Category: Cyprus News Agency

2026 LUX Audience Award shortlisted films unveiled at the European Parliament

The films Christy, Sorda, It Was Just An Accident, Love Me Tender, and Sentimental Value will compete for the 2026 LUX Audience Award, it was announced this Tuesday in Strasbourg.

The five nominated films for the LUX Audience Award were chosen by a panel of film professionals from across EU member states.

‘Cinema is part of who we are as Europeans. These films embody the European Parliament’s commitment to defending democracy, freedom, and diversity, while addressing the challenges faced by our societies, from inclusion and human rights to young people’s mental health.

The LUX Audience Award is about bringing European cinema closer to people, wherever they live, and giving them a chance to see Europe from a different perspective,’ said the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

‘This year’s LUX films once again reflect the diversity of our society – with its different structures, tensions, and struggles. The selected films move us with powerful, deeply human stories and strong emotions. Together, they testify to the need for a robust cultural budget as a key instrument to build stronger, more inclusive and fairer democracies,’ added the vice-president responsible for the LUX Audience Award, Sabine Verheyen.

‘The LUX Audience Award is a unique tool of cultural and democratic expression. Viewers all over Europe get to elect the best out of a choice of remarkable European films.

In the Committee on Culture and Education, we are working to improve access to culture and the conditions for cultural creators. It is the EU’s responsibility to defend the independence of the European cultural sector, and celebrate the diversity of our film industry,’ stated the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education Nela Riehl.

Discover the films

Christy. Directed by Brendan Canty, Christy centres on a 17-year-old Irish boy of the same name who is ousted from his foster home and forced to live with his estranged older half-brother. Despite the potentially negative influence of his extended family, Christy begins making friends and reconnecting with his roots. As his brother tries to secure a better future for him, both are faced with tough decisions that challenge their fragile bond.

Sorda. Spanish director Eva Libertad tells the story of Ángela, a deaf woman expecting a child with her hearing partner. Ángela’s fears about motherhood and her ability to communicate and interact with her daughter mount as she confronts the reality of raising a baby in a world not built for her.

It Was Just An Accident. Directed by 2012 Sakharov Prize laureate Jafar Panahi, the film explores political repression in Iran through the story of a night driver who kills a dog. Stranded, he goes to a garage, where his rescuer believes him to be the prison officer who tortured him. This film was made without official filming authorisation from the Iranian authorities.

Love Me Tender. French director Anna Cazenave Cambet adapted Constance Debré’s book about a 40 year-old woman who loses custody of her son after telling her ex-husband that she has romantic relationships with women. This fact is used against her in court, leading the judge to grant the father full custody. The film centres on the woman’s fight to remain a mother and a free woman.

Sentimental Value. The complexities of family dynamics are explored in this English, Norwegian and Swedish-language film from director Joachim Trier. Two sisters are reunited with their father, a once-renowned director trying to make a comeback film. After one of his daughters turns down a role in the film, he gives it to an eager young Hollywood actor. Suddenly, the already complicated family relationship gains an additional element, with the arrival of the American star.

Next Steps

Free screenings of the five films will take place in all EU countries up until April 2026. In keeping with the European Parliament’s total commitment to accessibility, and for the first time, the shortlisted films will have subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Citizens across Europe, as well as the Members of the European Parliament, can vote for their favourite film on the LUX Audience Award rating platform. Their respective votes will each count 50% towards the films’ final scores.

A ceremony to announce the 2026 LUX Audience Award laureate will take place at the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels in mid-April 2026.

For the 2025 edition of the award, more than 900 screenings of the shortlisted films were organised, with discussions involving more than 90,000 audience members. 2025’s laureate was the film Flow by Gints Zilbalodis.

Background

The LUX Audience Award has been awarded by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, in partnership with the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas network, since 2020. It fosters dialogue and engagement between politics and the public. The award is complemented by the Young Talent Programme, which seeks to engage young cinema professionals in the promotion of European values and the LUX Audience Award project.

Further information

Press conference to announce the 2026 nominees with VP Sabine Verheyen and chair of the Committee on Culture Nela Riehl

Streaming of the launch event in the presence of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola

LUX Audience Award website

Timeline and rating process

LUX Audience Award communication kit

European Parliament Multimedia Centre: free pictures, videos and audio material: 2026 LUX Audience Award

Committee on Culture and Education

This edition nominees touch upon subjects such youth and mental health, inclusiveness and democracy @EP

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis and Minister of Transport of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, signed on Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of of cooperation, exchange of know-how, education, infrastructure, as well as the green transition of shipping.

