Category: Cyprus News Agency

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 04/11/2025 UNTIL 1800 05/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

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

Weak low pressure is starting to affect the area. The weather over the coastal areas will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northwest to Northeast 3, at times offshore Northwest to North 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually North to Northeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

Afternoon Northeast to East 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

East Coast

Night North to Northeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

Afternoon Northeast to East 4, at times offshore 4 to 5 Slight

North Coast

Night North to Northeast 3 to 4, near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

Afternoon Northeast 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight

Cyprus has evolved into one of Europe’s fastest-growing fund jurisdictions, with over 330 registered investment funds and sub-funds and Assets Under Management exceeding pound 10.7 billion, Maria Panayiotou, President of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) has said.

According to a press release, she was speaking on Monday at the 11th Cyprus International Funds Summit and Expo, co-organised by the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and Invest Cyprus, that brought together a global audience of fund managers, institutional investors, policymakers, and service providers to examine the future of the alternative investment landscape.

? significant number of delegates from various countries joined the event, reaffirming Cyprus’ growing stature as an international hub for fund structuring, administration, and capital flows, it says.

In her opening remarks, Panayiotou highlighted the sector’s rapid development saying that ‘Cyprus has evolved into one of Europe’s fastest-growing fund jurisdictions, with over 330 registered investment funds and sub-funds and Assets Under Management exceeding pound 10.7 billion. Almost pound 3 billion is invested into the real economy ?of the country-proof of the sector’s real and growing contribution.’

She also underlined the importance of outward-looking partnerships noting that ‘we are building new pathways for cooperation with Greece, India, and the broader Gulf region. Cyprus can serve as a reliable, well-regulated, EU-based partner for emerging and mature markets alike.’

Dr. George Theocharides, Chairman, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) reaffirmed CySEC’s commitment to the responsible and sustainable growth of the collective investment sector.

‘Our goal is to further strengthen Cyprus’ position as a trusted, dynamic, and forward-looking jurisdiction within the European and global investment landscape. Through continuous engagement in national, European, and international forums, we ensure Cyprus maintains a strong and respected voice, actively contributing to shaping the future of financial supervision and the investment funds industry,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Fekkas, First Vice-Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, explained the actions being undertaken at the European level to make collective investments more accessible, simpler, and safer for retail investors. He noted that while an initial adjustment period may be required, in the medium term the benefits will be significant-both for investors and for collective investment organisations.

In his address, Marios Tannousis, CEO, Invest Cyprus, pointed out that the funds sector continues to play a pivotal role in Cyprus’ strategy to position itself as a competitive and forward-looking investment destination. The country’s stable regulatory environment, robust professional services ecosystem, and strategic access to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, make it an ideal gateway for international fund managers and institutional investors. ‘At Invest Cyprus, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that attract high-quality investments and further enhance the credibility and depth of the local funds industry.’

The Summit’s programme focused on the evolution of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), covering the 2026 market outlooks from global names like BlackRock, Hamilton Lane, and Apollo, capital raising and cross-border distribution in an increasingly digitalised and decentralised environment, the expanding footprint of private equity, venture capital, and impact investing and the rise of India’s AIF ecosystem and Cyprus’ role as an entry point into the E.

Discussions also touched on the need for Cyprus to maintain a competitive tax and regulatory framework, while remaining aligned with international standards. The role of platforms, fintech solutions, and ESG integration was highlighted as central to the next phase of growth for the funds sector.

Petros Mavrommatis, Vice President of CIFA, closed the Summit by highlighting that the industry needs its representatives to maintain the collective effort undertaken in recent years to grow the market and to allow it to mature as a reputable Alternative Investment Fund jurisdiction.

A new shipment of 940 tons of humanitarian aid sent from Cyprus arrived at the port of Ashdod and is to be delivered to the civilians in Gaza via UNOPS, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X on Tuesday.

According to Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry, these humanitarian supplies consist of food items and shelter equipment, and are added to the 27,000 tons of aid that have already been distributed in Gaza through the Cyprus Maritime Corridor.

It is added that the implementation of the Amalthea Plan continues, in cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and in coordination with UNOPS and international partners, including other EU Member States.

‘Cyprus will continue to actively contribute in the humanitarian field in coordination with its partners, always under the auspices of the United Nations’, the Ministry concludes.

2025 Enlargement Package shows progress towards EU membership for key enlargement partners

Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the progress made by the enlargement partners over the past twelve months. This year’s package reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU. It also confirms that the accession of new Member States is increasingly within reach.

