Category: Cyprus News Agency

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.

Cyprus’s accession as a full member of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations was decided at the Forum’s 9th Ministerial Meeting, held December 12, at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

More specifically, the participating countries-Greece, Armenia, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Italy, and Peru- announced in the Athens Declaration, which summarizes the work of the Ministerial Meeting, that the Republic of Cyprus is admitted with consensus as a full member of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations.

Focusing on strengthening dialogue and cooperation between countries with a long cultural heritage, the Forum of Ancient Civilizations was established in 2017 on the initiative of Greece and China.

Cyprus participated in the Forum’s 9th Ministerial Meeting as an observer, represented by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister of Culture of Cyprus welcomed the decision to include Cyprus in the Forum. As she said, this decision is a recognition of the contribution of Cyprus’ ancient civilization to the formation of the common cultural heritage of the Mediterranean and the wider region.

Kassianidou also stated that “Cyprus’ participation in the Forum is an important act of cultural diplomacy and creates new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the protection of cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of expertise.”

Furthermore, she expressed her warm thanks to the member states of the Forum and the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for the trust they have shown in the Republic of Cyprus, emphasizing that Cyprus approaches its participation with a sense of responsibility and readiness to actively contribute to common goals.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Eftychia Zachariou, Curator of Antiquities at the Department of Antiquities and Chair of the National Committee for the Suppression of Looting and Illegal Trafficking of Cultural Heritage.

Regarding the issues on the meeting’s agenda, including the impact of climate change on cultural heritage and the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property, Kassianidou referred to the effects that Cyprus is already experiencing from the climate crisis, while also noting that Cyprus has scientific expertise and policy tools that can strengthen the Forum’s collective efforts.

She also made special reference to Cyprus’ experience in protecting cultural heritage and its participation in international cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, and President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Monday in Paris, focusing on defence, the economy, and European coordination, a few weeks before Cyprus assumes the six-month rotating Presidency of the EU Council.

According to a written statement by the Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, on Sunday evening, the President of the Republic will meet with his French counterpart at the Élysée Palace at 11 a.m. (Cyprus time).

As he said, the two leaders will discuss the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first half of 2026, as well as important international and regional issues, in the context of common European positions and the need to maintain the unity and resilience of the Union.

However, as the Spokesperson noted, the central focus of the visit will be the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between Cyprus and France, which aims to strengthen and structure bilateral relations and upgrade them institutionally, with a specific framework for cooperation, particularly in the areas of defence, the economy, cultural cooperation, innovation, and education, as well as strengthening coordination on European and international issues.

This Agreement “reflects the common will of the two countries to move from strategic convergence to strategic implementation, through a more structured, more operational and more targeted framework for cooperation, which strengthens the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a reliable partner in the European Union and as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly on issues of security, energy resilience, and European cohesion,” he noted.

President Christodoulides is accompanied in Paris by Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kompos, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, as well as other officials.

The Turnover Value Index of Wholesale Trade during the third quarter of 2025 recorded an increase of 4.8% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Monday.

Compared to the same quarter of 2024, the largest increase was recorded in wholesale of information and communication equipment (17.9%) and non-specialized wholesale trade (10.8%). The largest drop was recorded in wholesale on a fee or contract basis (5.1%).

For the same quarter, the Turnover Value Index of Sales and Repair of Motor Vehicles recorded an increase of 7.6% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in sale of motor vehicles (10.5%).

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 15/12/2025 UNTIL 1200 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: 1016hPa (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

Afternoon East to Southeast 4, at times locally 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northeast 4, at times offshore 5 Slight, at times offshore Slight to Moderate

Morning Northeast to Southeast 4 to 5, gradually 3 to 4 Slight to Moderate, gradually Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

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

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

East Coast

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

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

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Northeast to East 4 to 5, at times locally 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

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

Morning Northeast to East 3 to 4, locally at first 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate, locally at first Moderate

Cyprus’ Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, is in Brussels for the EU Environment Council and other European meetings, according to an announcement by her Ministry.

During the Council, which will take place on Tuesday, an official handover ceremony of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, from Denmark to Cyprus, is also scheduled. At the event, the Minister will present the key priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the fields of Environment and Climate Policy, the announcement adds.