Before the signing of the MoU, a meeting took place between the two delegations on the sidelines of the International Conference “Maritime Cyprus 2025”, which continues its deliberations in the coastal town of Limassol.

In her statements, the Deputy Minister said that the MoU refers to important areas, such as cooperation in International Organizations, recalling that Cyprus is running for re-election next November in the Council of the International Maritime Organization.

In addition, she said that the MoU covers issues of competitiveness of shipping, indicating that “Cyprus is the European country located most easterly in the heart of the Arabian Gulf and we attach great importance to this cooperation.”

The MoU, she noted, mainly includes the exchange of know-how on education issues, registry issues, issues related to the decarbonization of shipping, the environment, as well as port infrastructure and logistics.

The most important thing, Hadjimanolis stressed, ‘is that we do not want it to be just a signed MoU, but rather to have substance and deliverables’ adding that during the meeting it was agreed to make an effort before the official visit planned by the President of the Republic to Qatar, “to have deliverables and shipping to be among the things that will be discussed.’

Cyprus’ House President, Annita Demetriou, on Tuesday discussed with outgoing Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Cyprus, Vladimir Nemec, the strengthening of bilateral relations.

According to a statement by Parliament, Demetriou thanked Nemec for the good cooperation between the House of Representatives and the Embassy of the Czech Republic during his term and for his contribution to the further deepening of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the Czech Republic and, by extension, the two parliaments.

It said that the House President ‘expressed her appreciation for the principled stance and the long-standing support of the Czech Republic in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions’.

The Ambassador ‘expressed his appreciation for his excellent cooperation with the House of Representatives, underlining his will and intention to continue to contribute to the further strengthening of relations and exchanges between the Czech and Cypriot parliaments at all levels’, it adds. Nemec reaffirmed his country’s firm principled position regarding the Cyprus problem and the efforts to resolve it, in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions, wishing for the reunification of the island it said.

He also briefed the House President on the current political developments in his country, following the recent parliamentary elections. They also exchanged views on issues of European interest in view of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2026, the statement concludes.

Cyprus is among the European Union countries where employees work the longest hours, according to the latest Eurostat data for the second quarter of 2025. Specifically, 16.6% of employees aged 20-64 worked more than 45 hours per week. This percentage places Cyprus among the highest in the EU, where the average stands at just 10.8%.

At the European level, Cyprus follows only Greece (20.9%) and precedes Malta (14.6%), while the lowest rates were recorded in Bulgaria (2.5%), Latvia (4.1%), and Romania (5.9%). These figures highlight the differences in working conditions among member states, with Cyprus standing out for its long working hours.

Meanwhile, 72.3% of employees in the EU work between 20 and 44 hours per week, while part-time employment (up to 19 hours) is more widespread in countries such as the Netherlands (26.8%) and Denmark (25.5%).

The data are based on the EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) and cover the total number of working hours, including overtime, in both primary and potential secondary employment.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment for Cyprus Dr. Maria Panayiotou participates in the deliberations of the Conference of European Ministers of Mediterranean countries (MED9) which take place 5-7 October in Portoroz, Slovenia.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, the conference, that will be chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of Slovenia, Mateja Calušic, will focus on Sustainable Risk Management in Agriculture, thus continuing the discussion initiated under the Cyprus Presidency of the MED9, with the aim of formulating a common strategy for resilient, sustainable and fair agriculture in the countries of the European South.

The Ministers of the nine Mediterranean countries are expected to adopt a Joint Declaration of the MED9, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the resilience of agriculture given the growing challenges, and in view of the legislative proposals for the new CAP 2028-2034.

In the context of the deliberations, the Cypriot Minister will emphasize the need for preventive and coordinated political action, with an emphasis on financial adequacy, rapid compensation of producers and the sustainability of agricultural holdings, the press release says.

Panayiotou will then travel to Ireland on October 7, for an official two day visit, following an invitation of the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Maritime Affairs, Martin Heydon.

They will discuss about the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU as well as issues of coordination and smooth transition to the next, Presidency which is Ireland. In addition, they will discuss about policies for the new CAP after 2027, focusing on research, innovation and technology in the agri-food sector.

She will also visit Ireland’s national research and advisory organisation for agriculture, as well as model agricultural and livestock units.

“We’re looking to have a just and equitable transition in shipping. We can only do that if we come together at IMO. And we focus not only on the green environmental agenda than normally hit the headlines. We focus on safety, which is one of the core areas”, International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said Monday, addressing the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025′ Conference taking place in the coastal town of Limassol.

