Category: Cyprus News Agency

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 08/12/2025 UNTIL 1800 09/12/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1011hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure system is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly cloudy with local showers and isolated thunderstorms at times. In thunderstorms the winds may be variable strengthening.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 22°C

Warnings: NIL

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides called on the newly-appointed members of the Cabinet to work tirelessly as they assume their duties, speaking at their swearing-in ceremony held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday at the Presidential Palace.

The new Cabinet members are Energy Minister and former Health Minister Michalis Damianos, Labour Minister Marinos Moushiouttas, Justice Minister Konstantinos Fytiris, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina. Former Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis was appointed as Presidential Commissioner.

Addressing the new officials, President Christodoulides said that they are taking office at a demanding and critical juncture, with major challenges ahead, and only days before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He urged them to thoroughly familiarise themselves with all issues in their portfolios, to make full use of ministry staff and experts, and to remain attuned to the needs of citizens. He stressed that they must avoid populism and act decisively on fair and justified requests that can be implemented.

The President urged the new Ministers to serve the public interest within the framework of legality, uphold transparency, and adhere strictly to the government’s code of conduct. He described them as ‘partners’ in the effort to implement the government’s programme – the administration’s ‘social contract’ with the Cypriot people, he said.

Approaching the government’s third year in office, he said, results already demonstrate consistency between promises and actions. Cyprus, he noted, is currently in its strongest economic position in decades, allowing the government to introduce targeted social measures, support households and businesses, and invest significantly in education, health, housing, and overall quality of life.

President Christodoulides thanked the outgoing ministers for their contribution to key governance reforms, expressing confidence that their successors will build on these foundations ‘productively and effectively.’

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos said they wish to be judged on transparency, integrity, and respect for democratic values and meritocracy. He affirmed they are prepared to take difficult decisions in the country’s interest, even at political cost, and that they were ‘fully aware’ of the responsibility they assume. He pledged close cooperation within the government to deliver on commitments and serve the citizens of Cyprus with professionalism and determination.

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides participated in the proceedings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, held on Monday in Brussels.

During the Council’s discussions, the Deputy Minister, after thanking the Danish Presidency for its excellent cooperation and contribution, briefly presented the work programme of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency in the field of migration. He referred to the need for strong external borders, the timely and coordinated implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, as well as the continuation of legislative work in a constructive manner.

He also informed his counterparts of the dates of the upcoming meetings, namely the informal JHA Ministers’ meeting on 21-23 January in Nicosia, the two JHA Councils in March and June in Brussels and Luxembourg respectively, the informal ministerial meeting on 12 June in Nicosia for the entry into force of the Migration and Asylum Pact, and the EU-US Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial meeting on 25-26 June, also in Nicosia. Concluding, he expressed his expectation of welcoming his counterparts to Cyprus next month.

Earlier, the ministers of the 27 Member States reached a common position on three important legislative proposals concerning the revision of the concept of ‘safe third country,’ the adoption of a European list of ‘safe countries of origin,’ and the Returns Regulation. Under the new provisions, faster and more effective procedures will be possible both for the processing of international protection applications and for returns.

With the reform of the safe third country concept, Member States will be able to reject applications as inadmissible and return applicants to third countries through simplified procedures. At the same time, the new European list of safe countries of origin allows for accelerated procedures and quicker returns for applicants originating from countries where there is no generalised risk of persecution. This is an important step in implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact.

On the sidelines of the Council’s work, the Deputy Minister held bilateral meetings and contacts with the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of Spain, Elma Saiz, French Deputy Interior Minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, and Bulgaria’s Minister of Interior, Daniel Mitov.

In addition to exchanging views on issues of common interest, the Deputy Minister also briefed his counterparts on the work programme of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency in areas falling within his portfolio.

The first round of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan wrapped up on Sunday, with Paphos FC finishing in first place with 31 points in 13 games, followed by Omonoia Nicosia in second place with 29 points, while AEK Larnaca is in third place with 27 points, Aris Limassol in fourth place with 26 points, and APOEL in fifth place with 25 points.

The 13th matchday of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan began on Friday, December 5, with Paphos FC crushing Akritas Chlorakas 4-0 and Freedom24 Krasava ENY prevailing 1-0 away against EN Paralimni.

