Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) is actively participating in the development of significant high-technology systems «Drone Eye» project.

The Open University of Cyprus is involved in this national-priority and highly significant defence project, which focuses on the development of unmanned systems (drones) and electronic counter-UAS technologies under the Drone Eye initiative, implemented within the framework of the ATHENA program. The project, which marks a new phase in the technological advancement of the National Guard, is funded by the Ministry of Defence and is carried out in collaboration with the Cypriot company Encorp and Frederick University.

The result is a fully integrated anti-drone system, vehicle-mounted and entirely manufactured in Cyprus. It features target-tracking capabilities, can be integrated into a broader Command and Control (C2) system, and is accompanied by a portable anti-drone device developed in parallel. Both systems were presented on 10 November 2025 in the presence of the Minister of Defence, Mr. Vasilis Palmas, the Ministry’s Director General, Mr. Elikkos Elias, and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence.

The project also contributes to strengthening the Greece-Cyprus defense partnership under the SAFE – Security in Europe program, funded by the European Union, which aims to reinforce Europe’s security and defense capabilities. Within this context, particular emphasis is placed on further developing the defense industry in Cyprus and Greece, with projects designed to enhance domestic industrial capacity and reduce dependence on external defense sources. Counter-UAS technologies are a top priority for both countries, and-as the Minister of Defence highlighted-such systems ‘can act as a force multiplier and serve as a deterrent asset in the National Guard’s arsenal, strengthening Cyprus’s autonomy and independence.’

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building ‘a more resilient economy, a fairer society and a more sustainable future’ in his speech at AKEL’s 4th Economy Forum in Nicosia, titled ‘Strategy for the Future: Housing, Climate, Energy.’

Responding to criticism about the Government’s alleged inability to address the country’s challenges, he said the administration was working ‘in a coordinated and methodical manner’ to turn difficulties into opportunities and to achieve ‘a more resilient economy, a fairer society, and a more sustainable future for all.’

Keravnos noted that the global and European economies are marked by turbulence and geopolitical risks but that, nevertheless, Cyprus’ economy ‘stands out for its resilience and prospects.’

He stressed that Cyprus is among the EU countries with the strongest fiscal performance, posting a high primary surplus of around 5% and that the economy is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, leading to a substantial reduction of public debt as a percentage of GDP, dropping below the 60% threshold by the end of 2025, a year earlier than the original 2026 target.

This ‘remarkable progress,’ he added, is reflected in assessments by international rating agencies, as Cyprus has returned to the ‘A’ investment grade category after 13 years, with nine upgrades in the past two years.

According to the Minister, this ‘strong’ economic foundation enables the implementation of social and development policies, including housing policy and the green transition.

A key element of the Government’s strategy is the ongoing tax reform, he said.

For households, the reform provides tax deductions for interest on first-home purchase loans, for energy upgrades of primary residences, and for the purchase of electric vehicles. For businesses, it includes increased capital allowances for energy-efficiency investments to help reduce operating costs.

On housing, Keravnos stressed that the issue is not unique to Cyprus but is a ‘European challenge.’ He cited a recent EU study showing housing prices rose by 58.33% across the EU between 2015 and 2025, while the average European household spends 19.2% of its income on housing, according to 2024 data.

Cyprus and Italy recorded the lowest housing price increases in the past decade – 13.36% in Italy and 13.71% in Cyprus – yet, he noted, the need for affordable housing in Cyprus is ‘more pressing than ever.’

The Minister also said that the Government’s housing strategy is built on two pillars. The first focuses on increasing housing supply through planning incentives, the Build to Rent scheme, the Renovate and Rent scheme for unused properties, and funding through the Cyprus Land Development Corporation.

The second, aims to improve access to housing with targeted schemes for young people and families, special programmes for mountainous and rural areas, and faster digital procedures for permits.

The Minister said these programmes are expected to create more than 1,900 new units, many of which will enter the affordable-housing market.

On the green transition, Keravnos underlined that the climate and energy crisis ‘now shapes every aspect of development.’ The Government, he said, is implementing a coherent plan for a green, clean and sustainable Cyprus, aligned with the European Green Deal and the 2050 climate-neutrality targets.

