Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 28/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 29/10/2025

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

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. Increased cloud will be present at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

French President, Emmanuel Macron, intends to visit Cyprus in the next few months and one of the objectives will be to sign and finalise the two countries’ strategic partnership, France’ s Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), adding that this will really upgrade the two countries relationship ‘to one of the key ones for us in Europe.’ Moreover, Haddad stressed that his country is committed to Cyprus’ regional security.

In an interview with CNA, during a visit he paid to Cyprus where he met with President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and his counterpart, Marilena Raouna, Haddad said that Cyprus and France already have a very strong cooperation, both at the bilateral level, and on regional and European issues, noting that the signing of the strategic partnership ‘will really upgrade the relationship to one of the key ones for us in Europe, whether that is multiplying and deepening our political dialogue at every level, whether that is bringing together industrial actors for cooperation on economic issues, on defence issues or also fostering cultural and educational exchanges.’

‘These are really areas in which we want to cooperate. This is the bilateral dimension. But for us, it is really also about having a common vision for Europe and continuing to shape this vision together,’ he added.

Referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first semester of 2026, Haddad noted that ‘there are so many issues on which we want to work together, from tackling illegal migration to fostering the competitiveness of Europe, and we really need to accelerate on this, on simplifying our norms, on supporting our innovative sectors, on building the Saving and Investments Union, on protecting ourselves and our industry against unfair competition from outside, building up on defence and having the same vision for regional issues.’

‘On all these matters Cyprus is an important partner of France, we are committed also to Cyprus’ regional security, and this is why this strategic partnership will go a long way in deepening a cooperation that is already very strong,’ he noted.

He further said that ‘when we talk about strategic autonomy (of the EU) we talk about the security of the 27 and the respect of the maritime sovereignty of our partners is key and this is why you have seen indeed France in the past take a strong stance when it comes to supporting Greece and Cyprus for their maritime sovereignty.’

Asked about discussions between Cyprus and France on upgrading the Mari naval base, the French official said that this is a very interesting project. ‘We are looking at the opportunity for the modernisation of the base and that is something that could potentially be an area of cooperation between France and Cyprus and this is part of the broader partnership in defence cooperation that we have in general’, he said referring also to the defence exercises that the two countries have been holding together in the Eastern Mediterranean.

EU SAFE programme

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Asked about the EU SAFE programme, in light of the position that Nicosia promoted at the bloc so that no third country that threatens or occupies the territories of a member state will be able to participate in European financial instruments for defence and security, Haddad said that ‘the SAFE programme is really a very high priority for us in this moment of geopolitical turbulences that we have the Russian aggression, the threat that Russia is representing for all European democracies.’

Noting that ‘we also have the questions about the future of the transatlantic alliance,’ he went on to say that ‘this is a moment in which Europeans need to take more ownership of their defence and security, increase their defence spending and this is what France, Cyprus and other are doing but also cooperate more and build an independent European defence industrial base.’

Haddad stressed that ‘one of the key priorities of France and President Macron is reducing our dependencies whether that is on military issues, on energy issues, on economic issues, to bolster the strategic autonomy of Europe,’ and underlined the need for the EU ‘to build up its own defence industry’ and to this end foster cooperation among the countries.

‘And in this respect, SAFE, the pound 150 billion loan from the European Commission aims precisely to bolster industrial cooperation between member states. And I think it is a great opportunity for France and Cyprus to cooperate together,’ he added.

He noted that ‘one of the key priorities for us in this respect is what we call European preference. It is the idea that when you have European taxpayer’s money it goes first and foremost to support the European industrial base. It is a question of sovereignty, it is a question of keeping the technological knowhow, it is a question also of having the economic benefits at home for our population, to build factories, to create jobs and it is also about defending our own interest,’ he added.

Haddad said that ‘countries that are either candidate countries or countries that have partnerships with the EU can apply to SAFE but we are very vigilant about the conditions. Among the conditions is making sure that we keep the purpose of European preference, that it comes first and foremost to support the European defence industry,’ he added.

He also stressed that fact that this is a matter that will have to be decided on unanimity ‘so every member state will have a say on a third country participation to SAFE and we will make sure, as we have always done, that it is done in the defence of the interest of every member state and that will be the line that we will have for every third party applicant to safe.’

