Category: Cyprus News Agency

Members of the Western Balkans subgroup of the Eurojust network for combating migrant smuggling paid a working visit ?? Friday to the ‘Pournara’ First Reception Center in Nicosia district.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, the visit took place in the framework of the 4th Meeting of the subgroup, hosted in Larnaca on 29 and 30 October.

Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, supports the coordination of judicial and prosecutorial authorities in cross-border cases of serious and organised crime.

The delegation was welcomed by officials from the Asylum Service and the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. The members of the delegation were given a tour of the upgraded facilities and were informed about the daily operation of the Center, the infrastructure and the cooperation of the services operating there, it is noted.

Particular emphasis, it is added, was placed on the implementation by the Republic of Cyprus of the new procedures of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and on the decisive role of Pournara. They presented the use of the upgraded infrastructure for the control, registration and identification of new arrivals as well as the coordination of the competent authorities for the faster management of cases in the context of the new European requirements.

The briefing also included presentations by representatives of the Cyprus Police, Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on their activities at the Centre.

It is noted that the Eurojust network on migrant smuggling brings together specialist prosecutors and judicial officers from member states and third countries, with the aim of exchanging expertise and facilitating cooperation in specific cases.

“The visit was an opportunity to present the Cypriot experience in managing arrivals and implementing the new European framework, highlighting the importance of cooperation between field services and judicial and prosecutorial authorities for the most effective response to migrant smuggling networks,” the press release concluded.

The Index of Industrial Output Prices recorded a significant 6.2% increase in September 2026, compared with the same month in 2025, mainly due to the rise in electricity prices, according to figures published on Friday by the Statistical Service.

As noted, for the period January-September 2026, the index showed an increase of 2,1% compared to the corresponding period of 2025.

According to the Service, the Industrial Producer Price Index for September 2026 stood at 130.5 points (base 2021=100), marking a 2.3% increase compared with August 2026.

In September 2026, compared with August 2026, the index remained stable in the mining and quarrying sector, while rising in all other sectors, specifically in electricity supply by 10.5%, in water supply and material recovery by 1.7%, and in manufacturing by 0.2 per cent.

As regards changes compared with the corresponding month of 2025, increases have been observed across all sectors, as follows: electricity supply 21.1%, water supply and materials recovery 10.3%, manufacturing 2.4%, and mining and quarrying 0.8%.

In particular, by manufacturing sector, in September 2026 compared with the corresponding month of 2025, according to the Statistical Service, increases were recorded in the manufacture of electronic and optical products and electrical equipment (13.0%), in the the manufacture of basic metals and fabricated metal products (5.6%), the manufacture of furniture, other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment (5.2%), the manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork, except furniture (4.5%), and the manufacture of machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and other transport equipment (2.9%).

Cyprus reiterated its position that the 2019 Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on maritime delimitation is “null and void” during a United Nations Security Council open debate on “Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security,” thanking the Greek Presidency for convening the meeting.

Referring to the Turkey-Libya Memorandum, particularly following its recent ratification by Libya’s House of Representatives, the representative of Cyprus Ambassador Maria Michael stated that “this purported agreement is null and void, does not comply with international law, and in particular, the rules pertaining to the conclusion of treaties as well as UNCLOS.”

“Geography cannot be changed, nor can the sovereign rights of states be disregarded through arbitrary maritime delimitations,” the representative stressed, adding that “Article 121 of UNCLOS clearly establishes the regime of islands and their entitlement to maritime zones.”

Ambassador Michael emphasized that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is fundamental to maritime security, legal certainty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, noting that its provisions reflecting customary international law are binding upon all states. “The Mediterranean is our common sea. Its security and stability depend on good neighborly relations grounded on respect for international law and the sovereign rights of all coastal states,” the representative said.

Addressing the main theme of the debate, the representative noted that artificial intelligence can enhance maritime domain awareness, early warning, crisis response, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, while also supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, as well as ceasefire and sanctions monitoring. At the same time, the representative warned that emerging technologies can amplify existing threats, including cyberattacks and hybrid operations targeting ports, shipping, submarine cables, and energy infrastructure.

In this context, the Ambassador stressed that the development and deployment of artificial intelligence must be conducted responsibly and ethically, guided by “meaningful human oversight, transparency, and accountability.” Cyprus reaffirmed its position that “technological progress must remain anchored in international law,” particularly the UN Charter and UNCLOS.

Concluding, Ambassador Michael highlighted the importance of information sharing, capacity building, and cooperation among states, international organizations, and the maritime industry. The representative also emphasized the Security Council’s role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for international peace and security, while ensuring coherence across the United Nations system.

“Our collective objective must be to ensure that emerging technologies strengthen maritime security while remaining firmly grounded in international law, human oversight, and international cooperation,” she concluded.

The Economics Research Centre (CypERC) of the University of Cyprus has updated its economic outlook for the growth of the economy for 2026 in October, forecasting it 0.5 percentage point higher, compared to its July forecast.

According to CypERC, real GDP growth in Cyprus is expected to moderate from 4.8% in 2025 to 3.2% in 2026 and 3.1% in 2027, reflecting the dampening effects of ongoing inflationary pressures and tighter monetary conditions.