It is noted that the Minister will be in Brussels until 17 December to participate in the EU Environment Council, as well as in other scheduled meetings and activities at the European level.

On Monday, according to the announcement, Panayiotou will attend the EU Agri-Food Days conference, where she is to participate in a high-level panel discussion focused on a strong and modern Common Agricultural Policy, with emphasis on ensuring food security and the competitiveness of the European agri-food sector.

She will also participate in the customary Green 10 meeting, organised by Denmark’s Permanent Representation in cooperation with the European Environment Bureau (EEB), which represents the largest network of environmental organisations in Europe, ahead of the Environment Council. ‘The meeting provides an opportunity for an exchange of views between EU Ministers for Environment and Climate, the European Commission and European environmental organisations, with discussions held under Chatham House rules focusing on the main items on the Council’s agenda, including Europe’s environment towards 2030, sustainable bioeconomy, and the European 2040 climate policy,’ the announcement said. In this context, the Minister will present the main directions of the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, which starts in January 2026.

On Tuesday, the Minister will participate in the EU Environment Council, ‘which is the last Council under the Danish Presidency,’ it is noted. According to the announcement, during the Council’s proceedings, Environment Ministers are to examine issues including climate change resilience and circular economy, sustainable bioeconomy, and the European 2040 climate policy. Panayiotou is to make interventions on these issues.

‘In the same context, the official handover ceremony of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Denmark to Cyprus will take place, during which the Minister will present the key priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the areas of Environment and Climate Policy,’ it adds.

It is also noted that on the same day, Panayiotou will hold bilateral meetings with the EU Commissioner for the Environment, as well as with counterparts from other member states, focusing on issues of common European interest and coordination ahead of the Cyprus EU Presidency.

A total of eight flights will bring life-saving supplies into Darfur, as mass atrocities, starvation, and displacement linked to the conflict in Sudan have left millions in need of humanitarian assistance. The first flight delivered around 100 tonnes of aid from EU humanitarian stockpiles and partner organisations last Friday, 12 December. Further flights will continue throughout December 2025 and January 2026.

The humanitarian situation in Darfur – one of the world’s hardest places for aid organisations to reach – deteriorated sharply after the fall of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, to the Rapid Support Forces in late October. The loss of the city marked a major escalation of an already catastrophic humanitarian situation, and further restricted aid access. Civilians who managed to flee are reporting widespread violations of international humanitarian law.

The Air Bridge is transporting supplies including shelter materials, water, sanitation and hygiene items, as well as health supplies. The total value of this operation is pound 3.5 million, funded from the EU’s humanitarian aid budget. The EU has channelled over pound 270 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan this year alone, making it one of the largest contributors to the response and marking the bloc’s biggest humanitarian effort in Africa.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Commission invests pound 8.85 million in innovative diagnostics to combat antimicrobial resistance

Europe is taking action on one of the root causes of antimicrobial resistance by investing in rapid diagnostics and curbing unnecessary antibiotic use. The European Commission is committing pound 8.85 million to develop a groundbreaking diagnostic device that will help clinicians choose the appropriate treatments for patients who may need antibiotics.

Antimicrobial resistance already claims thousands of lives across Europe every year and costs healthcare systems an estimated pound 11 billion annually. One of its major drivers is the unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics.

Today, when patients visit their doctor with a suspected infection, diagnostic tests are often too slow or insufficiently accurate to guide immediate treatment decisions, since they are usually performed in specialised laboratories. This can lead clinicians to prescribe broader-spectrum or suboptimal alternatives, which increases the costs of care and worsens antimicrobial resistance.

The new device aims to change this. It will enable doctors to determine whether bacteria are present, identify the type of bacteria, and assess which antibiotics will be more effective – all in under an hour, directly at the point of care. Whether in a general practitioner’s office, hospital emergency department or pharmacy, the compact and portable device requires minimal training.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: ‘Antimicrobial resistance is already costing lives and placing real strain on Europe’s health systems. Too often, doctors must prescribe antibiotics without having fast and accurate diagnostic answers. Investing in rapid diagnostics gives them the means to treat with precision instead of precaution. This is preparedness in everyday healthcare. If we misuse antibiotics today, we disarm medicine tomorrow.’