Ukraine and the role of the EU

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Asked about the role of the EU with regard to Ukraine and addressing the Russian offensive, Haddad referred to the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ that was started by France and the UK ‘which is not an EU member state but a very important strategic actor of Europe with whom we have a close defence relationship’.

He went on to say that if there is a ceasefire in Ukraine there could be a deployment of a European contingence there, ‘not as fighters, not on the front line but in strategic areas of Ukraine to deter for the Russian aggression.’

‘This is a good example how Europeans together, in a pretty agile flexible format can take ownership of their own defence and security,’ he noted, stressing that ‘the key question really is Europeans taking ownership of their defence and security and not relying on others.’

He went on to say that ‘we know that Russia will stay a threat. We want to end the war in Ukraine, we want to foster diplomacy and this is something on which we are very in line with the Trump administration.’

Moreover ,he said that ‘the only way to bring Putin to the diplomatic table is to increase the pressure both economic and military by continuing to support Ukraine militarily, but then also afterwards to deter for their aggression.’

Asked if the EU has been as decisive as it should in crises as the war in Ukraine, Haddad stressed the fact that the bloc has stayed united and focused in renewing sanctions and increasing sanctions against Russia and stressed the need of continuing the sanctions and the support to Ukraine.

He noted that defending Ukraine is a matter of security and about defending the international law and the principle that you cannot just seize territory from your neighbours through force.

Cyprus issue

On the Cyprus issue, Haddad, reiterated France’s support to a just solution, based on the international law providing for a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality that will be reached under the UN auspices.

‘If France, and of course the EU, can contribute to that, France will be committed for sure,’ he said.

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

Greece and Cyprus’ Defence Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the framework of recent international developments, during a meeting they had in Thessaloniki, Greece on Tuesday.

Defence Minister, Vasilis Palmas, met with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, in one of their regular meetings, as the latter noted in a post on X.

“We discussed defence cooperation and the latest international developments regarding security issues, among other things,” Dendias notes in his post.

“We also discussed the prospect of Greece-Cyprus cooperation or a joint plan that will be funded by European Union’s SAFE scheme, in various sectors, such as research and innovation,” he adds.

Cyprus’ Ministry of Defence also posted on X about the meeting between Palmas and Dendias, noting that the two Ministers discussed “the latest developments in the area, defence and security as well as aspects of the 3rd Cyprus-Greece Intergovernmental Summit, which will take place soon.”

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 28/10/2025 UNTIL 0600 29/10/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. At times increased cloud will be present.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

Omonoia Nicosia FC secured a victory over Pafos FC while AEK and APOEL had a draw in the games that concluded on Monday evening the 8th matchday of Cyprus League by Stoiximan.

Omonoia secured a victory 2-1 over Pafos at GSP Stadium. Willy Semedo scored for Omonoia at 64′ and 90’+4′. Vlad Dragomir scored for Pafos at 14′.

AEK Larnaka and APOEL’s match ended in a 1-1 draw. Pieros Soteriou scored for APOEL at 25′ and Enric Saborit for Larnaka at 49′.

Pafos FC which was at the top of the standings with 18 points, dropped to second place, while Omonoia Nicosia is now at the top with 19 points.

AEK Larnaca moved up from 6th to 5th place with 14 points and APOEL from 4th to 3rd place with 17 points.

The results during weekend’s games were: Akritas Chlorakas – Omonoia Aradippou 0-1, Anorthosis-Aris 1-1, AEL- Freedom24-Krasava ??? 1-0, Ethnikos Achnas- Paralimni 5-1, Olympiakos Nicosia-Apollonas 2-2.

The social economy is a significant pillar for Cypriot society and daily life, according to the findings of Special Eurobarometer 567, conducted in May 2025. In Cyprus, where 501 interviews were carried out, the results show that despite high recognition of the concept of the social economy, citizen participation in related organizations remains limited.

According to the data, 65% of Cypriots stated they are familiar with the concept of the social economy, with 26% saying they know it “very well” or “somewhat well.” However, most are familiar with specific types of organizations, such as associations (73%) and foundations (69%), while fewer are aware of social enterprises (47%).