Staying consistent and following a merit-based approach is key to successful EU accession. Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Trkiye and Georgia continue their respective paths towards the EU. The pace of their reforms, in particular in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, directly impacts the speed of accession. These advancements benefit both aspiring Member States and current EU Member States, fostering prosperity, democracy, security and stability while unlocking new opportunities for citizens and businesses, such as strategic investments and opening of the Single Market.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: ‘We are more committed than ever to turning EU enlargement into a reality. Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage. But enlargement is a merit-based process. Our package provides specific recommendations to all our partners. And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and a strong political will, our partners can seize this opportunity.’

The assessments, accompanied by recommendations and guidance on the reform priorities, provide a roadmap for enlargement partners toward EU membership. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting future Member States in this journey. Gradual integration of the aspiring Members into the Single Market strengthens ties with the Union already before their accession. Significant progress has been achieved over the past year. With enlargement as a clear policy goal in this mandate, the Commission is committed to ensuring both the readiness of aspiring members as well as the EU’s preparedness to welcome them. To this end, a Communication on in-depth policy reviews and reforms will be presented soon.

To ensure that new Member States continue to safeguard and maintain their track-record on the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, future Accession Treaties should contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments made during the accession negotiations.

Effective communication, as well as countering foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation is a strategic imperative.

The Commission also stands ready to support Member States’ effort to further anchor public trust in the process and help enlargement move forward with the legitimacy it needs.

Main conclusions

Montenegro has marked significant progress toward EU accession, closing four negotiation chapters over the last year. Montenegro’s commitment to provisionally closing further chapters by the end of 2025 reflects its dedication to European integration. Maintaining steady progress on reforms and seeking continuous broad political consensus are crucial for achieving the country’s target to close accession negotiations by the end of 2026. Subject to maintaining the pace of reforms, Montenegro is on track to meet this ambitious objective.

Albania has made significant progress, with four clusters opened over the last year. Preparations for the opening of the last cluster this year are well advanced. Progress has been achieved on the fundamentals, particularly on justice reform and in the fight against organised crime and corruption. Continued efforts are now needed to meet the interim benchmarks under the fundamentals, which will pave the way to start closing negotiating chapters once the necessary sector reforms have been made. Achieving Albania’s goal of concluding negotiations by 2027 depends on maintaining reform momentum and fostering inclusive political dialogue. Subject to maintaining the pace of reforms, Albania is on track to meet this ambitious objective.

Despite Russia’s unrelenting war of aggression, Ukraine remains strongly committed to its EU accession path, having successfully completed the screening process and advanced on key reforms. Ukraine has adopted roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as an action plan on national minorities, which the Commission assessed positively. Ukraine has met the conditions required to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market). The Commission expects Ukraine to meet the conditions to open the remaining three clusters and works to ensure that the Council is in a position to take forward the opening of all clusters before the end of the year. The Ukrainian government has signalled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028. The Commission is committed to support this ambitious objective but considers that, to meet it an acceleration of the pace of reforms is required, notably with regards to the fundamentals, in particular rule of law.

In the face of continuous hybrid threats and attempts to destabilise the country, Moldova has significantly advanced on its accession path, successfully completing the screening process. The first EU-Moldova summit in July 2025 marked a new stage of cooperation and integration. Moldova has adopted roadmaps on the rule of law, public administration, and the functioning of democratic institutions, which the Commission assessed positively. The Commission’s assessment is that Moldova has met the conditions required to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market). The Commission expects Moldova to also meet the conditions to open the remaining three clusters and works to ensure that the Council is in a position to take forward the opening of all clusters before the end of the year. The government of Moldova has signalled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by early 2028. The Commission is committed to supporting this objective, which is ambitious but achievable, provided Moldova accelerates the current pace of reforms. Sustaining reform momentum is crucial, reinforced by strong parliamentary support for the country’s European path following elections in September.

