Category: Cyprus News Agency

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides travels to Malta on Friday where where he will take part in the 9th MED5 meeting on migration on Friday and Saturday.

A special reference will be made during the meeting about preparations for the Cypriot EU Council Presidency in the first half to 2026, since the Presidency’s working programme is included as an item on the agenda, a Deputy Ministry press release issued here today says.

Ioannides will present the Presidency’s key priorities in the area of migration with an emphasis on the timely and full implementation of the Pact, enhancing the external aspect of returns as well as supporting frontline member states, it adds.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Deputy Minister will have bilateral meetings with his counterparts, exchanging views on deepening cooperation in the area of migration and briefing them extensively on the forthcoming Cyprus EU Council Presidency priorities.

The MED5 meeting will be attended by the relevant Ministers of Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Malta.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the leaders of the political groups will visit Cyprus in 1-2 December for meetings ahead of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During their visit, they will meet with President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.

As part of the preparations for this role, the upcoming Cypriot Presidency will welcome the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, President Roberta Metsola, and the leaders of the political groups to discuss priorities for the six-month Presidency with government officials and members of the House of Representatives.

According to an announcement by the European Parliament, the European officials will also meet with members of the Cabinet at the Presidential Palace. Additionally, they will hold discussions with the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, along with the leaders – representatives of the political parties in the House.

“Cyprus will take the helm of the EU at a time of rapid developments and growing expectations from our citizens. From reducing bureaucracy for businesses to enlargement and finding solutions to migration challenges, Europe is on alert, and Cyprus will lead this dynamic. I look forward to working with President Christodoulides and the Cypriot Presidency. This visit proves it,” said Metsola in her statement ahead of the visit.

Following their meeting, President Roberta Metsola and President Nikos Christodoulides will hold a joint press conference on Monday, December 1, at 19:15 local time at the Presidential Palace.

President Metsola will also participate in a dialogue with students on Tuesday, December 2, at 10:35, alongside President Christodoulides. The dialogue will take place at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training School in Larnaca, as part of the ‘Christmas in Europe 2025’ event, co-organised by the European Parliament Office in Cyprus.

Cyprus will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1, 2026, taking over from Denmark and followed by Ireland in July 2026.

The members of the Conference of Presidents are the following: Manfred Weber – President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Group, Iratxe García Pérez – President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S and D) Group, Valérie Hayer – President of the Renew Europe Group, Terry Reintke – Co-President of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) Group, Nicola Procaccini – President of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group, Jordan Bardella – President of the Patriots for Europe Group, Martin Schirdewan – President of The Left Group in the European Parliament (GUE/NGL), Stanislaw Tyszka – President of the Europe of Sovereign Nations Group, Bas Eickhout – Co-President of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) Group, Manon Aubry – The Left Group in the European Parliament (GUE/NGL), René Aust – Europe of Sovereign Nations Group, and Patryk Jaki – European Conservatives and Reformists Group

Total sales in petroleum products in October recorded an annual increase, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service.

In a press release, it says that in October 2025, the total sales of petroleum products amounted to 141,540 tonnes, recording an increase of 4.7% compared to October 2024.

A rise was observed in the provisions of marine gasoil (101.9%) and aviation kerosene (5.9%), as well as in the sales of asphalt (44.9%), heavy fuel oil (26.8%), motor gasoline (4.6%), liquefied petroleum gases (3.6%) and road diesel (1.7%).

On the contrary, a drop was observed ?n the sales of light fuel oil (-53.5%) and heating gasoil (-11.4%).

As far as the sales from filling stations are specifically concerned, these have registered a rise of 3.0% to 61,904 tonnes.

The total sales of petroleum products in October 2025 compared to September 2025 recorded a drop of 2.2%.

Indicatively, a fall was recorded in the provisions of marine gasoil (-22.5%) and aviation kerosene (-2.9%), as well as in the sales of motor gasoline (-4.1%) and road diesel (-2.0%).

The total stocks of petroleum products at the end of October 2025 decreased by 17.6% compared to the end of the previous month.

During the period January – October 2025, the total sales of petroleum products increased by 4.7% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 27/11/2025 UNTIL 1800 28/11/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather gradually become mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

Cyprus’ Council of Ministers approved on Thursday afternoon the Ministry of Defence’s list of armament programmes to be submitted to the European Commission under the EU’s SAFE Regulation.

In statements after the Cabinet meeting, at the Presidential Palace, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the list will be formally sent to the Commission on November 30. Once the process is fully approved, he added, Cyprus will be able to draw from the pound 1.2 billion in low-interest funding allocated to it, enabling the state ‘to strengthen its defensive shield’ in line with Europe’s new framework for defence capability.