To develop the device, the Commission is supporting a consortium of European companies, bringing together five partners: ShanX MedTech B.V. (Netherlands), Aidian Oy (Finland), Biosurfit S.A. (Portugal), Unitron B.V. (Netherlands), and Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (Spain). This four-year contract is funded by the EU4Health Programme.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

New report confirms cardiovascular diseases remain the EU’s biggest health challenge

A new EU-funded report today confirms urgent EU-level action is needed to tackle cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which is the EU’s number one killer. The ‘State of Cardiovascular Health in the EU’ report reveals that CVDs are the leading cause of death and disability in the EU, accounting for one-third of all annual deaths and affecting over 60 million people. These findings underline the importance of the upcoming Safe Hearts Plan – the first ever EU-wide plan to prevent and manage CVDs. The Safe Hearts Plan will provide a comprehensive policy framework to support Member States and stakeholders in improving cardiovascular health. Digital health tools, artificial intelligence and remote monitoring technologies also offer promising innovations. Taking a co-ordinated, people-centred approach – spanning from prevention to early diagnosis, treatment and post-acute support, can improve cardiovascular outcomes in Europe, and will be central to our upcoming Safe Hearts Plan.

Today’s ‘State of Cardiovascular Health’ report was funded by the EU4Health programme and stems from long-standing collaboration between the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Commission to monitor and improve population health. The report highlights the clear rationale for taking EU-level action. For example, there are significant geographic, gender and socio-economic disparities in outcomes and care and beyond the human toll, the annual economic impact of CVD in Europe is estimated at pound 282 billion (2% of EU Gross Domestic Product), driven by premature mortality, lost productivity, and high healthcare costs.

Commission for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, said: ‘The State of the Cardiovascular Health in the EU report, comes at crucial moment, providing robust evidence and analysis which underpins the urgent need for the Safe Hearts Plan to reverse trends that point towards a doubling of cardiovascular diseases by 2050.’

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova-Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)

Commission fines automotive starter battery manufacturers and association pound 72 million for participating in a cartel

The European Commission has fined three automotive starter battery manufacturers, Exide, FET (including its predecessor Elettra) and Rombat, as well as the trade association EUROBAT, a total of around pound 72 million for participating in a long-running cartel concerning automotive starter batteries, together with Clarios (formerly JC Autobatterie), in breach of EU antitrust rules. This cartel restricted competition and may have led to higher prices for the manufacturing of cars and trucks in Europe.

Clarios was not fined, as it revealed the cartel to the Commission under the leniency programme. In parallel, the Commission has closed proceedings against automotive starter battery manufacturer Banner and the service provider Kellen.

Today’s decision concludes that the conduct of the four automotive starter battery manufacturers and EUROBAT constitutes a single and continuous infringement, amounting to an infringement by object under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement, which prohibit agreements and other restrictive business practices that may affect trade and prevent or restrict competition within the Single Market.

Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera said: ‘Today we have fined three automotive starter battery manufacturers and their trade association for agreeing to introduce a surcharge for the sale of their batteries, in breach of EU competition rules. In other words, they fixed the price. We have zero tolerance for price fixing or any type of cartel. It is our duty to ensure that our citizens and businesses, including European auto manufacturers can depend on suppliers that play fair and respect competition rules. With this decision, we also remind trade associations that they should not use their position as representatives of the industry to facilitate collusion among their members.’

A press release is available online.

(For more information: Arianna Podestà – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Sara Simonini – Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords

Yesterday, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos, on behalf of the European Commission, issued the following statement:

‘The Dayton Peace Accords brought an end to one of Europe’s darkest chapters and secured a peace that endures to this day. Yet, thirty years on, there are unresolved challenges from the past in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While this year has presented political hurdles, the country has remained resilient. Staying the course towards EU membership, as a united, sovereign country in a stable and secure region, must remain the ultimate goal. All political leaders should focus on the reforms needed to move forward. The EU stands ready to ensure peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our military operation, EUFOR Althea, remains indispensable for this. Thirty years after Dayton, Bosnia and Herzegovina must seize the opportunity to shape its EU future.’