The polarisation in Serbian society has deepened against the background of mass protests taking place across Serbia since November 2024, reflecting disappointment of citizens over inter alia corruption and the perceived lack of accountability and transparency coupled with instances of excessive use of force against protestors and pressure on civil society. This has led to an increasingly difficult environment where divisive rhetoric has led to a serious erosion of trust amongst the stakeholders which, in turn, impacts the accession process. Reforms have significantly slowed down. While acknowledging some recent developments, such as the relaunch of the procedure of selection of the new Council of the regulatory body for electronic media (REM) and progress in the legislative process on the Law on a unified voter register, which now need to be completed and implemented, as well as a recent increase in alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, which needs to be pursued, more needs to be done. Serbia is expected to overcome the standstill in the area of judiciary and fundamental rights overall and urgently reverse the backsliding on freedom of expression and the erosion of academic freedom. The Commission assessment from 2021 that Serbia had fulfilled the opening benchmarks for cluster 3 (competitiveness and inclusive growth) remains valid.

North Macedonia continued its work on the roadmaps for the rule of law, public administration reform, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as on the action plan on the protection of minorities. Further swift and decisive action is needed on the opening benchmarks, in line with the negotiating framework, with a view to opening the first cluster as soon as possible and when relevant conditions are met. North Macedonia should intensify efforts to uphold the rule of law, by safeguarding judicial independence and integrity, and strengthening the fight against corruption. The Country also needs to adopt the necessary constitutional changes with a view to including in the Constitution citizens who live within the borders of the state and who are part of other people, such as Bulgarians, as outlined in the Council Conclusions of July 2022, which the country committed to launch and achieve.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the political crisis in the Republika Srpska entity and the end of the ruling coalition have undermined EU accession progress, resulting in limited reforms, namely on data protection and border control, as well as the signature of the Frontex status agreement. On a positive note, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted in September 2025 its Reform Agenda to the European Commission. Following recent institutional changes in the Republika Srpska entity, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to deliver on reforms on the EU path. To effectively start accession negotiations, authorities must in the first place finalise and adopt judicial reform laws, in full alignment with European standards, and appoint a chief negotiator.

Kosovo has remained committed to its European path, with a high level of public support. The delay in forming the institutions following the February general elections slowed down EU-related reform progress. Forging cross-party cooperation and re-prioritising these reforms is necessary for Kosovo to get back on track of its EU path. Normalisation of relations with Serbia and implementation of Dialogue commitments remain an integral part of Kosovo’s European perspective. The Commission stands ready to prepare an Opinion on Kosovo’s membership application, if requested by the Council. The Commission has taken the first steps to gradually lift measures against Kosovo in place from May 2025. The next steps remain conditional on sustained de-escalation in the north. The Commission intends to further lift these measures provided an orderly transfer of local governance in the north is achieved following the second round of the local elections and de-escalation is sustained.

Trkiye remains a candidate country and key partner for the EU. In line with the European Council conclusions of April 2024, the EU has advanced relations with Trkiye in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, engaging on shared priorities. The resumption of Cyprus settlement talks is a key element of cooperation. At the same time, the increasing legal actions against opposition figures and parties, alongside multiple other arrests, raise serious concerns about Trkiye’s adherence to democratic values. While dialogue on the rule of law remains central to EU-Trkiye relations, the deterioration of democratic standards, judicial independence, and fundamental rights has yet to be addressed. Accession negotiations with Trkiye remain at a standstill since 2018.

In 2024, the European Council concluded that Georgia’s EU accession process was de facto halted. Since then, the situation has sharply deteriorated, with serious democratic backsliding marked by a rapid erosion of the rule of law and severe restrictions on fundamental rights. This includes legislation severely limiting civic space, undermining freedom of expression and assembly, and violating the principle of non-discrimination. Georgian authorities need to urgently reverse their democratic backsliding and undertake comprehensive and tangible efforts to address outstanding concerns and key reforms supported by cross-party cooperation and civic engagement, in line with EU values. Following the December 2024 European Council Conclusions and in light of Georgia’s continued backsliding, the Commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only. The Georgian authorities must demonstrate resolute commitment to reverse course and return to the EU accession path.

Next steps

It is now for the Council to consider today’s recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead in the enlargement process.

Background

Enlargement is a strict, fair and merit-based process, based on the objective progress of each enlargement country. The EU supports the strengthening of institutions, democratic governance and public administration reforms across these countries.

By fostering gradual integration, the EU brings benefits even before the accession. Initiatives such as the pound 6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the pound 1.9 billion Moldova Growth Plan, and the pound 50 billion Ukraine Facility allow countries advance in their reforms, as well establish stronger connection with the EU, such as through gradual integration and the participation in SEPA and “Roam Like at Home”.