He noted that the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) includes pound 3.5 billion in projects – or pound 6.4 billion with EU co-funding. These include investments in RES, energy upgrades of homes and businesses, strengthening the circular economy, upgrading forest infrastructure and fire-protection systems, and the ‘Solar for All’ and electromobility schemes.

The Minister also said they were placing importance on water infrastructure, with the budget share rising to 38% in 2026 from 32% in 2025, and pound 140 million allocated for water purchases from desalination – ‘the largest amount ever spent for this purpose.’

‘We are implementing our commitment to continuous and uninterrupted desalination use, with a 32% increase in water supply thanks to the operation of seven new mobile desalination units introduced by the Christodoulides Government,’ he added.

Keravnos also highlighted the need to balance environmental ambition with economic competitiveness. For this reason, he said, the EU Council of Ministers recently decided to postpone by one year the implementation of the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2), shifting the start date from 2027 to 2028.

Concluding, the Minister said the Government’s economic policy is ‘people-centred, balanced and prudent,’ adding that ‘we do not have the right to burden future generations with additional debt or new memoranda.’

Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, briefed on Wednesday the Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee about the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency which begins on January 1st, noting that we approach our Presidency with a clear vision for the future of our Union, committed to constructive cooperation and dialogue with all of our partners.

“Because holding the Presidency is never the task of a single Member State. It is, by nature, a collective undertaking”, she told the members of the Bureau which convenes in Nicosia, on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of the EU Presidency.

Raouna spoke of a long journey, full of planning, decisions, and many unknowns, but also, full of determination to deliver for our European family, to take the European project forward.

Addressing the members of the Bureau and Head of the EESC DepMin Raouna noted that the Committee brings the perspectives, experience, and realities of Europe’s workers, employers, and civil society directly into the heart of our policymaking.

She made special reference to the 14 requests Cyprus submitted to the EESC and added that we are assuming the Presidency guided by a clear vision for a strategically independent Union, truly autonomous, a Europe that protects, empowers, and unites, an engaged Europe, a Union that delivers more for its citizens.

“In a complex, shifting world, the Union must stand out as stable, reliable, and strong. Committed to rules based international order and multilateralism”, Raouna noted.

She added that fostering relations with our neighbours and promoting strategic partnerships with our Southern Neighbourhood and Gulf, and with key regional actors, is of utmost importance to this end for achieving goals for a greater energy and trade autonomy, enhanced competitiveness, and strengthened security and maritime stability.

She added that advancing enlargement must be sought not only as a geopolitical imperative, but also as a driving force for peace, stability and prosperity.

“The Cyprus Presidency will place strong emphasis on reinforcing the EU’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to humanitarian crises, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, leveraging its proven track record in supporting humanitarian operations”, she said.

Raouna referred to the top priority negotiation for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) noting that “we will work closely and transparently with all the Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission to shape a balanced framework that reflects the strategic vision and priorities of the EU”.

In her address she also referred to the priorities of strengthening EU competitiveness and economic prosperity, enhancing connectivity through European Transport Corridors, tourism resilience and competitiveness, energy autonomy, advancing the European Union’s environmental and sustainability agenda, comprehensive EU Employment and Social Agenda, measures for poverty reduction and support for vulnerable groups and affordable housing.

“During our Presidency we will work on enhancing cooperation on effective housing policies and financial instruments, building on the forthcoming Affordable Housing Plan and paving the way for the first ever Housing Summit,” she said.

Raouna also noted that the Cyprus Presidency will focus on an effective approach to migration and border management, supporting full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and will prioritize the rule of law as a cornerstone of the EU’s functioning and the well-being of its citizens.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 19/11/2025 UNTIL 0600 20/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1021hPa (hectopascal)

High pressure is affecting the area. ?he weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally Southwest to Northwest Slight

Afternoon Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally Southwest to Northwest Slight

Night Northeast to Southeast 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

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

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

Night North to Northeast 3 to 4, offshore 4 Slight

East Coast

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

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

Night North to Northeast 3 to 4, offshore 4 Slight

North Coast

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

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

Night Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, offshore Northeast to East 4 Slight

?he European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) put water resilience in the heart of Europe’s future, in its Extraordinary Bureau Meeting under the incoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, in Nicosia. Civil society representatives, experts and policy makers examined Europe’s water challenges and explored coordinated solutions.