Shipping will continue to grow by around 2% for the next 5 years, according to the United Nations Trade and Development Maritime Review, he said and referred to additional challenges to which the response is working for global implementations of regulations.

Addressing the participants Dominguez called on them to work together in moving forward “with a global regulation that is going to allow us to maintain the global sector when it comes to shipping”.

“I have made it very clear that I’m not in favour of regional measures. I have spoken constantly to the European Union, and I will repeat my message. Once adopted then we expect that the European Union and any other country that have regional or national measures would then only align to the global regulations that IMO”, he stressed.

IMO SG referred to the meetings he had in Cyprus in the framework of the Conference, noting that “we improve by listening, by sharing and by adapting”.

Dominguez also hailed President Christodoulides’ continued commitment in supporting the maritime sector. The IMO SG spoke of decisions and improvements that continue to shape the shipping sector in Cyprus, which are demonstrated very tangibly by the resource and their linked to the work of IMO.

“When it comes to incentives, you also introduced green incentives in line with the recommendations of IMO, and you offer up to 30% reductions when it comes to registration. Your compliance with IMO instrument is also represented in the increase of 20% of the registry in the last 2 years. You are a centre for ship management. You are improving important infrastructure and you are an active member in the negotiations at the IMO and I look forward to maintain that strong cooperation”, he noted.

In her address Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis noted that the success story of Cyprus shipping is rooted in the close collaboration between the public and private sectors, working together to enhance competitiveness and quality.

She said that partnerships with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, together with a powerful industry, exemplify this productive collaboration, demonstrating that collective effort and mutual respect, are the cornerstones of enduring success.

“Cyprus shipping is not only about fleets or vessels. Cyprus shipping is, about the people. The most valuable and strongest component of Cyprus shipping. Our talented, dedicated, and professional workforce, which define the strength of our industry. Our protagonists and ambassadors”, the Deputy Minister went on to say.

Addressing the participants Hadjimanolis called on them to continue to innovate, collaborate and invest in the future of shipping, ensuring that shipping will remain competitive and resilient.

The “Maritime Cyprus” Conference is organised every two years by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. It was first established in 1989 and since then, has grown into one of the world’s most significant and most attended shipping conferences. Its status now gives it a prominent position in the calendar of many shipping executives, including owners and managers as well as those in charge of organisations with shipping related activities. The “Maritime Cyprus” Conference attracts to Cyprus approximately 800 shipping executives from around the globe.

Distinguished guests and world class experts analyze and discuss specialised issues of concern to the shipping industry.

Relations between the Cypriot Government and the Greek Government are stronger than ever before, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Monday.

The President was replying to questions of reporters on his arrival to the International Conference “Maritime Cyprus 2025” that is taking place in Limassol.

Asked if there is a crisis in the relations between Cyprus and Greece over the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator, IPTO, the President of the Republic said that “relations between Athens and Nicosia, relations between the Cypriot Government and the Greek Government, my relationship with the Greek Prime Minister are stronger than ever before.”

The President also sent the message to “those who invest in a rupture in the relations of the Greek Government with the Cypriot Government, of my relations with the Greek Prime Minister” pointing out that they “will be disappointed”.

Asked if he had spoken with the Greek Prime Minister, following the meeting that took place yesterday in Athens on the issue, President Christodoulides referred journalists to his replies above saying that they give answers to all questions.

Cyprus Forum 2025, one of the most important public policy conferences in the region, held on October 1 – 3, concluded with the participation in its deliberations of leading international and local speakers. The Forum brought together political leaders, EU technocrats, academics, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss the major challenges facing Cyprus, Europe, and the broader region – seeking solutions and innovative approaches.

According to press release issued here today by the organizers, the Forum kicked off at the Old Nicosia Town Hall, with a welcome address by Nicolas Kyriakides, Executive President and Founding Member of the Cyprus Forum, with President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, stressing the need for bold and ongoing reforms to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption, while reiterating his cautious optimism for the resumption of Cyprus talks.

It is added that key European officials, such as Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, presented the EU’s strategic priorities for shipping, oceans, and enlargement.

The first day concluded with the Peace and Democracy Award, presented posthumously to Xenophon Kallis and Trkan Aziz, in recognition of their contributions to democracy and reconciliation.

The second day featured several panels and discussions on topics including digital policy, artificial intelligence, wildfire prevention, migration, long-term care, and the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU in 2026, the statement continues.

As noted, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, and Flavio Arzerello from Meta discussed the role of tech giants in democracies, Minister of Labour Yiannis Panayiotou outlined the prospects of the labour market and social welfare, while Finance Minister Makis Keravnos addressed the challenges and outlook of the new tax policy. Other key sessions focused on energy transition, gender equality, institutional independence, and press freedom.