Each enlargement has made our Union stronger. When ten countries joined the EU in 2004, it marked the Union’s largest ever expansion. In the two decades since, newcomers have seen living standards double, unemployment fall by nearly half, life expectancy rise from 75 to 79 years, poverty and social exclusion drop sharply, and 6 million new jobs created. For the existing members, trade has multiplied more than fivefold ever since, while 20 million jobs have also been created. For the EU as a whole, the Single Market gained 74 million new consumers at the time and the EU economy has expanded by 27% despite global crises.

For more information

2025 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy – Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood

Factsheet on the EU accession process

Factsheet on the accession negotiations state of play

For detailed findings and recommendations, see:

Montenegro: Report; Factsheet

Albania: Report; Factsheet

Ukraine: Report; Factsheet

Moldova: Report; Factsheet

Serbia: Report; Factsheet

North Macedonia: Report; Factsheet

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report; Factsheet

Kosovo: Report; Factsheet

Trkiye: Report; Factsheet

Georgia: Report; Factsheet

Quote(s)

We are more committed than ever to turning EU enlargement into a reality. Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage. But enlargement is a merit-based process. Our package provides specific recommendations to all our partners. And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and a strong political will, our partners can seize this opportunity.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

The enlargement process is moving faster today than in the last 15 years. But we cannot afford to lose momentum. The global order is shifting, and Europe’s security is increasingly at risk. Enlargement is an investment in a stable Europe and the majority of our citizens recognise this. There are no shortcuts for aspiring countries, but whatever the EU can do to support the process we must do. The window for enlargement is wide open and we have to seize the opportunity now. New countries joining the EU by 2030 is a realistic goal.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

Overall, 2025 was a year of significant progress for EU enlargement. Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out. They advanced most on reforms in the past year. At the current pace and quality of reforms, we may be able to conclude accession negotiations in the coming years. If done right, a larger Union will make Europe stronger. The Commission will insist the highest quality of reforms, especially on the rule of law, democratic institutions, and fundamental freedoms. There will be no shortcuts. A unified continent is the strongest response to those who seek to divide and destabilize Europe.

Turkey’s violations of international law and human rights in Cyprus and the illegal arrest of five Greek Cypriots were discussed by House President Annita Demetriou, in a meeting she had on Tuesday with the President of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) Koen Lenaerts and Members of the Court, who are paying Cyprus a visit.

A press release by the House of Representatives says that Demetriou referred to the illegal arrest and continued detention by the Turkish-occupation regime of five Greek Cypriot refugees on the basis of unfounded charges, noting that this is a political act of retaliation for the prosecution by the Republic of Cyprus of foreign usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties in the island’s occupied territories.

The President of the House expressed her gratitude for the Court’s work as the guardian of the Treaties and the principles and values of the European Union, for the benefit of all European citizens.

She noted that the Court offers an additional shield of protection against the challenges that Europe is faced with in today’s geopolitical situation.

The President of the House referred to the Cypriot political system and the clear separation of powers, highlighting the challenges that arise due to the inability to amend the fundamental articles of the Constitution and the unresolved Cyprus problem.

She also referred to the parliamentary dimension of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and the upcoming parliamentary elections in Cyprus to take place next May.

Demetriou reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to continuous the close cooperation with the European institutions for the benefit of citizens, emphasizing that third countries, which wish to cooperate with the EU, must embrace European principles and values.

CJEU President Koen Lenaerts said that visits to member states that are about to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU are a practice of the Court with the aim of better informing its members about the specificities of each member state.

He also underlined that the accession of a state to the EU presupposes its compliance with the Union’s criteria in the areas of democracy and the rule of law.

The President of the Court also noted that European law is applicable in all member states, while also creating obligations. He stressed that trust between member states is a basic condition for its implementation, in order to protect democracy.

At the meeting, both sides underlined the importance of better informing citizens about the functioning of the EU and European law.

The Eurozone economy remains weak and risks falling behind global competitors unless it moves decisively to deepen financial integration and competitiveness, Cyprus Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides said in a live interview during the 21st Annual Economist Cyprus Summit.

While acknowledging that the Cypriot economy remains remarkably resilient, he stressed that the euro area as a whole is expanding at only around 1%, a rate he described as ‘low.’

‘It is evident that the Eurozone and the European Union in general need to ascertain themselves and become more competitive,’ Patsalides said. He added that there have been many studies – referring to the Draghi report and others – that make recommendations as to how this can be achieved.

