Category: Cyprus News Agency

The Department of Meteorology issued on Wednesday evening a new yellow warning for severe thunderstorms on Thursday. It is valid from 0300 until 1700 local time.

As it is noted, isolated thunderstorms are expected to affect the island at intervals, initially in the morning hours the western, northern and southern coasts and progressively and mainly after noon the mountains, the internal and the eastern.

Hail is possible during a thunderstorm while winds will vary and increase. Rainfall intensity is expected to range between 35 and 55 kilometers per hour.

Cyprus was hit by two earthquakes on Wednesday measuring around 5 on the Richter scale.

In the morning, an earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale occured at a depth of 15 kilometers. Its epicenter was in Agia Marina Kelokedaron in the Paphos district.

The second earthquake hit in the afternoon. Director of the Geological Survey Department, Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, told CNA that the new earthquake was also at the range of 5 on the Richter scale.

‘There is a sequence of aftershocks and earthquakes since the morning, which needs to be studied,’ he said.

The earthquakes, he added, are expected to continue, and the phenomenon is being monitored by the seismological centre of the Geological Survey Department.

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center has recorded more than 12 aftershocks since this morning, ranging from 2.2 to 4.1 on the Richter scale.

Meanwhile, Civil Defence told CNA after the first earthquake that no damages or injuries were reported. Civil Defence Spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides, said that they have immediately contacted the Police, Fire Department and community councils and that no damages or injuries occurred. Staff, as well as volunteers, are on standby, he added, so that they can assist if needed.

It is very important, he stressed, for people to remain calm, and take self-protection measures. In the event of an earthquake, he continued, it is recommended that citizens remain in the building until the earthquake has ended, exit by the stairs very carefully, do not use the elevator and gather in an open area away from power lines, tall trees, and tall buildings.

Following the first earthquake, the telecommunications network was affected for a few minutes. The Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, CYTA, said that due to the earthquake, “unpredictable, particularly increased traffic on the fixed and mobile telephony networks occurred, resulting in a few minutes of network congestion.”

Cyprus, Greece and the European Commission have agreed to update economic and technical studies for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project.

“We have concluded that the cross-border project needs to undergo an update, at least in its financial aspect. The most important parameter of this study is to attract strong investors who will have the capacity to implement the project, so that the challenges surrounding the financial and possibly technical aspects are sustainable,” stated George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, regarding the Greece-Cyprus-Israel Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). His remarks came after a trilateral meeting with his Greek counterpart, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, and the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. The meeting was also attended by Greece’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Nikos Tsafos, as well as Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the EU, Christina Rafti.

The project, which is included in the European Commission’s list of Projects of Common Interest and has received pound 657 million in EU funding, saw all three parties agree to update the economic and technical studies for the GSI. The GSI is also part of the “Energy Highways” initiative, aiming to boost interest in the project from potential investors.

During the discussion with the European Commissioner for Energy, the Energy Ministers of Cyprus and Greece also emphasized the need to eliminate natural gas flows from Russia to the EU as part of the transition to a safer and more sustainable energy system. Additionally, Papanastasiou reiterated Cyprus’ readiness to actively contribute to Europe’s energy priorities ahead of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, focusing on cross-border interconnections and the Union’s supply security. He also highlighted the potential to utilize natural gas deposits in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to enhance the EU’s energy security, including through the Alexandroupolis terminal, as part of the EU’s vertical energy corridor.

The meeting took place following the 3rd Cyprus-Greece Intergovernmental Summit in Athens, where it was decided by the President of the Cypriot Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to update the economic and technical parameters of the GSI project.

Papanastasiou said that “we have concluded that the cross-border project needs to undergo an update, at least in its financial aspect. The most important parameter of this study is to attract strong investors who will have the capacity to implement the project, so that the challenges surrounding the financial and possibly technical aspects are sustainable. In view of this, we are moving towards the direction of this specific study, so as to incorporate the techno-economic aspect into the new environment, which aims to find strong players and funds that can financially support the project,” the Minister stressed.

“Beyond this, I would like to refer to the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU. One of our priorities will be cross-border projects and energy networks, as well as the protection of energy infrastructure and ongoing projects, such as the GSI,” he added, thanking the Greek Minister and Deputy Minister “for their efforts and direction in implementing a very important project, which will end the energy isolation of the Republic of Cyprus, the last EU member state not connected to the European grid.”