On Saturday, Olympiacos Nicosia lost 0-3 to Omonoia Nicosia, while AEK Larnaca prevailed 2-1 over Ethnikos Achna.

During Sunday’s matches, Omonoia Aradippou lost to AEL Limassol 1-3, APOEL beat Aris Limassol 2-0, while Apollon Limassol and Anorthosis Famagusta drew goalless.

According to the Cyprus Football Association, 245 goals were scored in 91 games, with an average of 18.8 goals per matchday and 2.7 per game.

Omonoia Nicosia has the best attack with 29 goals, compared to 28 for Paphos FC, as well as the best defence with 9 goals conceded, with Paphos FC and Aris having conceded 10 goals each. Paphos FC has the most wins (10), Anorthosis has the most draws (7), and EN Paralimni has the most defeats (12).

Willy Semedo of Omonoia Nicosia leads the scoring table with 9 goals, followed by Nicolás Andereggen of Ethnikos Achna with 8 goals and Pieros Sotiriou of APOEL with 7 goals.

The full standings after 13 games are as follows: Paphos FC 31, Omonoia Nicosia 29, AEK Larnaca 27, Aris Limassol 26, APOEL 25, Apollon Limassol 21, AEL 20, Olympiakos Nicosia 14, Ethnikos Achna 14, Akritas Chlorakas 13, Anorthosis 13, Freedom24 Krasava ENY 10, Omonoia Aradippou 10, ENP 1.

?andover ceremonies took place on Monday at four Ministries and one Deputy Ministry following the Cabinet reshuffle announced last Friday by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

The swearing-in ceremony took place earlier at the Presidential Palace.

Marinos Mousiouttas, former DEPA MP takes over the helm of the Labour and Social Insurance Ministry, Neophytos Charalambides DIKO Vice President is the new Health Minister, Constantinos Fytiris starts his tenure as new Justice and Public Order Minister, Michalis Damianos who was Health Minister at the Cabinet moves to Energy, Commerce and Industry Ministry and Klea Papaellina is the new Welfare Deputy Minister.

Innovation and sustainability in mind, says new Energy Minister

We will work with innovation, excellence and sustainability in mind, to ensure that Cyprus continues to move in a direction that will serve the common good and future generations,’ new Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister, Michalis Damianos, said.

He referred to the clear objectives of the governance program and pledged to continue the successful work that his predecessor started.

Damianos noted that he is taking on the portfolio at a critical period , faced with crucial decisions on key issues and expressed the certainty that he can rely on the experience, technical training and zeal of the Ministry’s employees.

Outgoing Minister George Papanastasiou noted that he will continue to tell the truth with clarity from a technocratic point of view, adding that with his close associates at the Ministry they promoted important policies and reforms for the benefit of our country.

Focus on GHS says new Health Minister

Our priority cannot be other than making sure that the General Healthcare System (GHS) operates smoothly, new Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides said.

Charalambides also noted that Cyprus will soon assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, adding that this is a great responsibility but also an equally great opportunity to highlight issues that touch the lives o fEuropean citizens and to contribute substantively to European health policies.

Outgoing Minister Michalis Damianos noted that among the reforms and actions promoted by his Ministry were the completion of the legislative framework for the Patient Ombudsman, the submission to the parliament of a bill for the establishment and operation of University Clinics and the transfer of the supervision of the GHS to the Ministry of Health, enhancing transparency and control.

He also referred to the amendment of the Cyprus-Greece agreement, the submission of a proposal to the European Union in December 2024 for the creation of a Joint Procurement Mechanism for Medicines, and the development and implementation of National Strategies and Action Plans for key health issues such as Mental Health.

Labour Minister to promote pension reform

New Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Mousiouttas, noted that he will focus on pension reform, the minimum wage and the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.

He said that as new Labour Minister he has a responsibility towards every worker and every pensioner, noting that the objectives and challenges are clear.

He also called on social partners, unionists and employers to continue their work with consensus and consistency. Mousiouttas also praised former Minister, Yiannis Panayiotou, for the work he has fulfilled, noting that he will seek his advice.

Outgoing Minister Panayiotou expressed satisfaction with what was achieved during his three-year term at the helm of the Ministry, focusing on increasing the employment rate, reducing unemployment and increasing the minimum wage.