Nevertheless, it is noted that upward revisions to the historical GDP growth data published on 20 October 2026 support a favourable outlook for 2026-2027, with economic activity expected to continue to expand at a robust pace despite these headwinds.

Compared with the July issue, the growth forecast for 2026 is 0.5 percentage point higher, whereas the forecast for 2027 remains unchanged. It is noted that the stronger growth outlook for 2026 relative to the July issue is primarily attributed to higher-than-expected economic growth during the second quarter, together with favourable developments in the third quarter, including stronger economic confidence, low unemployment, and continued growth in new housing loans.

Inflation forecast also higher

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Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is forecast to accelerate markedly, rising from 0.1% in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026, before easing to 2.3% in 2027. According to CypERC, the inflation forecasts for 2026 and 2027 are 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points higher, respectively, than in the July outlook.

“The upward revisions mainly reflect recent developments in prices and the real economy, including continued rapid increases in international oil prices, as well as robust economic growth and low unemployment in Cyprus,” CypERC noted.

It is added that, since July’s forecast, risks to the growth outlook have remained tilted to the downside, while upside risks to the inflation outlook have continued to dominate. “The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has intensified inflationary and, consequently, cost-of-living pressures and has remained a key source of uncertainty, posing a significant risk of lower growth and higher inflation than projected in this issue,” CypERC mentioned.

In addition, it is noted that tighter-than-anticipated financing conditions in response to persistently high inflation could create new challenges for businesses, households and public finances, resulting in lower GDP growth than currently projected.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 30/10/2026 UNTIL 0600 31/10/2026

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

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

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Slight to Moderate, soon Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, later Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3, locally 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, soon Southwest to West

Slight to Moderate, soon Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Cyprus Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, praised Christine Lagarde’s leadership and role as President of the European Central Bank, on the occassion of her forthcoming early departure.

‘As Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Christine Lagarde, following the announcement of her forthcoming departure as President of the European Central Bank”, he noted in a statement on Friday.

Keravnos said that her leadership during a period of significant economic challenges has contributed to safeguarding monetary stability and strengthening the resilience of the euro area, including Cyprus.

”I thank her for her valuable contribution to Europe and Cyprus and wish her every success in her future endeavors”, he said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reminded Cypriot citizens planning to travel abroad of the importance of checking travel advisories issued by the Ministry in good time.

In a post on X, the Ministry urged citizens, as part of their travel preparations, to consult and follow the travel advisories published on its official website and check for any updates before departure.

‘Travel advisories provide useful information and recommendations on destination countries, helping travellers prepare better and ensure their journeys are carried out safely,’ it said.

Revenue from tourism in August decreased by 3.4% compared to the corresponding month of 2025 and amounted to 581.8 million, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

CySTAT says that based on the results of the Passengers Survey carried out by the Statistical Service, revenue from tourism reached pound 562.0 mn in August 2026, recording a decrease of 3.4% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year (pound 581.8 mn).

For the period of January – August 2026, revenue from tourism is estimated at pound 2,319.8 mn compared to pound 2,472.9 mn in the corresponding period of 2025, recording a decrease of 6.2%.

The average expenditure per person was pound 965.81 in August 2026, remaining at the same level as in August 2025 (pound 966.41).

Tourists from the United Kingdom (the largest tourist market with 30.5% of the total tourists in August 2026) spent on average pound 104.13 per day, while tourists from Israel (the second largest market during the specific month with 23.3% of the total tourists) spent on average pound 178.44.

Tourists from Poland (the third largest market with 6.3%) spent on average pound 92.40 per day.

Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, and British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Michael Tatham, reviewed on Friday bilateral economic relations and cooperation during a meeting they had at the Ministry of Finance. They also exchanged views on further cooperation in the areas of financial services, digital transformation and aerospace a press release issued by the Finance Ministry said.

Moreover, it added, the two officials discussed about investment promotion policies and investment screening mechanisms in these sectors, with a view to striking a balance between economic growth and the protection of strategic interests.

According to the press release, both the Minister of Finance and the High Commissioner referred to the excellent and ongoing cooperation between the two countries on sanctions, particularly the cooperation between the National Sanctions Implementation Unit (NSIU) and the United Kingdom’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).

It is added that the High Commissioner described this long-standing cooperation as a shining example of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved.

Finally, discussions addressed the significant challenges facing the two countries as a result, among other factors, of geopolitical developments in the region and the war in Ukraine, with particular emphasis on the energy crisis, the press release concluded.

The price of electricity for households in Cyprus stood at 29.9 purchasing power standards per 100 kilowatt-hours in the first half of 2026, according to data published by Eurostat on Friday.

At EU level, the average household electricity price decreased by 2.2% in the first half of 2026, falling to pound 0.28 per kilowatt-hour from pound 0.29 per kilowatt-hour in the second half of 2025, according to Eurostat.

Despite the decrease, prices remained significantly above the levels recorded before the 2022 energy crisis.

At the same time, the share of taxes and levies in the final household electricity bill in the EU decreased by 0.5 percentage points, from 28.9% in the second half of 2025 to 28.4% in the first half of 2026.