According to its press release, during Wednesday’s meeting, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, described water security as “one of the defining challenges for Europe, and particularly for Cyprus.” He framed the Presidency as “a journey founded on responsibility, cooperation and a commitment to ensuring that no citizen and no region is left behind.” Highlighting the strain on Cyprus’s water systems, President Christodoulides added that “water resilience is not an abstract concept for us; it is a daily reality. We must act together to secure a sustainable and peaceful future for our societies.”

EESC President Séamus Boland stressed water’s strategic role in Europe’s social, economic, and environmental security. Nearly ten million Europeans still struggle to access drinking water, he said. “Water is not just what we drink; it is the foundation of our food systems, our industries, our energy security and, increasingly, our peace and stability,” he noted. “We look forward to working with the Cypriot EU Council Presidency on this and other important topics including housing, migration, energy connectivity and competitiveness.”

Rising inequalities and climate pressures

————–

Alain Coheur, chairman of the EESC’s Industrial Change Commission, reviewed developments since the EESC adopted its water declaration three years ago, noting rising inequalities, ecosystem pressures, and climate impacts. He called for major investment in infrastructure, stronger coordination among Member States, and a clear distinction between the EU’s Green Deal and the emerging Blue Deal. “We need a coherent water resilience policy that ensures equal access, strengthens preparedness for future crises, and supports innovation across all sectors,” he said.

At the same time, Coheur recalled catastrophic flooding in his region three years ago, which destroyed homes and infrastructure. “It looked like a war zone. Preparedness is not optional,” he said.

Moreover, Professor Fadi Comair of the Cyprus Institute highlighted the island’s vulnerabilities: a 14% drop in rainfall since 1901, declining dam storage, and a tourist population three times the local population. Heavy reliance on dams and desalination makes Cyprus fragile, he noted, warning that water scarcity risks social instability and stressing the need for regional water diplomacy and research into efficient desalination and irrigation systems.

According to the Press release, Durk Krol, Executive Director of Water Europe, called water “a finite, local and shared resource used across more than 70,000 utilities in Europe.” He outlined five key innovation areas to achieve a Water-Smart Society, including circular water systems, digital water, and climate-resilient infrastructure, and highlighted Europe’s water-intensive industries, from cooling data centres to producing green hydrogen.

Krol identified four action pillars: invest in ageing and climate-vulnerable systems; enforce water legislation; embrace innovation and digitalisation; and adopt a cross-sectoral approach linking water to energy, food, and industry. He called for pound 300 billion in the next Multiannual Financial Framework to upgrade infrastructure, deploy smart solutions, and ensure preparedness. “Every pound 1 invested in water can generate pound 2.3 in economic returns, and each pound 1 billion creates up to 16,000 jobs,” he said.

Speakers agreed that Europe’s water transition requires technology, innovation, pragmatic management, and cooperation between civil society, experts, and policymakers.

The Bureau Meeting concluded with a joint commitment to make water resilience central to Europe’s future. “The EESC will continue working with EU institutions on the Roadmap for Water and support the Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy as a cornerstone of the EU’s Blue Deal,” the press release concludes.

House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, presented on Wednesday a report of parliamentary activities during the period between September 2024-September 2025. She said that the House held 36 plenary sessions, of which 33 regular, and 628 committee meetings in a year.

Demetriou spoke of an ongoing process seeking to amend the regulation of the House of Representatives which will focus on the election procedure for the House of Representatives President but will also look into the publication of parliamentary committee meetings and how to handle confidential documents.

She also noted that 255 bills, 75 legislative proposals, 48 regulations and 63 service plans were approved, while three bills and three legislative proposals were approved through an urgent procedure. Two bills, nine legislative proposals and one regulation were rejected. Also, according to the annual report, the House of Representatives discussed and voted in favour of 44 bills in the scope of the integration of European legislation.

The House President expressed her satisfaction with the work produced during this period, noting that she was particularly proud of the progress achieved in the context of parliamentary diplomacy and noted that the ties built with the parliaments of 53 other coutries are a “significant tool for the promotion of bilateral relations.”

Demetriou noted that through these contacts, the House of Representatives had the opportunity to raise issues such as the Cyprus problem and the role of Cyprus in the area, among others.

The House President also spoke of the upcoming priorities, in view of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026. Within this scope, she noted that the activities of the House of Representatives are being posted at the Interparliamentary EU Information Exchange platform.