He also referred to the work aiming at accelerating the processing time of social security benefits by 60% with 80% of requests being processed in less than 6 weeks.

Safety for citizens said new Justice Minister

Citizen safety and protection and the consolidation of justice system are among his priorities new Justice and Public Order Minister said.

Constantinos Fytiris said that he wants a resilient state, adding that reforms by the previous Minister are a valuable legacy. Fytiris also noted that institutional stability is key to strengthening citizens’ trust in justice.

He referred to the challenges the Ministry is faced with, such as crime prevention, pointing out that equality before the law is crucial and so are the protection of vulnerable groups, having transparency and the effective handling of all forms of corruption.

Handing over the portfolio Marios Hartsiotis, who is assuming duties as new Presidential Commissioner, advised the new Minister to be concerned about well-intentioned criticism, but on the contrary to overlook ill-intentioned criticism, as he described it.

I will work with integrity and transparency, new Welfare DepMin said

The new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina said that she intends to work with all her strength, with responsibility, integrity and transparency.

She said that the main mission is commitment to social cohesion and the support of vulnerable citizens, pointing out that social welfare is not just about providing benefits but about dignity, support and opportunities for all.

She referred to the work of the staff noting that her intertion is to empower them and highlight the role they play.

Outgoing Deputy Minister, Marilena Evangelou, said that the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has a large portfolio with a budget of over 650 million and praised the work of the personnel, their commitment and will.

She also referred to the work that was achieved such as, inter alia, the simplification of procedures in benefits with the use of technology, the Neighborhood Social Worker and the Housing and Care Subsidy Scheme for the Elderly.

A yellow warning for rain and isolated thunderstorms, valid from 01.00 am on Monday until 01.00 am on Tuesday was issued by the Department of Meteorology on Sunday evening.

“A combination of rain and isolated thunderstorms will affect the island at times. In storm hail is likely while surface wind will be variable strengthening” the warning noted.

“Precipitation rate is expected to range between 35 and 55 millimeters per hour, while total precipitation is likely to locally exceed the amount of 55 millimeters within 24 hours” it concluded.

The first flamingos of the season have arrived at the Larnaca Salt Lake, marking the start of the annual wintering period during which Cyprus hosts one of the largest populations of the migratory species in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, wildlife experts are raising concerns over a significant decline in their numbers, estimated at 14-31% since 2013.

Several hundred flamingos have reached the island so far. Speaking to CNA, Nikos Kassinis, Senior Officer at the Game and Fauna Service, said that flamingos visit five natural wetland sites across Cyprus: Akrotiri in Limassol, the Larnaca Salt Lakes, Paralimni Lake, Oroklini Lake, and a number of lakes in the Turkish-occupied Famagusta area.

‘Flamingos visit five natural wetlands on the island, with the largest populations wintering in the Larnaca and Akrotiri salt lakes,’ Kassinis said. On average, between 5,000 and 10,000 flamingos winter in these wetlands each year, a figure representing more than 1% of the species’ Eastern Mediterranean population.

Kassinis noted that systematic monthly counts of waterbirds-conducted for more than two decades by the Game and Fauna Service and BirdLife Cyprus-show a sustained decrease in the number of flamingos visiting Cyprus. ‘From 2013 until today, we are seeing a decline of 14-31%,’ he said.

A summary of the species’ status in Cyprus was recently presented at the 4th International Flamingo Symposium held in Italy from 10-15 November.

Kassinis pointed to several possible factors behind the decline, including frequent droughts, inflows of poor-quality water that reduce available food sources, development pressures, and incompatible human activities around wetland areas.

He added that the Pandoteira Project, a ten-year initiative co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, aims to fill important knowledge gaps regarding the feeding, breeding and resting requirements of specific species, as well as the quantification of the threats they face. Flamingos are among the species targeted by the project, he said.

‘Addressing these knowledge gaps will allow us to adopt targeted conservation measures to improve the status of these species in specific Special Protection Areas,’ Kassinis said.

‘As a result, we will be able to achieve conservation objectives both for the species themselves and for the Natura 2000 sites where they are found,’ he concluded.

The National Guard of Cyprus hosted the multinational, joint Special Operations exercise ‘PERSEAS – 2025’ from 30 November to 5 December 2025, bringing together elite units from Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for advanced training in special operations.