The day closed with the Forum’s official dinner, where Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission, delivered remarks.

The third day focused on strengthening the parliamentary system, transparency, civic engagement, and the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean. Key speakers included President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, EU officials, and diplomats from the United Kingdom, India, and Israel.

Important discussions focused on education, women’s leadership, democratic processes, and sustainable energy and technological transition. Other key topics included the resolution of the Cyprus problem, cooperation between the two communities, and the use of solar energy for peaceful development.

Key discussions also addressed education, women’s leadership, democratic processes, and the sustainable energy and technological transition, with central topics including the Cyprus issue, intercommunal cooperation, and leveraging solar energy for peaceful development.

The Forum concluded with presentations on urban development in Cyprus, strengthening citizen participation, and promoting peace and stability in the region, the statement concludes.

Early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus and a big moment for European transport, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said Monday, in his keynote speech at the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference that is taking place in Limassol.

Referring to the Cyprus EU Presidency that will begin in January, he noted that it will be a defining moment for Europe, and for the transport policy.

“As a great maritime nation, Cyprus will play a leading role in shaping the Maritime Industrial Strategy, the Ports Strategy, and the Military Mobility Package. And it will also play a key role in the first ever European Strategy for Tourism, Which we aim to heave it ready by Easter next year” he said.

The Commissioner noted that Cyprus will also help steer discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget, for 2028-2034.

“This will be decisive in setting the level of ambition for our transport and maritime sectors. I trust Cyprus will be a strong ally in ensuring ambitious funding for a competitive, resilient, and secure European transport system” he said, adding that funding that will set transport, including maritime transport, on track for a competitive, resilient and secure future.

“So, I am counting on your support. So yes, early 2026 will be a big moment for Cyprus. And it will also be a big moment for European transport. Together, we can make it a moment that defines our maritime future,” he stressed.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas said that Cyprus is more than just a maritime country, it is a global maritime force and a hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a proud history of seafaring a modern fleet that ranks among the largest in the European Union.

“Your flag is a symbol of quality and trust. Your shipping industry is not only a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, but also a pillar of Europe’s maritime strength. And your voice carries weight, not just in Europe, but across the global shipping community” he went on to say.

Referring to Europe, the Commissioner said that we can make Europe’s maritime sector not only more resilient, but also more competitive, more sustainable, and more secure.

He recalled that the Draghi report highlights the EU’s declining share of the global maritime fleet.

“Our fleet keeps growing in absolute terms, but others are expanding faster. Our market share in gross tonnage fell from 38.5% in 2018, to 33.6% in 2024. This is a challenge we must face together, the European Commission, the Member States, and the industry. And we are acting,” he stressed.

He also said that Europe’s shipbuilding industry faces unfair competition with subsidies in other regions allowing competitors to sell ships 30% or even 40% cheaper than European models.

“China is not alone in this. This is why we are preparing an Industrial Maritime Strategy aiming to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of our shipbuilding and shipping sectors,” Tzitzikostas said.

Referring to ports, he noted that they are the backbone of our supply chains, our energy system and military mobility. “So, the upcoming European Ports Strategy will both strengthen and protect these assets” he concluded.

A new protocol to renew their 40-year cooperation in the fisheries sector was signed by the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe. Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis stated that the signing of the new protocol marks a significant milestone, which «strengthens our shared commitment to responsible and sustainable fisheries and demonstrates the power of cooperation in protecting the ocean».

The Commissioner Kadis added that the signing of the new implementing protocol of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe «secures the future of our shared resources, supporting local communities and ecosystems. Our cooperation sets a model for sustainable fishing that benefits all and fosters long-term ecological and economic resilience».

The new four-year protocol allows EU vessels to fish up to 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Beyond access to fishing resources, the EU is boosting its financial support to the country, aiming for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, with its total contribution over the next four years amounting to pound 3.3 million (or pound 825,000 on an annual basis). Of this, pound 500,000 will be allocated to strengthen fisheries management, control, and surveillance capacities, as well as to support artisanal fishing and local fishing communities.

Additionally, EU fishers are expected to pay São Tomé and Príncipe a licensing and catch fee of pound 85 per tonne for their activities in its national waters. The new protocol also includes provisions to improve working conditions for fishers on EU vessels, ensuring safer and fairer employment practices.

The new protocol applies provisionally as of 6 October 2025 and will enter into full force upon completion of the ratification process by both parties. On the EU side, this requires the consent of the European Parliament.