Asked which types of armament programmes are prioritised, the Minister declined to provide details, noting, however, that the SAFE mechanism was created for all EU member states to enhance their defence, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Replying to another question, he stressed that Cyprus’ list concerns purely defensive systems, aimed at bolstering deterrence and protection, noting that Cyprus ‘is a peaceful country’ part of which is occupied for 51 years. ‘It is self-evident that the Republic of Cyprus has a duty to strengthen its defence,’ Palmas said. He added that none of the listed systems reflect offensive intentions.

Regarding the domestic defence industry, Palmas said one of the EU’s goals is to support European industrial participation, and several Cypriot companies can take part in projects funded through SAFE.

Asked whether the main countries from which the Republic of Cyprus orders equipment were France and Germany, the Minister said that cooperation on SAFE-related projects may extend to additional partner states.

Cooperation with the United States

Replying to a question on the supply of US military equipment, Palmas clarified that Cyprus’ defence cooperation with the United States is separate from the EU SAFE mechanism.

A bilateral programme gives Cyprus access to US surplus military equipment, he said, adding that Nicosia was awaiting an invitation from US authorities to inspect available material. Any acquisitions, he said, will be based strictly on operational needs.

House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, heading a parliamentary delegation, concluded her official visit to India Thursday with a meeting with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) Om Birla.

During the meeting they both referred to the Cyprus issue, bilateral cooperation and the Cyprus EU Presidency, beginning January 1st.

Demetriou and the parliamentary delegation were accompanied by Cyprus’ High Commissioner Evagoras Vryonides. MPs Nikos Tornaritis, Aristos Damianou and Christiana Erotokritou participated in the delegation.

A press release by the parliament says that welcoming the House President and the delegation, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha referred to the common historical ties between the two countries, their common democratic course and the ever-expanding scope of cooperation.

Birla assured the House Speaker of India’s continued support for the Cyprus issue and highlighted his country’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus since its establishment.

He also congratulated Demetriou on her election as the first female House of Representatives President and for her important work regarding gender equality, both in Cyprus and in international fora. He also referred to the legislative and other measures adopted by India in this area.

On her part, Demetriou, “expressed deep appreciation for India’s principled position and long-standing support regarding the Cyprus issue, noting that for more than fifty years, Cyprus continues to experience the consequences of Turkey’s illegal invasion and continued occupation,” the press release says.

She stressed the Greek Cypriot side’s commitment to achieving a solution, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions, which will reunite the country in conditions of lasting peace and security.

She also assured her counterpart that Cyprus is an honest and reliable partner for India and that it will continue to support in every possible way the EU-India cooperation, particularly in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

During the meeting they also referred to the significant prospects for enhanced cooperation in areas such as defense, technology, innovation, shipping, tourism, mobility and connectivity, on the basis of the Joint Declaration of the leaders of the two countries during the official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Cyprus and the agreed 2025-2029 Joint Action Plan.

They also expressed their shared desire to expand the current momentum by exploiting the opportunities offered by technology, both in terms of the exchange of know-how and best practices for parliamentary work and through the institutionalization of exchanges between parliamentary committees and the Friendship Groups established in the two Parliaments.

Before the meeting, Demetriou signed the Guest Book and toured the premises of the two Houses of Parliament.

The House of Representatives President and her delegation return home on Friday.

Cyprus Children’s Parliament becomes an institutional partner of the state following announcements made on Thursday by President Nikos Christodoulides, in the context of the annual Consultation of the Children’s Parliament, at the Presidential Palace, under the auspices of the Office of the Citizen’s Commissioner.

A press release says that the meeting discussed a memorandum drafted October 29, which includes recommendations, suggestions and proposals of the Children’s Parliament committees to Ministries, Deputy Ministries and state bodies on a number of issues.

The student MPs actively participated in the discussion, presenting their suggestions which included the proposal for a sufficient number of psychologists, counsellors and social workers in schools, an upgrade of all-day school and political and social education workshops in view of the right to vote at 17 years of age.

The youth parliamentarians also proposed safety in student transport, cooperation between agencies through inter-ministerial or inter-departmental committees on youth issues, strengthening the Office of the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, tackling violence in schools and training in human relations, internet safety, parent training programmes and funding the Cyprus Children’s Parliament.

Addressing the students, President Christodoulides noted that the government wishes to “upgrade the Children’s Parliament to an institutional partner of the state”, by increasing its budget.

He said that this reflects the significance the state attaches to their work as youth MPs and added that direct and continuous contact with citizens, and especially with young people, is “a government priority”.

He referred to the issue of strengthening citizens’ participation in the democratic process by promoting certain initiatives.

