Category: Cyprus News Agency

Economic European Area (EEA) and Norway grants new programming period supports actions in Cyprus that promote green transition, digitalization, public health and social cohesion, the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, said on Thursday, during the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding on the implementation of the EEA and Norway Financial Mechanisms 2021-2028 with a budget of pound 14.7 million.

The ceremony took place at Eleftherias square, in Nicosia, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Astrid Bergmal, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Cyprus, Bryndis Kjartansdottir, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Directorate General Growth of the Ministry of Finance, Penelope Papavasiliou and Nicosia’s Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos.

In his opening remarks, Makis Keravnos, thanked the donor states, the governments of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the Financial Mechanism Office, noting that this ceremony marks an important milestone in a long-standing and fruitful partnership. ‘Through the Economic European Area (EEA) and Norway grants, we have strengthened the bonds between Cyprus and the Donor States, bonds founded on solidarity, mutual trust, and a shared vision for a fair, cohesive, and sustainable Europe,’ he said.

The Minister noted that the EEA and Norway grants are a tangible expression of European solidarity and shared responsibility. ‘Through this partnership, we strengthen Cyprus’ efforts towards a more inclusive and resilient society. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth, for the benefit of all citizens,’ he noted.

He added that the impact of this cooperation is visible across many sectors of the Cypriot society. During the previous funding period, the Grants contributed to important areas, from environmental protection and renewable energy to social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups, he noted.

‘The new programming period builds on these successes. It will support actions that promote green transition, especially in the area of water scarcity, digitalisation, public health and social inclusion, all essential pillars of Cyprus’ and Europe’s future,’ the Minister said.

Beyond financial assistance, what makes the EEA and Norway grants truly valuable, according to the Minister, is the partnership model they promote: a model based on dialogue, exchange of expertise, and mutual learning. ‘It allows our institutions, professionals, and communities to grow stronger together, fostering genuine European cooperation.’

‘Our collective objective must be to ensure that the projects implemented under these MoUs deliver long-term, meaningful impact, supporting a greener economy, more inclusive communities, and a more resilient society,’ he concluded.

Penelope Papavasiliou, Head of the National Focal Point, noted that for Cyprus, the total allocation for the new funding period amounts to pound 14.7 million. Of these, pound 7.5 million will come from the EEA Grants and pound 7.2 million from the Norway Grants, complemented by a national contribution of 15%.

Presenting the project funded in the new funding period, she mentioned that regarding green transition, the water scarcity projects are funded by the EEA grants by a budget of pound 5.3 million. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. ‘It aims to address one of the most pressing challenges for Cyprus, water scarcity, by promoting sustainable water management, innovative technologies and resilience to climate change,’ she said.

The public health project helps the completion of the Multifunctional Community Support Centre for persons with disabilities, funded by the Norway grants, with pound 2.5 million.

The third project regards the digitalization of the Cyprus’ Museum and the State Collection of Cypriot Art, also funded by the Norway grants with a budget of pound 1.5 million, implemented by the Deputy Ministry of Culture.

Moreover, a grant of a pound 1 million will support the Women’s House, combating gender-based violence. Also, a local development in Nicosia will be funded with pound 1 million, supporting the Solidarity Network ‘Nicosia in Action’.

In addition to these projects, Cyprus will also implement a Civil Society Fund, for pound 1.8 million under the EEA grants, a bilateral fund of pound 0.34 million and technical assistance measures of pound 0.47 million.

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Astrid Bergmal, stressed that the EEA and Norway grants are not just financial instruments, but ‘bridges that connect countries, institutions and people’.

She noted that the projects funded are ‘investments in people, in resilience, in democratic values’. She called to view the signing of these agreements, not just as a renewal, but as a declaration that Cyprus and Norway and the other EEA partners ‘stand ready to defend and strengthen the Europe we believe in’.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Cyprus, Bryndis Kjartansdottir, said that the EEA grants are a clear expression of solidarity, that helps promote equal opportunities and improve living standards across the EEA.

She added that the new funding period the EEA grants focus on three thematic priorities: the green transition, democracy, the rule of law and human rights and social inclusion and resilience.

Nicosia’s Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, said that this important milestone marks the continuation of a long and fruitful partnership that has contributed significantly to social cohesion, sustainable development and innovation in our country.

‘The Nicosia Municipal Multifunctional Foundation, as part of this collective effort, has greatly benefitted from the support of EEA and Norway grants,’ he noted, adding that through this cooperation it has been able to strengthen its social services and create new opportunities for vulnerable citizens in the city.

Moreover, he said that the Solidarity Network ‘Nicosia in Action’ stands as ‘one of our flagship initiatives, bringing together more than 80 partners from civil society, academia and public bodies. It represents our shared vision of a city that supports every citizen through collaboration, compassion and innovation,’ he noted, thanking the donor states and the Financial Mechanism Office.

Efforts to strengthen energy cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt, and the role of the Eastern Mediterranean as a pillar of energy security and a source of natural gas supply to Europe, were at the centre of the participation of Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry George Papanastasiou at the ADIPEC 2025 International Energy Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi. On the sidelines of the event, the Minister held a series of meetings with leading figures of the international energy market.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Energy, Papanastasiou has been holding a range of contacts and interventions since Tuesday within the framework of ADIPEC 2025, which takes place in Abu Dhabi from 3 to 6 November.

The Minister participated on Tuesday in a panel discussion titled ‘East Mediterranean offshore collaboration and gas flows’, alongside Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi. The discussion focused on prospects for further deepening Cyprus-Egypt cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector, based on agreements already signed for the development of the ‘Cronos’ and ‘Aphrodite’ natural gas fields in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. These include three commercial agreements and a Host Government Agreement for ‘Cronos’, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding for the commercialization of ‘Aphrodite’.

Emphasis was also placed on the role of regional cooperation and the opportunities offered by the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen energy security and ensure natural gas supply to Europe, the announcement adds.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Papanastasiou also held bilateral meetings with senior representatives of the energy industry, including Eni’s Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco, ExxonMobil’s Vice President John Ardill, and Arcius Energy CEO Naser Al Yafei. Arcius Energy is a joint venture between BP and XRG (a subsidiary of ADNOC), established in 2024 to invest in natural gas and low-emission solutions. He also met with McDermott’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Maurizio Coratella.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, the Minister gave interviews to international and regional media, including Sky News Arabia and Argus Media, presenting Cyprus’ energy prospects and its strategies for sustainable development and enhanced regional cooperation.

Papanastasiou is travelling to Athens on Wednesday evening, where he will represent the Republic of Cyprus at the 6th Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Partnership Meeting, to be held on 6-7 November.

Leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties participating in the bicommunal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia, have called upon the leaders of the two communities to give their consent to the United Nations to publicise the convergences so far reached in the Cyprus negotiations.

In a joint communique, issued Wednesday after their regular meeting at the Ledra Palace Hotel, it is stated that “they called upon the Leaders to give their consent to the United Nations to publicise the convergences so far reached in the negotiations, as documented by the United Nations itself, so that people realise how much space is truly left towards reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and the prospect for a common European future for all Cypriots”.

It is added that they held a discussion on the topic presented by the hosting party, United Democrats: ‘Renewed hope for Cyprus! Let’s grasp this new opportunity to bring about an agreed solution to the Cyprus problem which has so far put on hold the lives of at least three generations of Cypriots. Let’s release the opportunities for a brighter future for us and generations of Cypriots to come.’

“The representatives of the political parties exchanged views on the presented issue, especially with reference to the clear mandate received by the new Turkish Cypriot Leader and made suggestions as to how new Confidence Building Measures and the resumption of meaningful negotiations can pave the way for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem” the Joint Communique says.

It adds that “they called upon the Leaders to give their consent to the United Nations to publicise the convergences so far reached in the negotiations, as documented by the United Nations itself, so that people realise how much space is truly left towards reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and the prospect for a common European future for all Cypriots”.

The non-resolution of the Cyprus problem for so many decades, they point out, ” has had a great economic and social cost borne by three consecutive generations of Cypriots and political will and accountability are required to be able to move forward”.

The next meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties will be held on 3 December 2025 with VOLT Cyprus as the hosting party.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process, in cooperation with Holguín.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides inaugurated Wednesday the new premises of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia.

In his speech President Christodoulides noted that investment in knowledge and research is the most essential and the most valuable investment a state can make.

The project, he pointed out, was designed to serve the modern educational and research mission of the University, adding that the Faculty’s research activities touch on critical and decisive areas and challenges before us, such as the green transition, natural resource management, civil protection, improving infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of our cities.

He also reiterated that the Government sees the University as a strategic partner in the joint effort to make Cyprus a regional research center.

He also referred to the strategy for ensuring the quality of higher education, its internationalization and its interconnection with the labor market.

In his greeting, UCY Rector Tasos Christofides said that the Faculty of Engineering is a living organization of research and innovation, a vibrant hive of knowledge, a technological and scientific park, where its people can unleash their creativity and contribute decisively to the development of science.