He pointed out key areas for progress, including the completion of the Banking Union, the creation of a Capital Markets Union, enhancement of the single market, and the development of a proper venture capital ecosystem to boost innovation and startups. ‘These are important initiatives,’ he said, ‘and the European Union needs to move on if it wants to play internationally.’

Call for progress on Capital Markets Union

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Patsalides said there is now concrete momentum behind efforts to advance the Capital Markets Union, long viewed as essential to strengthening Europe’s financial base. ‘I do see progress,’ he said. ‘I can vouch for the ECB – it is an active matter continuously on our agenda. The will is there and there is planning on behalf of the European Commission.’

He pointed to specific proposals such as the Single Market for Investments and the so-called ’28th regime’, an additional European legal framework designed to overcome national fragmentation in financial regulation. ‘Fragmentation is a real issue in Europe,’ he warned. ‘We have 20 different legislations. It is important that we come up with initiatives that overcome this fragmentation with the view to enlarging capital markets in Europe.’

The Governor also noted the gap between Europe and the U.S. in financial depth.

Patsalides added that Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 could help drive this agenda forward, including further work on capital market integration.

Cypriot economy shows strength amid uncertainty

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On Cyprus, Patsalides said the domestic economy continues to perform strongly. He said that the growth rate today is around 2%, unemployment is at historically low levels, public finances are recording fiscal surpluses for numerous years now, and debt-to-GDP is very near the Maastricht criteria. Inflation, he added, has come down to almost zero percent.

He attributed this resilience to diversification, with new sectors such as technology and professional services playing an increasing role, and to a robust banking system with very strong capital and liquidity ratios, among the highest in the Eurozone.

However, he cautioned that Cyprus remains vulnerable to external shocks, given its openness and dependence on external demand. ‘There is uncertainty, primarily because of geopolitical uncertainty, trade tensions, and other developments in the financial sector,’ he said. ‘The economy needs to focus and remain vigilant,’ the Central Bank Governor noted.

Market risks and high valuations

———————————-

On global financial markets, Patsalides acknowledged concerns about high asset valuations, especially in the US. ‘Valuations are quite rich,’ he said. ‘To some extent it is justified by the evolution of technology and recent developments in AI. But if you look historically, they are quite high.’

He talked about a risk of a market correction at some point, adding that ‘the question is whether this correction will be small or large.’

Patsalides warned that high public debt levels across advanced economies pose another long-term risk. ‘The European Union’s public debt-to-GDP is 88%, supposed to be less than 60%,’ he said, adding that the same applies in the US.

‘This is a risk. I think there are risks on both sides of the Atlantic,’ he said.

Digital euro moving into operational phase

—————————————————

The Governor also confirmed significant progress in developing the digital euro, which he called a very important project.

He said that last Wednesday, the Governing Council of the ECB approved entering into the second phase of preparations, which entails the operating part of the creation of the digital euro, systems, piloting and planning.

He said the legislative framework could be completed by the end of the Danish EU Presidency, with some elements likely to continue under Cyprus’ term.

Describing the digital euro as ‘a safe asset, a central bank currency in digital form,’ Patsalides said it could also provide a foundation for the creation of other safe currencies and eventually other types of safe digital assets.

A pilot study co-authored by UNIC’s School of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor Kyriakos Spanoudes has tested focused ultrasound (FUS) technology for treating tumours in dogs and cats. The research, published in the Journal of Ultrasound, examined the safety and feasibility of this technology as an alternative to traditional cancer treatments for companion animals.

The study involved 15 dogs and cats with various types of tumours located on different parts of their bodies, including mammary tumours, sarcomas, and lipomas. Researchers used an ultrasound system to deliver targeted treatments to the tumours. The treatment proved safe for all animals, and tissue examination confirmed that the focused ultrasound successfully destroyed the targeted tumour areas.

Spanoudes said: ‘This study demonstrates that focused ultrasound can be safely used for treating various types of tumours in dogs and cats. The treatment was well-tolerated by the animals and effectively targeted the tumour tissue while preserving surrounding healthy areas. This technology offers significant benefits as it is non-invasive and allows for shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgical approaches’.

Working with co-researchers from the Cyprus University of Technology, Andria Filippou, Nikolas Evripidou, and Christakis Damianou, the team concluded that focused ultrasound shows potential as a therapeutic approach for veterinary cancer patients and contributes to expanding treatment options in veterinary oncology.