The President also referred to platforms launched to this end such as ‘Ekfracy’, ‘Citizen Voice’, ‘e-Consultation’, as well as the website diakivernisi.gov.cy that presents the government’s work. He also praised the Citizens’ Initiative Bill, which allows citizens to submit bills by collecting signatures.

He went on to say that the aim is to modernise the state, in order to be able to address current challenges.

He furthermore said that the Children’s Parliament’s memorandum will be submitted to the Cabinet so that all Ministries can provide complete and specific answers.

Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades, Deputy Minister of Welfare Marilena Evangelou, representatives of the Ministries of Interior, Education, Justice and Health, as well as the Deputy Ministries of Research and Innovation and European Affairs participated in today’s process along with Citizens’ Commissioner Panagiotis Palates, the Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights Elena Pericleous and the President of the ‘FONI’ Council, Clea Hadjistefanou Papaellina.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 27/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 28/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be at times partly cloudy with risk of isolated showers during the afternoon.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

In the strongest terms MEPs denounce the grave and systematic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Indiscriminate attacks against civilians, ethnically targeted violence, sexual violence, torture, deliberate starvation tactics, and the use of child soldiers, attacks on hospitals and humanitarian facilities, and the deliberate starvation of civilians, possibly constitute acts of genocide, say MEPs in a resolution adopted by 503 votes in favour, to 32 against, with 52 abstentions.

Starvation and sexual violence as weapons of war

Parliament expresses deep concern at the alarming deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with confirmed famine in parts of the country, as the conflict fuels the most severe humanitarian catastrophe globally. MEPs urge the warring parties to end starvation and sexual violence as weapons of war and allow unfettered humanitarian access throughout the country . The text stresses that the situation of women and girls in Sudan and in particular, the ongoing conflict-related sexual violence, must be prioritised in efforts aimed at addressing the Sudan conflict .

External actors must respect UN arms embargo

Reaffirming Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, MEPs stress the legitimacy of the civilian government in Khartoum and reject any attempt to create parallel or rival authorities or political structures in RSF-controlled areas. The primary responsibility for ending the conflict rests with the leadership of both the RSF, the SAF and their allied militias, as well as those providing them with direct or indirect support, states the resolution. Parliament condemns all forms of external interference fuelling the war in Sudan and urge external actors to uphold the UN arms embargo.

Transition to civilian democratic governance

MEPs strongly support the efforts of the African Union and regional partners to facilitate a peace process and call on all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to end the conflict and establish a transition to civilian democratic governance. They also welcome the joint statement issued on 12 September 2025 by the QUAD (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States) on ending the conflict in Sudan.

Call for accountability and targeted sanctions

MEPs express grave concerns about a possible spill-over of the conflict, notably to the Horn of Africa and to the Sahel due to its vulnerability. Given the effects on irregular migration flows towards Europe they urge the EU to increase its humanitarian commitment of pound 273 million to the region. The resolution demands immediate accountability for perpetrators and call on the EU to support the expansion of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction to whole of Sudan. It urges the EU to apply targeted sanctions to key RSF and SAF commanders, including Generals Burhan and Hemedti and their respective networks for their responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law.

It also calls on the Council to urgently trigger the procedure to evaluate whether the RSF fulfils the criteria for inclusion on the EU’s ‘terrorist list’.

Total loans recorded a net increase of pound 336.6 million, showing a significant annual rate of change of 10.2%, in October 2025, according to figures published Thursday by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Loans to households increased by pound 61.1 million and loans to companies dropped by pound 34.5 million.

In addition, deposits of Cypriot residents increased by pound 421.2 million, while household deposits increased in October by pound 158.7 million.

Deposits

Total deposits in October 2025 recorded a net increase of pound 412.3 million, compared with a net increase of pound 670.2 million in September 2025.

The annual growth rate of total deposits stood at 6.3%, remaining unchanged compared with September 2025. The outstanding amount of total deposits reached pound 57.6 billion in October 2025.

Deposits of Cyprus residents exhibited an increase of pound 421.2 million. More analytically, deposits of households and non-financial corporations increased by pound 158.7 million and pound 206.9 million respectively. Deposits of the remaining domestic sectors exhibited a total increase of pound 55.7 million.

Loans

Total loans in October 2025 recorded a net increase of pound 336.6 million, compared with a net increase of pound 269.0 million in September 2025.

The annual growth rate of total loans stood at 10.2%, compared with 7.9% in September 2025. The outstanding amount of total loans reached pound 26.8 billion in October 2025.

Loans to Cyprus residents exhibited an increase of pound 30.4 million. More analytically, loans to households increased by pound 61.1 million, while loans to non-financial corporations recorded a decrease of pound 34.5 million.

Loans to the remaining domestic sectors exhibited a total increase of pound 3.8 million.