“The 3+1 dimension is particularly important, as the zero supply of Russian natural gas now provides solutions through the vertical corridor, which starts from Alexandroupolis and reaches Ukraine via other countries,” Papanastasiou added.

“The Republic of Cyprus can contribute through the deposits that are under development; soon, there will also be the first natural gas on the surface, which will be liquefied via Egypt. Thus, the entry point towards the Vertical Corridor can also be Cypriot natural gas,” he added.

On his part, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, said that they informed the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, “about the significant agreements decided last week in Athens with the American Ministers, agreements that lead to Europe’s independence from Russian natural gas and the shift towards American gas, with Greece as the main entry point.”

“We also discussed the outcomes of the 3+1 initiative we had with the Cypriot Minister, along with the Energy Ministers of the United States and Israel. We emphasized the need to update the financial and technical details of the Cyprus-Greece electrical interconnection, as announced a few hours ago by the Greek Prime Minister and the Cypriot President, in view of potential investor interest. Finally, we stressed the need for Europe to move quickly and strengthen interconnection projects to further reduce energy prices for households and businesses,” Papastavrou noted.

During his visit to Brussels, Papanastasiou also met with the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, and Consumers’ Rights, Michael McGrath. According an EU Commission readout requested by CNA, they discussed the upcoming Consumer Agenda, the 28th regime (a new legal framework for innovative businesses), and the first omnibus package, in view of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 12/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 13/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure and unstable air mass are affecting the area. In the evening, the weather will be partly cloudy and cloudy at times with isolated showers and isolated thunderstorms. Tonight and tomorrow morning, local showers and isolated thunderstorm are expected. In thunderstorm, hail is expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually North to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually Southwest to Northwest

Smooth to Slight

The 6th trilateral meeting of Greece, Cyprus, Egypt on Diaspora issues took place this week in Limassol.

A press release issued by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos was in Limassol on 10 and 11 November where he attended the 6th trilateral meeting of Greece – Cyprus – Egypt on Diaspora issues, within the framework of the ‘NOSTOS’ program, representing the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It added that the Cypriot delegation was led bythe Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Theodora Constantinidou, while Egypt was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Ambassador Nabil Habashi.

The press release said that during the meeting they reaffirmed the excellent climate of the trilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the further promotion of synergies in the fields of culture and education, with emphasis on the implementation of joint initiatives for the new generations of expatriates.

It also noted that the Greek Deputy Minister stressed the importance of scientific diplomacy and the role it can play in strengthening the ties between the expatriate communities of the three countries. Loverdos thanked Cyprus for hosting the meeting and noted that emphasis should be given not only to the glorious past of the three countries, but also to the present and the future, utilizing the many remarkable members of the Greek-Cyprus-Egyptian diaspora, the press release concluded.

Adverse weather conditions have caused significant disruption across the Nicosia district, with the Fire Service receiving over 60 calls for assistance on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Fire Service spokesperson, Andreas Kettis, additional personnel were called in to deal with the increased number of incidents, which were mainly concentrated in the areas of Strovolos, Engomi, Lakatamia, and old Nicosia.

Kettis stated in a post on ‘X’ that most calls had to do with pumping of rainwater and the clearing of drains on public roads. In one incident, a school bus was trapped in Lakatamia, and students were escorted to safety by Fire Service members.

At the same time, the Police announced that Alexandroupoleos and Erythrou Stavrou streets in Nicosia were closed to the traffic due to overflowing bridges and urged drivers to avoid the affected areas and use alternative routes.

The government and the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry are actively supporting entrepreneurship in Cyprus through comprehensive policies that address modern challenges and needs, said the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Marios Panayides, on Wednesday. He added that the central goal is to promote innovative practices, products, and services, to advance the transition to a circular economy, to develop the manufacturing sector and to enhance the digital and energy performance of Cypriot businesses.

Panayides was speaking at the General Assembly of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), whose President, Michalis Moushiouttas, stated that Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union represents a unique opportunity to highlight the capital’s pros.

In his address, Panayides referred to projects that upgrade key infrastructure and strengthen Nicosia’s digital dimension. ‘The city’s business community, led by the members of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, plays a crucial role in this effort by boosting the local economy and creating new opportunities for citizens,’ he noted.

He emphasized that the government and the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry are providing tangible support to entrepreneurship in the country through integrated policies designed to meet current challenges and needs. The main objectives, he said, are to promote innovative practices, products, and services, the transition to a circular economy, to develop the manufacturing sector and to advance the digital and energy upgrading of Cypriot enterprises.