The solution of the Cyprus problem is important because there is now interest from neighbouring states, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Tuesday, noting that the solution is a matter of security and stability for the entire region as well as a key factor for EU integration.

Addressing the 21st Annual Economist Cyprus Summit, which is taking place in Nicosia, the President said that “the solution of the Cyprus problem is important because there is now interest from neighboring states in resolving the Cyprus problem, the form of the solution, the content of the solution, it is not only our obligation but it is a matter of security and stability for the entire region as well as of key importance for the integration of the EU”.

The President said he is proud for the fact that Cyprus is recognised for what it truly deserves, it is recognised as a safe harbour in a turbulent and geostrategically important neighbourhood, a hub of connectivity and cooperation between three continents, a state with a clear Western orientation that is at the same time an honourable, reliable and predictable partner of responsibility, a stable and consistent actor in the region, which is part of the solutions to the challenges we face.

He added that Cyprus is on the path of responsibility having clear goals and objectives and dares to take initiatives.

We are working, the President noted, “and the goal may sound ambitious, we are working towards the maturation of the necessary political conditions for the establishment of a regional security and cooperation organisation, an OSCE or NATO, if you like, of the wider Middle East that will highlight the benefits through the cooperation of all of us through the promotion of regional cooperation.”

Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said that “our responsible, extroverted and multi-level foreign policy, in conjunction with our efforts to strengthen our country’s internal factors of strength – economy, rule of law, fight against corruption, reforms – as well as external ones, aims to serve our basic national priority, strengthening our efforts for the liberation and reunification of our country.”

Our active diplomacy, regional cooperation, humanitarian initiatives, geopolitical credibility, the upgrading of the role of our country’s image at the international level directly affects our efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, the President went on to say, adding that “this strategy of ours has contributed decisively to the renewed international interest in the Cyprus issue after seven years of stagnation.”

We see this, he added, “through the renewed interest of the UN in promoting the solution process, we see it through the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, we see it through the appointment of a political figure by the EU, we see it from the meetings that took place either at the trilateral or multilateral level, and all that is planned in the immediate future.”

President Christdoulides pointed out that this mobility is the result of political responsibility and consistency based on a specific plan.

Despite the difficulties and challenges, he added, “which in no way do I underestimate, we will continue our efforts with the aim of achieving a sustainable and functional solution always within the framework of the UN resolutions and the European acquis, a solution that will allow us to utilize all the potential and prospects of our country.”

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.

The International Conference ‘The Life and Contribution of Pythagoras to Mathematics, Science, and Philosophy’ was successfully held on October 3-4, 2025, at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol.

The Conference was held under the auspices of the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr. Athina Michaelidou, and was co-organized by five institutions: the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Cyprus University of Technology, the Cyprus Mathematical Society, the University of Cyprus, and the Hellenic Mathematical Society.

The Opening Ceremony included addresses by the Minister of Education, the Vice-Rector for Financial Planning and Development of CUT, Professor Evangelos Akylas, the Chairs of the Organizing and Scientific Committees, as well as the Mayor of Western Samos (the birthplace of Pythagoras), Mr. Themistoklis Papatheophanous. The artistic program added a distinctive aesthetic and intellectual dimension to the proceedings.

The two-day program featured invited speakers from Switzerland, France, Poland, and Greece, as well as distinguished researchers and educators from Cyprus, Greece, and abroad. Presentations covered a wide range of topics-from mathematics, science, and philosophy to astronomy, the contemporary cultural reception of Pythagorean thought, music, nutrition, and Artificial Intelligence.

A particularly noteworthy moment of the Conference was the unveiling of the bust of Pythagoras by the Director of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, Dr. Elena Hadjikakou, on behalf of the Minister of Education. The work, created by sculptor and member of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at CUT, Panagiotis Pasantas, now stands in the courtyard of the Andreas Themistocleous building of CUT, on Athens Street.

As host institution, the Cyprus University of Technology supported the Conference from the outset. The contribution, presence, and active participation of academics, administrative staff, many volunteer students, and representatives of the collaborating institutions were instrumental in the flawless organization of a Conference that successfully brought together mathematics, scientific knowledge, philosophy, music, nutrition, and astronomy with innovation, imagination, inquiry, creativity, and culture.

The Conference papers will be published in a special issue of the scientific journal of the Cyprus Mathematical Society (C.M.S).

Related photographic material is available on the Conference website:

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 04/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 05/11/2025

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

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL