Category: Cyprus News Agency

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.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides will have a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman at 3:30 p.m. today at the United Nations Good Offices Mission offices at the former Nicosia airport, inside the U.N.-controlled buffer zone.

‘We are working to turn the window of opportunity on the Cyprus issue into a resumption of negotiations,’ President Nikos Christodoulides said Monday after meeting with the mayor of Morphou at the Presidential Palace.

‘I believe there is a window of opportunity that we continue to work to turn into concrete developments. And there is only one such development: the resumption of talks from where they left off in 2017,’ the president said.

Referring to today’s meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Christodoulides said it was arranged ‘at our initiative, to discuss in more concrete terms how we can achieve this goal.’

He also said the U.N. had completed the document on the convergences, ‘which will form the basis for the resumption of negotiations,’ describing this as a positive development.

Regarding the 19-point proposal he submitted to the Turkish Cypriot leader at their last meeting, Christodoulides stressed that it contained new, highly specific proposals that differed from those submitted in the past, which had not received a positive response from the Turkish side.

‘So we are not hiding behind positions that we know have already been rejected. We came forward with new proposals and new ideas on methodology, substance and confidence-building measures, and I am pleased that they were positively received by the UN. This was the approach taken by the UN Secretary-General in New York,’ he said.

The president reiterated that there is a window of opportunity with the current U.N. secretary-general that, as he has conveyed to them, he would like to fully seize.

‘We hope to achieve this within that period. At the same time, we are in contact with the candidates for the next UN Secretary-General,’ he said.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 13/10/2026 UNTIL 0600 14/10/2026

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. ?he weather will gradually become partly cloudy and later mainly cloudy with isolated showers and/or thunderstorm over the north. Tonight, isolated showers and/or isolated thunderstorm are expected over the west and the north.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Variable 3, later Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northeast 3, in the morning Southeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Variable 3, later South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest 3, in the morning Southeast to South Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest 3, in the morning Southeast Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Variable 3, later Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Variable 3, in the morning Southeast to South 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

The Republic of Cyprus has reported a total of 659 violations by Turkish air and naval forces during June and July 2026 in a letter dated 29 September 2026 from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, addressed to the UN Secretary-General.

The letter, bearing a distribution date of 2 October 2026 as a document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, records 626 air and 33 naval violations. The reported incidents concern violations of Cyprus’ national airspace, infringements of international air traffic regulations in the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), violations of the Republic’s territorial waters, and the illegal use of closed ports and airports of Cyprus.

According to the letter and its four annexes, of the 626 air violations recorded, 203 were conducted by Turkish military unmanned aerial vehicles, while 192 involved Turkish armed military fighter aircraft.

Cyprus also reports that Turkey conducted unauthorized military exercises in violation of the Republic of Cyprus’ national airspace, for which it illegally issued one notice to airmen.

The annexes document violations involving Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft, BAYRAKTAR TB-2, ANKA, AKINCI and AKSUNGUR military unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as military helicopters and other aircraft. According to the letter, these aircraft entered the Nicosia FIR and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus without diplomatic permits or contacting Nicosia ACC.

The documented naval violations involved Turkish warships, including fast attack craft missile boats, frigates, submarines, landing ships and offshore patrol vessels. According to the letter, these vessels violated the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus and illegally used the closed ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia while participating in naval operations of the occupation forces.

Ambassador Michail emphasized that, beyond the documented violations, “the Turkish occupation forces continue, on a daily basis, to violate the military status quo on the island, while steadily reinforcing their military presence and expanding military infrastructure in the Turkish-occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.”

“These unlawful actions are not isolated incidents,” she stated, adding that “they constitute further manifestations of Turkey’s continuing disregard of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”

The Cypriot Permanent Representative further stressed that “the continued violations and the persistent aggressive conduct of the occupying Power clearly undermine efforts to foster the conditions of trust necessary for the resumption of meaningful negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem” and, at the same time, “increase the sense of insecurity of all Cypriots.”

Concluding, she stressed that “the Government of Cyprus reiterates its full commitment to supporting your efforts, and those of your Personal Envoy, towards the resumption of negotiations and the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement that will reunify the country and its people, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 12/10/2026 UNTIL 0600 13/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but at times increased cloud will be present and isolated showers are expected, mainly west and north coasts.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, soon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, at times offshore 4 Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, soon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

The Republic of Cyprus has reported a total of 659 violations by Turkish air and naval forces during June and July 2026 in a letter dated 29 September 2026 from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, addressed to the UN Secretary-General.