Within this framework, Panayides referred to targeted grant schemes amounting to pound 226 million from the ‘THALIA’ program, as well as pound 137 million from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and the REPowerEU plan. ‘To date, pound 101.2 million has been disbursed to beneficiaries,’ he said.

He also mentioned the new Policy Document for the Competitiveness and Internationalization of the Cypriot Industry 2025-2030, describing it as ‘a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of our industry through innovation, sustainable technologies, digital transformation, and international expansion. Special emphasis is placed on human capital and skills development, recognizing the importance of investing in people for the industry’s sustainability and resilience,’ he added.

Another strategic pillar of the Ministry, Panayides said, is promoting Cyprus as an international business center and attractive investment destination, as well as strengthening the outward orientation of Cypriot enterprises. In this context, he referred to the operation of the Business Support Centre and the Export Helpdesk, noting that the completion of the National Visual Identity for Cypriot products (products of Cyprus Branding) will further enhance the international visibility of Cypriot products and open new markets.

‘These efforts, which always support your own initiatives toward extroversion, are yielding results. Exports of services increased from pound 14.9 billion in 2020 to pound 28.7 billion in 2024, while exports of domestic products, excluding mineral fuels and petroleum products, rose by 2.3% in 2024, reaching pound 1.24 billion compared to pound 1.21 billion in 2023. Total exports, including fuels and petroleum products, reached pound 2.43 billion in 2024, up from pound 2.37 billion in 2023, marking a 2.6% increase,’ he pointed out.

On his part, NCCI President Michalis Moushiouttas referred to the Chamber’s readiness to contribute to the further development of the capital and to strengthening entrepreneurship and the economy.

Speaking about Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, he said it is ‘a unique opportunity for Cyprus to emerge as a political and economic hub in Europe and as a pillar of democracy and stability in the Middle East. It is also an opportunity for Nicosia to project its identity as a European capital with both history and vision.’

The UN continues to support bi-communal cooperation across Cyprus, UNFICYP Spokesperson, Aleem Siddique, said on Wednesday, addressing a press conference at Ledra Palace, in the Nicosia buffer-zone, along with representatives from the UN’s Good Offices Mission, UNDP and UNFICYP’s Civil Affairs team, providing an overview of activities and ongoing projects. The political climate has been going ‘up and down’ over the years, said Sergiy Illarionov, Coordinator of the UN Good Offices Mission, adding that following Turfan Erhurman’s election in the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, the UN is ‘definitely looking forward to support both sides in the resumption of the talks.’

Works at the wastewater treatment plant in Mia Milia are moving forward and are expected to start this year, while the first phase of works to extend the Pedieos Linear Park into the Turkish Cypriot community is expected to be completed by the end of January, it was noted during the press conference.

‘For over six decades, the UN has worked to keep peace, build trust, and bring communities together on this island. Even without a political settlement, people are still coming together – across the divide. Whether it’s through culture, education, the environment, or business, these joint efforts help build bridges’ Siddique said.

He added that every shared project is ‘a step towards a more united and resilient island’ while noting that UN efforts aren’t just about the future, ‘they’re about how Cypriots live and work together today.’

Sergiy Illarionov, referred to the work of the UN Good Offices Mission, mandated since 1964, to support the parties to the peace process. ‘Since the closure of the Conference on Cyprus in 2017, the focus of the Good Offices Mission in Cyprus has been on facilitating the Technical Committees’ he added.

He clarified that the purpose of today’s briefing is not about the peace process as such, but aims to explain the role of the different missions and agencies of the United Nations in facilitating contact between the two sides.

‘The good news is that there has been far more activity in the Cyprus issue in the past 2 years’ Illarionov said, noting that the UN Secretary-General himself has continued to be personally involved in the dialogue with the parties.

‘With the initial appointment of Holguín as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus in January 2024, and her re-appointment in May this year, we have seen an increase in engagement and a number of high-level meetings’ he added, detailing the various initiatives that have been agreed upon by the two sides.

Asked about the prevailing climate, following Erhurman’s election as Turkish Cypriot leader and how this affects the overall planning of various UN services on the island, Illarionov spoke of various ups and downs over the years, when it comes to the political climate and the opportunities for a settlement. ‘In the UN we are looking forward to work with the new leadership in the north’ he said, while citing challenges to the UN mission amid ongoing UN restructuring initiatives. ‘But we are definitely looking forward to support both sides in the resumption of the talks, anytime’ he added.