Participation of Cypriots in social economy organizations is notable. 18% have participated as volunteers, while a similar percentage (18%) have provided financial support. However, 61% stated they have never participated in such organizations, a percentage higher than the European average.

Regarding support provided by social economy organizations, 33% of Cypriots reported having received some form of assistance, primarily in the form of access to education or employment (10%) and the provision of goods (9%). However, this percentage is lower compared to other European countries, such as the Netherlands (54%) and Belgium (54%).

The social economy is considered important for the well-being of society and the environment. 71% of Cypriots believe that the social economy is important for the well-being of the local community, while 75% believe it contributes to the overall improvement of society. However, only 47% believe that the social economy is well developed in Cyprus, a percentage lower than the European average (50%).

Finally, Cypriots support the need for more public support for social economy organizations. 88% believe that public authorities should develop strategies and legislation to support the social economy, while 80% support direct public funding.

The findings of Eurobarometer 567 highlight the need for greater awareness and support for the social economy in Cyprus, in order to strengthen citizen participation and maximize the benefits for society.

We will all be judged at the negotiating table, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday, when asked to comment on statements made by new Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

In press statements following the student parade in Nicosia for October 28 National Day and in response to a journalist’s remark, among other things, that Erhurman did not refer to a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation, the President said that he reads his daily statements.

He went on to say that he has been dealing with the Cyprus issue for many years, in different capacities, and has heard and read a lot. But he went on to note that “we will all be judged at the negotiating table”.

President Christodoulides noted that our side wishes more than anyone the end of the Turkish occupation, the liberation and reunification of our country and “we are not afraid of the negotiations because we know where we want to go and how to achieve our goal.”

“We are ready to negotiate within the framework of the United Nations, the principles and values of the European Union’, he underlined.

When asked if he had contacted the Turkish Cypriot leader, he said that there had been repeated attempts on his part since the first night [of the so called “election” process in the Turkish occupied areas] to communicate but this was not possible.

President Christodoulides added that last week, when he was in Brussels for the European Council he received a phone call and when he tried to communicate again, there was no response.

Referring to the OXI National Day the President said that we honour and remembe the struggle of Greece and the Greek people for universal values, against Nazism and Fascism.

He added that in this struggle, thousands of Greeks of Cyprus stood by their brothers to defend Greece and humanity.

The President noted also that apart from the parades and all the commemorative events what is more important is to draw the necessary lessons.

He said that in the case of Cyprus the lesson cannot be anything other than the determined struggle for reunification. He also added that in this direction we make use of all the factors of power, internal and external, and we continue this great effort until we are finally free.

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.

Cyprus marked with a parade the October 28 National Day, when in 1940, the Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas denied Benito Mussolini’s request to allow Italian troops to cross the border into Greece.

The anniversary was honoured in the morning with a doxology at Saint Barnabas Cathedral in Nicosia, in the presence of President Christodoulides and officials of the political and military leadership. The doxology was officiated by Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios.

The Solemn Speech of the day was delivered by Ambassador of Greece Konstantinos Kollias.

The salute of the parade which followed, was received by the Cyprus President Christodoulides and Ambassador Kollias, in front of the Greek Embassy building.

Doxologies and student parades took place in all other cities across the island.

Today, the European Commission proposed to Member States authorising the opening of negotiations with Ukraine on its participation in the Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) component of the European Union Space programme and the Union Secure Connectivity Programme. GOVSATCOM is designed to provide secure and resilient satellite communication capabilities by pooling and sharing existing satellite resources from Member States and private operators. Strengthening collaboration in GOVSATCOM component is the next step of advancing Ukraine’s participation in EU Space Programme. A first step was made in April 2025, when the EU and Ukraine signed an agreement on Ukraine’s participation in Copernicus, Space Weather Events and Near-Earth Objects components of the EU Space Programme.

This initiative adds to the EU’s wider investment in sovereign space capabilities, including IRIS², which will be deployed by 2030 to provide secure, resilient communications across Europe and beyond. It is also in line with the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine through instruments such as SAFE.