The letter, bearing a distribution date of 2 October 2026 as a document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, records 626 air and 33 naval violations. The reported incidents concern violations of Cyprus’ national airspace, infringements of international air traffic regulations in the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), violations of the Republic’s territorial waters, and the illegal use of closed ports and airports of Cyprus.

According to the letter and its four annexes, of the 626 air violations recorded, 203 were conducted by Turkish military unmanned aerial vehicles, while 192 involved Turkish armed military fighter aircraft.

Cyprus also reports that Turkey conducted unauthorized military exercises in violation of the Republic of Cyprus’ national airspace, for which it illegally issued one notice to airmen.

The annexes document violations involving Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft, BAYRAKTAR TB-2, ANKA, AKINCI and AKSUNGUR military unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as military helicopters and other aircraft. According to the letter, these aircraft entered the Nicosia FIR and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus without diplomatic permits or contacting Nicosia ACC.

The documented naval violations involved Turkish warships, including fast attack craft missile boats, frigates, submarines, landing ships and offshore patrol vessels. According to the letter, these vessels violated the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus and illegally used the closed ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia while participating in naval operations of the occupation forces.

Ambassador Michail emphasized that, beyond the documented violations, “the Turkish occupation forces continue, on a daily basis, to violate the military status quo on the island, while steadily reinforcing their military presence and expanding military infrastructure in the Turkish-occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.”

“These unlawful actions are not isolated incidents,” she stated, adding that “they constitute further manifestations of Turkey’s continuing disregard of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”

The Cypriot Permanent Representative further stressed that “the continued violations and the persistent aggressive conduct of the occupying Power clearly undermine efforts to foster the conditions of trust necessary for the resumption of meaningful negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem” and, at the same time, “increase the sense of insecurity of all Cypriots.”

Concluding, she stressed that “the Government of Cyprus reiterates its full commitment to supporting your efforts, and those of your Personal Envoy, towards the resumption of negotiations and the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement that will reunify the country and its people, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 12/10/2026 UNTIL 0600 13/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but at times increased cloud will be present and isolated showers are expected, mainly west and north coasts.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, soon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, at times offshore 4 Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, soon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has expressed his readiness to participate to negotiations on the Cyprus issue even tomorrow, adding at the same time that he intends to make concessions only on certain points that serve the goal of a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, but he will not engage in actions to create merely temporary mobility.

Addressing the 46th Morphou Municipality anti-occupation rally on Saturday evening, Christodoulides stressed that “we do not compromise with the occupation, and we do not withdraw from the great effort to liberate and reunite our homeland.” He also spoke about the duty “to work for a common homeland for all the country’s legal residents, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins, without exclusions, without discrimination, without exceptions.”

Referring to remarks earlier by the Mayor of Morphou, Victoras Hadjiavraam, aboutpositive developments due to international mobility regarding the Cyprus issue, the President noted that since the assumption of his duties, “huge efforts have been made to break the deadlock and create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations that will lead us to a resolution of the Cyprus issue, based on the agreed framework and the negotiating acquis, which is important for Morphou, always with respect to the principles, values, and law of the European Union.”

“I want to reiterate with absolute sincerity and sending the message in every direction, that I am fully ready even tomorrow to sit at the negotiation table, I am ready for the resumption of the dialogue,” the President stated, reiterating his commitment to efforts for the resumption of negotiations, despite the problems, difficulties, and the statements of the Turkish President at the United Nations General Assembly regarding a two-state solution.

He also stressed the importance of the reaffirmation of the solution framework by the United Nations, the strong will of the outgoing Secretary-General to exhaust every negotiating possibility, the clear position of the UN Security Council and the support of the EU institutions and states, as demonstrated through the appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the Commission as a Special Representative on the Cyprus issue.

“These are facts that allow us to feel optimistic that a solution to the Cyprus issue is feasible,” he said, emphasizing that he will not engage “in actions aimed at creating temporary mobility or creating false hopes.”