The Rector emphasized that according to the Shanghai list, the Faculty holds high positions in environmental science and engineering, electrical and electronic engineering and the field of automation and controls, while according to the Engirank ranking, which focuses on the ranking of Engineering Schools, the School is ranked in forty-eighth place in the whole of Europe.

He also said that its people, its academic staff, and the researchers have attracted 706 external research programs since its foundation with a total budget for the University exceeding 168 million euros.

The President of the Council of the University Tasos Anastasiou said that we are inaugurating an emblematic building, with state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure and laboratories, and expressed the certainty that it will become a reference point for its architectural dimension and a center of innovation, scientific cooperation and excellence for the entire wider region.

He assured that the project will allow the maximization of the academic, research and economic footprint of the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Cyprus in general, ensuring that EU funding will bring long-term multiplier benefits to the economy and society of Cyprus.

Themis Christofidou, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Urban Development, said in her speech that today we are celebrating a vision that is becoming reality, a project that brings research, technology and innovation to the heart of development.

She added that the research laboratories of the Faculty are a milestone for Cyprus with a total public expenditure of 44 million euros and co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund of 85 percent of the amount.

Christofidou also stressed that political cohesion does not only concern projects, but mainly people, the new generation who study and research, and the Commission’s goal is to give young people the right and incentives to stay in their place of choice.

Vice Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank, Thomas Bocek said that the Bank follows the development of the University Campus from the very beginning and is proud to be present at the inauguration of the Faculty of Engineering.

He said that the Bank will continue to support the further development of the UCY Campus and looks forward to returning soon for the inauguration of new buildings.

Over 4,000 graduates

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The Faculty of Engineering welcomed its first students in 2003. It has over 4,000 graduates, four departments, three research centers, two centers of excellence for research and innovation and more than 70 laboratories. It offers 6 undergraduate, 13 postgraduate (many in English) and 7 doctoral programs and has secured over 170 million euros in research funding. It has also secured 16 grants from the European Research Council and 1 in 4 of its academic members are ranked among the 100,000 leading scientists internationally, based on the Stanford list.

The Faculty has more than 65 academic members, in addition to 25 administrative members, more than 300 researchers and more than 1,100 students and its modern facilities have the potential to accommodate 1,500 people in its interior spaces.

The EU role in the Cyprus issue, as well as Cyprus’ role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East region, were among the issues discussed during the meeting that took place Wednesday afternoon between President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Kombos, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, and Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

Welcoming Kallas at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides pointed out, inter alia, that any progress in Turkey’s EU accession process needs to be examined in connection with the Cyprus obligations of the country under EU accession process. He also referred to the importance of the relations that Cyprus maintains with the countries of the region, such as Lebanon and Jordan.

Kallas noted that the purpose of her first visit to the country is to discuss the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, as well as the achievement of goals during that time.

The Cyprus issue and security issues are also on the agenda of her contacts, she said.

The EU official also referred to developments in the Middle East and noted that the knowledge of the President of the Republic of Cyprus on issues concerning the countries of the region, such as Lebanon and Syria, is valuable.

Concluding, she said that these contacts are taking place in view of the Coordination Council in Lebanon in December.

The UK Border Force National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery (SAMS) team were in Cyprus recently to conduct joint training in the British Bases with Immigration and Customs officers from the Sovereign Base Areas and the Republic of Cyprus, a press release issued on Wednesday by the British Bases (SBA) said.

According to the press release, “modern slavery and human trafficking is a deepening issue in the region and for Cyprus, due to its boundary with the north, it is an area of concern.”

As noted, the training, which also included the SBA and Republic of Cyprus Police and representatives from British missions in Nicosia and Athens, is part of a wider push to protect vulnerable people, with sessions focusing on spotting the signs of trafficking, understanding the law – both UK and international – putting victims first, and working together across agencies to stop traffickers.

According to Charlotte Wright, Officer in Charge of Customs and Immigration, based in Akrotiri, the training was absolutely critical to the mission.

‘I was delighted to welcome the Border Force SAMS team because safeguarding the vulnerable, both at our boundaries and within the wider community, remains a cornerstone of our mission and a shared priority for Immigration and the police. Ensuring our officers are equipped to identify and support those at risk i fundamental to delivering effective safeguarding outcomes,’ she noted.

It is added that joint training between Bases and Republic of Cyprus officials took place in both 2020 and 2022 and according to Amanda Read, the UK SAMS lead, it is working.

‘Significant progress has been made in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, with enhanced safeguarding measures and stronger partnerships delivering real, lasting change. The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling exploitation networks is clearer than ever,’ she noted.

