3 to 4 Slight

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said that today marks a historic day in the relations between Cyprus and France as the leaders of the two countries signed in Paris a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

In statements at the Elysee Palace after his meeting with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, President Christodoulides said that France is a strategic partner of Cyprus and that the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement further strengthens the relations between the two countries.

The French President described the Agreement as important and thanked Cyprus for its contribution last June for evacuating French citizens from the region.

Macron also expressed France’s support for the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions.

Referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, he said that Nicosia can count on France’s support.

President Christodoulides thanked the French President for his country’s support for the Cyprus problem and said that they discussed the role of France as the only EU country that is also a member of the UN Security Council.

He also spoke about France’s support for Cyprus regarding its accession to the Schengen Area in 2026.

The agenda of the meeting included, among other topics, regional issues, as well as Ukraine.

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) under the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the recently announced European Commission package on European electricity grids and discussions on the nexus between energy and security, were on the agenda of the EU Energy Council held Monday in Brussels.

Ministers reached a partial agreement on CEF and Cyprus Minister Michalis Damianos presented the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency.

Presiding Danish Minister Lars Aagaard, offered advice to the Cypriot Presidency on the management of legislative files within the energy portfolio, as well as on cooperation with the EU institutions.

Ministers reached a partial agreement on the CEF under the next MFF, with the proposal providing a legal basis for investments in trans-European transport and energy infrastructure, including military mobility and cross-border renewable energy projects.

Minister Damianos welcomed the agreement, placing particular emphasis on provisions addressing the specific situation of island Member States, the improved integration of the internal energy market, the lifting of energy isolation, and the reduction of bottlenecks in electricity interconnections. In this context, he underlined the need for a fair and transparent framework that takes into account the specific characteristics of all regions.

This was followed by a policy debate on the European electricity grids package, announced by the European Commission on 10 December 2025.

The aim of the package is to modernise and expand European grids in support of rapid electrification and to help citizens and businesses gain access to affordable, secure and clean energy.

The Minister highlighted the importance of completing the internal electricity market and promoting interconnection projects, while also stressing the need for grid upgrades and the timely implementation of projects, in order to achieve EU objectives on affordable energy prices and enhanced competitiveness.

He added that the vision of a genuine European Energy Union goes beyond infrastructure and markets; it represents a shared commitment ensuring that all Member States, industry and citizens participate on an equal footing in the energy transition.

Exchange of views with NATO

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The Ministers also exchanged views with NATO Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Shekerinska, on the evolving energy security landscape, which is increasingly linked to the protection of critical infrastructure across all sectors.

Minister Damianos stressed that EU-NATO cooperation is important in addressing complex challenges, while ensuring that all members of both organisations benefit equally.

He supported a coordinated approach based on stable dialogue, a shared situational awareness and mutually beneficial cooperation, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s energy resilience.

At the close of the meeting, the Minister presented the work programme of the Cypriot Presidency in the field of energy, noting that the objective is a connected and secure Energy Union that fully harnesses renewable and innovative energy sources.

At the same time, he underlined the importance of ensuring affordable energy for households, businesses and industry, while supporting a clean and sustainable energy transition.

Danish Minister speaks of the decisive role of CEF

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During the press conference, the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard, emphasised the decisive role of the CEF as the backbone of Europe’s energy infrastructure in advancing decarbonisation, energy security and affordable energy for households and industry.

Referring to the handover of the Presidency, he noted that ‘the Cypriot Presidency will take over the work from here,’ expressing confidence that continuity and progress would be ensured, particularly with regard to the grids package.

He explicitly called on the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency, in cooperation with the European Commission, ‘to really focus on the grids package and to advance it so that we can reach conclusions,’ stressing that ‘time is not on our side’ and that Europe needs ‘clear and firm conclusions on the framework for developing the European energy grid,’ which is closely linked to funding instruments such as the CEF.

The Danish Minister also offered additional advice concerning the role of parliament, addressing the upcoming Cypriot Presidency.

‘My first recommendation would be to try to have an arrangement with your national parliament that allows you to work on European matters,’ he said.

He added that ‘there is still a lot of work to be done.’ He stressed, however, that the role of the Presidency is not only to give political weight to European issues, but above all ‘to seek the common European interest,’ warning that while dialogue is essential, ‘time is not on our side’ and timely decision-making is required.