He also said that the UN Good Offices in Cyprus has been working to support progress on the trust-building initiatives agreed at the broader format meetings. ‘And while some of these initiatives have been achieved successfully – there are others that need further work and discussion’ he added.

Taking the floor, Jakhongir Khaydarov, UNDP Cyprus Head of Office shared updates on three EU-funded projects, the Cultural Heritage Project, the Local Infrastructure Facility, and the Support Facility to Technical Committees.

He said that for over 15 years, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage has safeguarded Cyprus’ shared landmarks. ‘With EU support, more than 200 sites have been restored, conserved, or preserved’ he added.

On the EU funded Local Infrastructure Facility, launched in 2018, Khaydarov said that so far, it has supported over 20 projects in wastewater management, renewable energy, social development, and health.

Asked to provide an update on the Mia Milia plant, Khaydarov said that works for a sewerage network are ongoing, while they are using the opportunity to simultaneously lay down additional pipes, to connect the water from the plant back to the communities.

Alexandre Prieto, Project Manager at Local Infrastructure Facility – which is implemented by UNDP and funded by the EU – said that funding has already been secured and the project is moving forward. The first part is going to start this year, he said, adding that additional investment will be required to complete the whole system. The project now involves the sewer line while at the same time an additional pipe is installed for the reuse of treated water for the Greek Cypriot community. There are plans involving the Turkish Cypriot community as well, Prieto added.

Khaydarov also referred to the upcoming Pedieos River project noting that it will further enhance biodiversity and shared green spaces, bringing communities together and fostering everyday encounters.

Works are currently taking place in the Turkish Cypriot community, near the Ledra Palace crossing point, and will involve more stages, he explained. He said moreover that the project does not involve installing additional check points.

Alexandre Prieto said the project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of January 2026. The second phase involves the path along the river, and will start in April 2026, while works should last until June 2027, he added. The UNDP official underlined that they are proceeding with care, in order not to disturb the ecosystem along the river, including the turtles that live there.

Abimbola Aina, Chief of UNFICYP Civil Affairs, said that over the past decade, her office has been ‘at the forefront of building cooperation, understanding, and trust between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.’

Aina said that UNFICYP’s partnerships with Cypriots, supported by the diplomatic community, remain central to its peacebuilding mission. Among others, she referred to UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace (YCEP) initiative, now in its fifth year, saying that it has directly engaged 142 young leaders and over 800 participants through associated projects.

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.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 12/11/2025 UNTIL 1800 13/11/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1016hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure and unstable air mass are affecting the area. Tonight and tomorrow morning, local showers and isolated thunderstorm are expected. In thunderstorm, hail is expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, locally Variable

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually North to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

North to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually Southwest to Northwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Cyprus places great importance on deepening and expanding its trade ties with the countries of the wider Middle East, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized during his address at the 3rd Greece-Cyprus Business Forum, on Wednesday, in Athens.

As he noted, forging stronger business relations between Cyprus and countries of the wider Middle East is an issue that will receive particular attention during Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

‘Cyprus is the gateway for investments not only into Europe but also into the wider Middle East region,’ President Christodoulides said, clarifying that this also includes India.

‘A country from which – especially in recent times, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus – we have seen increased interest from Indian companies to approach our country as an entry point to Europe,’ he added.

At the same time, the President highlighted the importance the government attaches to deepening business relations with Greece, which remains Cyprus’s largest trading partner.

‘Beyond issues of national importance, we place emphasis on strengthening our relationship across many other sectors that have added value for our citizens. Within this framework, the business opportunities between Greece and Cyprus are enormous. There are prospects that we can and must take much greater advantage of,’ President Christodoulides stressed.

In this regard, he welcomed the progress achieved during the Intergovernmental Conferences in enhancing bilateral investments and the exchange of know-how.

‘I am pleased to see growing interest from Greek companies to invest in Cyprus. We are also seeing the same from Cypriot companies seeking to invest in Greece,’ he noted.

He also expressed satisfaction with the state of the Cypriot economy.

‘In a period of intense geopolitical challenges, the country has one of the highest growth rates in the Eurozone. We have succeeded in reducing public debt below 60%, regained an ‘A’ investment grade rating for the first time since 2011, and our unemployment rate has dropped to 2008 levels, below 5%. At the same time, we continue to see a steady inflow of high-quality foreign investments into our country – from the wider Middle East, Europe, and the United States alike,’ he said.