Furthermore, Bases Head of Customs and Immigration, Mark Hartley, said cooperation is vital to tackling the global trafficking of vulnerable individuals and said the close working relationship with his RoC counterparts is vital to its success.

“The Bases is unwavering in its commitment to combating Organised Immigration Crime. Our strong relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is central to this effort, and our joint training initiatives in modern slavery and human trafficking exemplify the importance of collaboration,” he noted.

“Tackling people smuggling in all its forms remains a priority, and through shared expertise and intelligence, we are better equipped to address this global challenge. Together, we are building judicial and intelligence capacity, enhancing our ability to dismantle organised criminal groups and bring offenders to justice, both locally and internationally,” he added

Finally, Cyprus Police representative on the course, Floris Nikandrou, also referenced the importance of the working relationship.

‘The Cyprus Police welcome’s initiatives like this course, organised by the Bases. We were very happy to be invited and given the chance to be trained alongside our colleagues in SBA Customs and Immigration. It is important that we share a close working relationship in order for us to effectively tackle this deeply problematic issue and we look forward to continuing that in the future,’ he said.

A slight slowdown in growth of 2.0% on an annual basis was recorded in October 2025 by the Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI), which is compiled and estimated by the Economics Research Centre (ERC) of the University of Cyprus, showing a steady annual growth rate, which, according to the Centre, indicates that “the Cypriot economy continues on a positive course, amid geopolitical turmoil and increased economic uncertainty.”

This rise, as announced by the ERC on Wednesday, follows annual increases of 2.0% in September, 2.1% in August, and 2.2% in July 2025, according to the latest revised data.

It is noted that in October 2025, the Index showed a steady annual growth rate, reflecting the relative balance between positive and negative trends in the individual indicators.

It is also stated that the strengthening of the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) in Cyprus and the euro area, combined with the positive trend in tourist arrivals, retail trade and real estate sales, as well as the decline in the price of Brent crude oil, contributed to the growth of the Index.

On the contrary, according to the ERC, the decrease in temperature-adjusted electricity production, which has a significant weight in the composition of the CCLEI, held back CCLEI’s positive growth rate.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 05/11/2025 UNTIL 1800 06/11/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1013hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

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West Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, later locally 3 to 4

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South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

South Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, gradually Southeast to South

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

East Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3 to 4, later Southeast to South 3

Slight, later Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally Northeast to East 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3, later Variable 3

Slight, later Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

The British High Commission, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, is hosting a conference titled ‘Safeguarding Cyprus’s Tourism Industry’. The conference will officially launch the Counter-Terrorism Awareness E-Learning Training Programme on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the City of Dreams Mediterranean.

According to a press release, this initiative marks the first formal rollout of its kind in Europe and represents a major advancement in joint UK-Cyprus efforts to strengthen public safety and preparedness within the tourism industry.

The programme has been developed by the UK Home Office specifically for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen protective security in Cyprus’s tourism industry. It is designed to equip professionals working in busy environments, such as hotels, airports, ports, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, and entertainment venues, with the skills to identify and respond to a range of serious threats. These include suspicious behaviour and items, bomb threats, firearm and weapons attacks, and insider threats.

It serves as a practical, sector-wide preparedness tool for managing serious incidents that could disrupt operations or compromise public safety. By equipping frontline staff and management with the ability to recognise and respond to threats swiftly and effectively, the programme directly supports the safety of both visitors and personnel. In doing so, it reinforces Cyprus’ standing as a secure, resilient, and high-quality tourist destination, it is added.

To ensure maximum accessibility and impact, the e-learning modules will be hosted on the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s official website. “Designed for seamless integration into existing security protocols, the training is readily adaptable across the industry, enabling consistent, high-quality security awareness for professionals at every level” the announcement says.

The launch event will feature keynote addresses by the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Dr Costas Constantinou, and the British High Commissioner, Michael Tatham, alongside panel discussions, real-life testimonials, and case studies that highlight the importance of proactive security awareness and cross-sector collaboration. Admission to the conference is free.

The Industrial Turnover Index recorded an increase of 4%, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, data published by the Statistical Service on Wednesday show.

However, in August 2025, the Industrial Turnover Index reached 115.2 units (base 2021=100), recording a decrease of 3.4% compared to August 2024, mainly due to a drop in electricity supply.

In manufacturing, the Industrial Turnover Index for August 2025 reached 105 units, recording an increase of 1.2% compared to August 2024. An increase was also recorded in mining and quarrying (2.1%).

Decreases were noted in the electricity supply (-15.7%) and water supply and materials recovery (-1.3%) sectors.