This future agreement will strengthen the resilience of the EU’s connectivity infrastructure by providing additional secure communications capacity in a strategically important region. It also supports broader EU objectives under the Global Gateway strategy and the White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030. Negotiations mark another step in deepening the EU-Ukraine partnership in areas essential to Europe’s security and stability.

Ukraine’s participation will be confirmed upon the conclusion of an international agreement under Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy said: ‘Secure connectivity is essential for Europe’s resilience. By deepening our cooperation with Ukraine, we strengthen our shared security and our ability to act in a rapidly changing world.’

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space said: ‘Ukraine’s participation will reinforce Europe’s secure space capabilities at a critical moment. This is a decisive step toward a stronger, more united Europe that can protect its citizens on the ground and in space.’

(For more information: Thomas Regnier +32 2 299 10 99, Marine Strauss +32 298 91 03)

European Commission announces launch of Critical Chemicals Alliance to strengthen Europe’s chemical sector

The European Commission launches today the Critical Chemicals Alliance. The Alliance stems directly from the Chemicals Action Plan adopted in July 2025, which aims to boost the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of Europe’s chemical industry. The Alliance will hold its first General Assembly in the presence of Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, at a date that will be announced later.

The Critical Chemicals Alliance is designed to address key challenges facing the sector – including the risk of plant closures, trade disruptions, and the urgent need for investment in critical production capacities.

Among its first deliverables, the Alliance will:

Establish criteria to identify critical chemical productions and molecules that are essential for the EU economy and strategic sectors;

Map these critical molecules to enable enhanced trade monitoring and early-warning functions, including through the EU Customs Surveillance System;

Support coordinated investments by aligning EU and national funding tools and helping Member States and industry to target key projects.

The Alliance is open to all organisations active in the chemical industry, including companies, associations, investors, research bodies and civil society. Interested organisations can apply online by signing the Alliance’s Declaration, committing to actively contribute to its objectives.

All members may participate in the General Assembly, which will meet at least twice a year to set priorities and adopt the Alliance’s opinions and recommendations. A Steering Board will coordinate the Alliance’s work and define its deliverables, while expert working groups will focus on specific thematic areas such as trade resilience, innovation, and sustainable production.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Rya Perincek – Tel: +32 460 76 25 10)

Eurobarometer: Europeans embrace the social economy and call for more support

A new Special Eurobarometer published today shows that 75% of Europeans recognise the importance of the social economy for society’s well-being. Social economy organisations prioritise people, communities and the environment and play a crucial role in tackling societal challenges.

A significant majority endorse further support to the social economy, including through support to social economy organisations (88%), awareness-raising (86%), assistance to set up social economy organisations (86%), and direct public financial support (80%). In addition, a significant number of Europeans (93%) think that businesses should be guided by social economy values, focusing on social and environmental goals, redistributing profits, and operating with democratic governance structures.

The results show half of Europeans have engaged with the social economy in the past five years, usually through activities such as volunteering (18%), donations (18%), and as customers (15%). In addition, one in three Europeans receive help from the social economy in areas like education, training, and housing.

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, said: ‘The social economy is part of the daily lives of Europeans. It employs more than 11.5 million people and tackles key social challenges while prioritising people and the planet. We will announce new measures to strengthen Europe’s social economy in the mid-term review of our Action Plan next year.’

An infographic summarising the key results of the survey is available, along with the full report. Factsheets with more details per Member State are equally available.

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)

Commission to discuss sanctions implementation with Member States and international partners

Today the Commission is hosting the eighth meeting of the ‘High-Level Group on Union Restrictive Measures’, i.e. sanctions. The meeting will bring together high-level Commission officials and representatives from EU Member States to discuss enhanced coordination in sanctions implementation and enforcement.