“I remain primarily a realist, I know very well the limits of our side and I am ready, and I declare this publicly, for concessions on certain points that serve the goal of a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue,” President Christodoulides continued, noting that “anything that falls outside this framework of a functional and viable solution cannot be accepted.”

He also pointed out that “the negotiating acquis on which we insist and is part of the convergences that have been completed by the UN, includes the return of the city of Morphou,” while noting that this is “something that was indicated by the UN Secretary-General himself, a position that we support in a steadfast way and will not abandon.”

“I look forward to the meetings I will have in the coming period with both the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, I look forward to the meetings of the executive vice-president, special representative of the EU with the Turkish Government with the unwavering belief that if there is the slightest political will from all sides, then we will have developments in the desired direction,” said the President.

“We have submitted very specific positions in response to the Secretary-General’s request regarding the methodology of negotiations, concerning Confidence-building measures (CBMs), and regarding the essence of the Cyprus issue, and I am referring to new ideas, not ideas for which we know that the other side’s position is negative, but ideas that can help bring about substantial developments, ideas that I have thoroughly informed the political leadership about,” he continued.

On his part, the Mayor of Morphou, Victoras Hadjiyavram, stated in his address at the event that as long as the prospect of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue remains open, the hope for the return of Morphou remains alive. ‘We do not overlook the difficult reality. We know the uncompromising positions expressed by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership,’ said the Mayor, noting, however, positive developments such as the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Cyprus, his separate meetings with the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader, as well as the appointment of a Special Representative of the European Commission for the Cyprus issue.

‘The talks must lead somewhere. We do not have the luxury of endless discussions,’ he underlined.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, will present the 2027 state budget to the House Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs on Monday.

During the meeting, scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m. local time, the Minister will analyze state revenues and fiscal indicators, and present the country’s economic policy and fiscal situation.

Addresses to the MPs will be made also by the Chairman of the Fiscal Council and the Governor of the Central Bank.

Discussions on each Ministry’s as well as other services and institutions budget, are scheduled to conclude on November 16. This will be followed in December by a three-day debate in the House plenary session and then the voting of the state budget.

The budget provides for total expenditure of pound 14.4 billion, compared to pound 13.7 billion in 2026, further bolstering the country’s growth trajectory and its capacity to implement significant social and development policies.

Particular emphasis is placed on supporting society, with pound 820 million allocated for social welfare benefits, thereby strengthening the social safety net and support for the most vulnerable.

Significant resources are also directed toward key public policy sectors. Specifically, pound 1,066 million is allocated for Health, an increase of 3.7% compared to 2026, and pound 235 million for Education, marking a 13.8% increase over the previous year. These investments support the continuous upgrading of health and education services for the benefit of citizens.

At the same time, pound 148.8 million is allocated for road network projects, an increase of 17.4% compared to 2026, accelerating the implementation of major infrastructure projects across Cyprus. As announced by the Presidency, the approval of the 2027 state budget takes place at a time when the economy continues to post strong performance, characterized by steady growth rates, full employment conditions, a public finance surplus and continuous upgrades to the country’s credit rating.

The government noted that responsible fiscal management enables it to channel more resources into social policy, health, education and development infrastructure, while at the same time safeguarding the maintenance of a strong and sustainable economy for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Finance Ministry said in a press release on Sunday that the budget is balanced and people-centered, serving as the most important economic policy tool, especially at a time when Cyprus requires stability and a clear direction due to negative geopolitical developments in our region and internationally, as fiscal stability acts as a shield for the prosperity of the citizens and businesses.

The Ministry also stressed that for the third consecutive year under the administration of Nikos Christodoulides, the budget shows a fiscal surplus, projected to reach approximately 4% of GDP by 2027, while public debt continues to decline, expected to fall to 45.2% of GDP by the end of 2027.

The economy is projected to grow by 2.9%, with unemployment hovering around 3.8% and inflation easing to 2.5%. These results reflect the consistency with which the government manages public finances. It also noted that building on this stable foundation, it can support households and businesses where there is a genuine need.

The Ministry also underlined that it looks forward to a constructive dialogue with the parliament, pointing out that the voting of the budget will ensure the smooth operation of the state, economic stability for households and businesses as well as the implementation of projects that will bolster the state’s credibility among partners and in the markets.

Brussels, 11 October 2026

Read-out by President von der Leyen following her call with President Zelenskyy

Good call with President Zelenskyy.

Fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia

The war has entered a new, grimmer phase. Russia is stalling on the battlefield and striking civilians far behind the front lines.

I conveyed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

And my full support for President Zelenskyy as he leads the fight for his people’s freedom.

Ukraine will be front and centre at this week’s European Council.

We will discuss its funding needs for the year ahead and how to mobilise fresh global support.

This week, the EU will also provide further funding for drones and missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defences and protect its skies.

We are also due to open two further clusters of chapters in the negotiations. The momentum is real.

Statement on the International Criminal Court following announcement of US sanctions

The European Union has been a constant supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is deeply regrettable that the United States has announced intentions to impose sanctions.

The EU will work closely with the ICC to ensure it continues to operate effectively. And we remain committed to working with all 125 States that are parties to the Rome Statute to preserve and respect its independence so that it can continue its vital mission.

As there is a six-month delay before the measures are applicable, there is room for dialogue.

The EU stands ready to take any necessary measures to enable the Court to carry out its work both in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, and to protect the interests of EU operators within the Single Market.

International Criminal Court: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU following the announcement of US sanctions

The EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, of which the ICC is a fundamental part, based on respect for international law. International criminal justice plays a crucial role in holding to account those who violate international law by committing the most serious crimes of international concern.

The ICC does not target sovereign states. Under its foundational principle of complementarity, the ICC only acts if a state is unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The US has a proud history and tradition of pursuing justice and accountability. The complementarity provisions of the ICC are designed to cater for and recognise the primacy of competent national judicial systems and processes such as the US legal system.

Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court, including civil society representatives and service providers, are not acceptable. This is why the EU deeply regrets the announcement by the United States to impose sanctions against the Court as an institution. While we urge the US also to reverse these latest measures, we welcome its readiness to discuss its concerns with the State Parties to the Rome Statute and take note of the US decision to delay the entry into force of its latest measures. This creates space for diplomacy, with a view to securing their prompt reversal and preventing any further measures that seek to undermine the independence and integrity of the ICC.

The ICC must be able to operate independently, free from pressure or external interference. The EU will continue to provide its full support and contribute to ensure the protection of the Court, its staff and those cooperating with it. The EU stands ready to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the Court continues to operate effectively and fulfills its indispensable mandate.

European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2026: Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

The European Union and the Council of Europe are unequivocally opposed to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances.

Progress towards the global abolition continued over the past year. Lebanon abolished the death penalty in August 2026. The Gambia and Vietnam reduced the number of crimes punishable by death and Sierra Leone ratified the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ruling out execution within the jurisdiction of the State Party. Cambodia, the Central African Republic and Chad all took steps towards ratification. These examples serve as a reminder that change is always possible.

Only 17 countries are known to have carried out executions in 2025, but the sharp increase of executions is alarming. Recorded executions have risen by 78% compared with 2024. Most took place in Iran but there were significant increases in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Yemen. Executions continued in the United States. The executions carried out in China are not reflected in global statistics because of state secrecy, although it is estimated that thousands of death sentences were carried out in the country last year. Belarus remains the only country in Europe applying the death penalty.

Moreover, the continued use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is particularly concerning. Under international human rights law, capital punishment is restricted to the most serious crimes, understood as crimes of extreme gravity involving intentional killing. Using the death penalty to punish drug production and trafficking does not meet this threshold, nor is it effective. Evidence shows it does not deter crime better than other sentences. The death penalty also removes any hope of rehabilitation and will always carry the risk of fatal miscarriages of justice.

On this European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union and the Council of Europe call on all States that retain the death penalty to immediately establish a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition. A moratorium should lead to existing death sentences being commuted and the full compliance with international human rights law and standards, pending abolition.

The European Union and the Council of Europe remain resolute in opposing any attempt to reintroduce or expand the death penalty, including in Europe. Alongside international partners, civil society, and legal professionals, we will continue to promote democratic debate grounded in human rights and the rule of law, with the goal of achieving universal abolition. In this respect, the recent World Congress against the death penalty in France demonstrated the pivotal role that the judiciary can play in abolition, as well as the importance of engaging young people. We welcome Morocco’s decision to host the 10th World Congress in 2029.

The death penalty-including the process leading to execution-constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment. We call on all States to embrace restorative justice and join the growing global movement rejecting capital punishment.