According to a press release, the exercise was conducted across various training and firing ranges of the Republic of Cyprus. Participating forces included personnel and assets from the National Guard’s Special Forces Command, Naval Command and Air Force Command, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, as well as the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Air Operations Unit of the Cyprus Police. Special Operations teams from the Armed Forces of the Hellenic Republic, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Royal Navy of Saudi Arabia also took part.

According to the National Guard, the aim of ‘PERSEAS – 2025’ was to enhance personnel training in special operations, improve joint-force cooperation, assess interagency collaboration capabilities with state services, and upgrade interoperability among the armed forces of participating countries at both operational and tactical levels.

The exercise is considered highly beneficial, offering National Guard Special Operations personnel the opportunity to train alongside units from other state agencies and partner nations, promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.

A study conducted by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) proposes infrastructure and regulatory enhancements, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of diving tourism in Cyprus. The study was carried out on behalf of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which aims to establish diving tourism as a strong pillar of Cyprus’ tourist product.

The study was presented on Monday in Limassol, with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, highlighting that diving tourism is a form of tourism with significant growth potential in the country, as demonstrated by the CMMI study.

In his address, read out by the new Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry, Neophytos Papadopoulos, Koumis stated that the technical study will serve as a starting point for a series of preparatory actions ‘which will form the springboard for showcasing Cyprus as a leading force in diving tourism in the Mediterranean.’

Pointing out that the study provides scientific knowledge, real data, and a clear picture of the sector and its development prospects, he stressed that ‘the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, as part of its ongoing effort to position Cyprus as a competitive and sustainable destination, places particular emphasis on the development of special-interest tourism forms, which continue to gain ground in visitor preferences worldwide.’

According to Kostas Koumis, global revenues from diving tourism amounted to 9.6 billion dollars in 2024, while estimates for 2025 indicate a further rise to 11.2 billion dollars.

At the same time, he continued, with growth rates expected in the coming years to reach 5.2%, diving tourism is projected to increase its market share from the current 3% of total tourism revenue to up to 6%.

Koumis recalled that, in cooperation with CMMI, the Deputy Ministry proceeded with the three-dimensional digital mapping of 43 diving sites, with the aim of providing visitors with visual access to various spots even before choosing a destination, while also investing in infrastructure and projects that strengthen diving locations through a relevant grant scheme.

He added that targeted promotion of Cyprus as a diving tourism destination abroad is being designed and implemented, including participation in specialized exhibitions and hosting professionals from markets with the highest potential, while Cyprus is promoted as a year-round destination with international recognition and unique diving sites.

The total registrations of motor vehicles increased by 4.5% to 48,904 in January-November 2025, from 46,780 in January-November 2024, according to the Statistical Service.

Passenger saloon cars increased to 37,977 from 36,360 in January-November 2024, recording a rise of 4.4%. Of the total passenger saloon cars, 13,930 or 36.7% were new and 24,047 or 63.3% were used cars. Rental cars in particular recorded a rise of 22.4% to 5,052.

The share of petrol powered passengers’ cars to the total of this category of vehicles decreased in January-November 2025 to 42.3% (from 48.9% in the corresponding period of the preceding year) and that of diesel-powered cars to 8.8% in 2025 from 10.1% in 2024. On the other hand, the share of electric cars rose from 4% in 2024 to 4.7% in 2025 and of hybrid cars from 36.9% to 44.3%.

Motor coaches and buses registered in January-November 2025 increased to 172, from 127 in the same period of 2024. Goods conveyance vehicles increased by 6.3% to 5,694 in January-November 2025, compared to 5,355 in January-November 2024. In particular, rental vehicles increased by 23.2% to 281, light goods vehicles by 6.1% to 4,540, heavy goods vehicles by 2.7% to 645 and road tractors (units of trailers) by 2.7%, to 228.

Mopeds of less than 50cc registered in January-November 2025 decreased to 197 compared to 657 in the corresponding period of the previous year. At the same time, motorcycles over 50cc increased by 16.6% to 4,264 in January-November 2025, compared to 3,657 in the same period of 2024.

In November 2025, the total registrations of motor vehicles numbered 4,172, recording an increase of 8.4% compared to 3,850 in November 2024. Passenger saloon cars registered a rise of 9.4% to 3,195, from 2,920 in November 2024.