In 2026, the House of Representatives will host a series of meetings, starting on 12 January 2026 with the Summit of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC). An Interparliamentary Meeting on the challenges of the Artificial Intelligence will take place in 15 January 2026.

The 18th Joint Parliamentary Meeting on Europol will follow in 4 February 2026 and the European Parliamentary Week will take place in Brussels between 23 and 24 February 2026.

The 28th Interparliamentary Summit for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union will take place on 4 March 2026 and the 75th COSAC session will follow on 6 March 2026.

Department of Meteorology

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 19/11/2025

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Highest

Lowest

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Nicosia (Athalassa)

26 (25.8)

10 (10.2)

43

Larnaka Airport

26 (26.1)

17 (17.1)

51

Limassol (New Port)

26 (25.6)

12 (12)

59

Limassol Garden

23,8

14,2

Pafos Airport

26 (26.3)

15 (14.9)

51

Frenaros

24 (23.8)

14 (14.2)

59

Prodromos

16 (16)

9 (8.6)

65

Polis Pafos

26 (25.9)

13 (13.3)

55

Nicosia’s intention to proceed with new electrical interconnections with neighbouring countries, thereby strengthening Cyprus’ regional role in the energy map, was highlighted by President, Nikos Christodoulides, in his speech at the 13th Energy Symposium on Wednesday.

The President stressed that Cyprus’ participation in the “3+1” mechanism with Greece and the US confirms the country’s strategic goal of being part of the energy solutions in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the aim of strengthening energy security and aligning its interests with those of powerful states. As he noted, Cyprus seeks to function as an alternative energy corridor to Europe.

President Christodoulides also referred to estimates for 2027 regarding the export of the first natural gas from Cypriot deposits through the Kronos-Damietta infrastructure, emphasizing that such a development would be a significant milestone and would effectively place Cyprus on the EU’s energy map.

A central point of his statement was the electrical interconnection with Greece. The President said that cooperation between the two countries is a firm strategic choice and that, in full consultation with the Greek Prime Minister, a decision was recently taken to update the economic and technical parameters of the project. This is a critical infrastructure that will connect Cyprus to Europe in terms of energy and will strengthen long-term security of supply.

“Our position is clear with regard to energy interconnection, while at the same time we are discussing such electrical interconnections with other neighbouring countries,” said the President.

Interest from energy giants and energy contacts in Lebanon

——————————–

At the same time, the President said that there is interest from energy giants to operate in additional blocks of the Cypriot EEZ.

“It is something we are discussing, and I believe we will make decisions soon,” he said.

He also announced that on November 26, he will travel to Lebanon for meetings dedicated exclusively to energy plans.

“We are now entering the stage of actual exploitation, which, among other things, enhances our country’s international image, attracts investment, strengthens regional cooperation, and more,” he said.

He added that the big energy challenge that needs to be addressed is to link energy plans and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean with Europe’s broader plans, something that concerns the European Union. As he said, even so many years after the war in Ukraine, Europe has not completely freed itself from its energy dependence on third countries, so there is a prospect that the Eastern Mediterranean could also function as an alternative energy corridor for Europe.

“At a time when energy determines alliances, partnerships, balances, and strategic choices, our country, taking advantage of the characteristics I mentioned earlier, is trying in practice, not just in words, to be with those who offer solutions and not with those who create problems,” he said.

Referring to the Cypriot reserves, he pointed out that the recent discovery of Pegasus in block 10 brings the total estimated quantities to approximately 20 trillion cubic feet. He recalled that the procedures for the Aphrodite and Kronos deposits are in full swing, with a final investment decision expected in 2026. According to the companies’ estimates, the first export of Cypriot natural gas from Kronos, via Damietta, is scheduled for 2027, which, he said, will be a “significant energy development” that will effectively place Cyprus on the energy map of Europe.

The President also referred in detail to the green transition, noting that the Government is seeking to increase the penetration of renewable energy sources, while at the same time ensuring that vulnerable households and vulnerable groups of citizens are not left behind. He emphasized that significant projects to upgrade transmission and distribution networks worth pound 114 million are being promoted, while plans for energy storage and the development of energy communities are underway, with Tillyria being the first pilot example.

“From 2026, the experience of this pilot project that we have carried out and are implementing in Tillyria will be turned into policy for the whole country,” he said.

Despite the fact that the RES penetration rate has increased in Cyprus to 23%, he said that he is ‘not at all satisfied” for a country with such a high sunshine index and expressed the Government’s determination to accelerate the transition to a greener, more competitive energy system.

The President of the Republic stressed that the energy transition requires consistency, cooperation, and planning. He acknowledged that there are difficulties and that there is much that should have been done years ago, but noted that the government is determined to proceed realistically, responsibly, step by step, with the interests of the country, its citizens, and businesses in mind.

He recalled that the government’s strategy is based on three pillars and pointed out that with a clear plan and design, with cooperation and alliances with Cyprus’ partners, the country is moving forward with the sole aim of ensuring electricity sufficiency and reducing electricity costs. As he said, this is “a big bet that we are working to win.”

The meeting between Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and his US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., on Monday, confirmed the strong, multi-level strategic relationship between the two sides, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday.

He stressed that the strategic relationship between the two countries is at the highest level, with expanded cooperation on issues of defence, security, energy, regional stability and technocratic coordination and there is a prospect of further deepening it, through the Roadmap for Cooperation of the bilateral Strategic Dialogue.

In statements during a press briefing, Letymbiotis noted that the outcome of the meeting confirms that Cyprus has entered a new phase of international presence and political significance with a strong voice, clear targeting and strategic orientation.

He further said that Cyprus continues to act as a reliable, stable and useful European actor with the ability to contribute to transatlantic cooperation, stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the building of regional synergies.

Letymbiotis recalled that this is the second time the two Ministers meet at the State Department in just 17 months, adding that this is a fact that cannot be considered either a given or self-evident.

He pointed out that it takes on even greater significance if we take into account that before that the President of the Republic paid a historic visit to the White House.

Moreover, the Spokesperson noted that the meeting took place after the visits of the Turkish Foreign Minister and the Syrian President to Washington and after the 3 + 1 energy ministerial meeting in Athens.

Letymbiotis said that Kombos and Rubio discussed the energy future of the region and that the US Secretary of State is deeply knowledgeable of the geopolitical data and the perspective created by cooperation and synergies at the regional level, especially the existing trilateral formations with an expansion to the 3 + 1 format.

On the Cyprus problem, the Spokesperson said that the US firm stance of principles was underlined regarding the basis of a solution, with a commitment to the bizonal bicommunal federation, based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions of which the United States is a permanent member.

According to Letymbiotis, there was a common analysis of developments in the Middle East, with Cyprus presenting its role as a stable and reliable regional actor and its readiness to make a practical contribution to the peace and humanitarian effort, including the implementation of elements of President Trump’s plan for Gaza and its reconstruction.

He stated that it was agreed to hold a separate political dialogue on the Middle East, as well as deeper coordination on issues of protection and defense of the rights of Christian communities.

Letymbiotis also said that the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union constitutes an additional tool for strengthening the institutional dialogue with the US, adding that we can act as an honest and effective mediator on issues that are pending or require a new approach.

Asked about the issue of Cyprus’ inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, the Spokesperson said that Cyprus has fulfilled all the obligations, all the technical and political political specifications that had been set for inclusion.

He said that the decision will be taken by the US government according to its planning and it does not refer only to Cyprus.

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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described as ‘productive’ his meeting with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in Washington, highlighting the two countries’ shared priorities ahead of Cyprus’s assumption of the EU Council Presidency in 2026 and thanking Cyprus for its support in promoting regional security.

In a post on X on Monday, Secretary Rubio said he met with ‘Foreign Minister Kombos today to discuss our shared priorities as the Republic of Cyprus prepares to assume the 2026 EU Council Presidency’.

He added that the discussion also focused on ‘Cyprus’ role in supporting regional security and opportunities for us to expand our energy and security cooperation.’

Strengthening transatlantic cooperation and preparing for Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union were the main topics discussed during the meeting between Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

According to a State Department statement, ‘Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos today and discussed advancing transatlantic cooperation during the Republic of Cyprus’s January – June 2026 EU Council Presidency’.

The Secretary ‘thanked Cyprus for its support in promoting regional security and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza,’ while the two officials also discussed ‘opportunities to expand energy security and cooperation.’