The EU remains united and determined in its support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, successive packages of sanctions have led to significant decoupling, and imposed real costs on Russia’s economy. EU trade with Russia has been severely curtailed: 74% of pre-war EU imports from Russia (pound 106 billion) and 58% of pre-war EU exports (pound 48 billion) to Russia (both in 2021 terms) have been eliminated. Beyond that, even in areas not yet subject to sanctions, Russia’s war has triggered a tangible downturn in trade and further decoupling. As a result, in 2024, overall EU imports were down 77% and EU exports down 65% as compared to 2021. Revenues for Russia from oil exports to Europe have gone down by 90% over the past three years. Russia’s GDP growth is predicted to fall further in 2025 to 0.6% while its fiscal position is deteriorating visibly, with interest rates at 17% and inflation around 8%. Finally, with the 18th and 19th sanctions packages, the EU has further tightened restrictions on Russia’s energy revenues and stepped up the fight against the shadow fleet. So far, 557 vessels have been listed, and Russian crude oil deliveries via these vessels have decreased by 76% since the listings began.

As implementation is key for sanctions effectiveness, enforcement issues will be at the centre of today’s discussions. Member States will share enforcement ‘success stories’ and share ideas on how to tackle new trends emerging in sanctions circumvention. Joint work is key to ensure measures are not jeopardised by the malicious attempts of enablers and profiteers of Russia’s war of aggression.

In the afternoon, EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan will convene the sixth Sanctions Coordinators Forum, gathering Member States and international partners including the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, as well as Ukraine. Discussions will focus on common efforts to continue to fight circumvention, for instance through third country financial institutions and crypto channels. Careful cooperation between the EU and key partners is essential to ensure that sanctions policies, implementation, and enforcement efforts are mutually reinforcing. This is why the EU brings together a broad coalition of countries to align with its measures in this important bi-annual event.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Statement by President von der Leyen at the 77th session of the Nordic Council

Thank you for inviting me to this meeting of the Nordic Council.

I think of the Nordic countries as the Polaris of Europe, or North Star of Europe. Because very often, you show the way.

First, on readiness and preparedness. I think we can all agree, no one does it like you do. In the North, readiness runs through society. From the shelters of Helsinki to the Cadet Academy in Copenhagen, I have seen it for myself. Just last week in the European Council, we decided to move forward on Europe’s Roadmap to Defence Readiness by 2030. After that, we discussed how to maintain our strong support to Ukraine. Your support and your experience will be essential – it has always been! – in reaching our goals. From monitoring the Arctic in the North to deterring a rogue neighbour in the East – it will serve as a guide for all of Europe.

My second point is on competitiveness. Over dinner with business leaders in Sweden yesterday, I heard a lot of inspiring stories. Because here, excellence is the norm. But I was just as interested in the challenges as I was in the progress that has been shown. We know what hinders competitiveness in the Europe Union. There is a clear lack of access to capital for scale-ups. There is red tape. Permits take too long. A fragmented Single Market. And high energy costs. We are working very hard on all these topics across all strands to simplify, clarify and accelerate. Here our guiding star is the Draghi report. And together we are preparing our clean tech future. Here again, look at the Nordics. Not long ago, your region depended heavily on fossil fuels. Today 99% of Sweden’s electricity is coming from renewables and nuclear. That is a lesson for all of Europe: You stayed focused. You stayed the course on the target of climate neutrality – but you are flexible on the way to get there. And then you succeed. You have turned the climate debate and the competitiveness debate into one, and that is the right way to go. Because clean tech is where smart money goes. We want the future of clean tech to be made here in Europe. And for this, we must retain our industries, our talents, our jobs. In a world of fierce, often unfair competition, we must support more clean products ‘made in Europe’. Strengthen key sectors, from cars to batteries. And secure access to critical raw materials, with our new RESourcEU plan. That is the goal. And we will stay firmly focused on it.

Thank you.

Video message by President von der Leyen at the 4th Cancer Survivors Congress ‘Full of Life’

Dear Sandra Ibarra,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Few moments are as life-changing as hearing the words ‘cancer free’. You know it well. I know it too. As a medical student, I spent countless nights on duty in the pediatric oncology ward. I will never forget a young girl I met there. This small, resilient girl beat cancer. And today, she is living a full, healthy life.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Too many still suffer the cruelty of this disease. Every year, around 2.7 million people in the European Union are diagnosed with cancer. And prevalence is increasing. That is why we have placed the Beating Cancer Plan at the very heart of our European Health Union, backed by 4 billion pound from the EU4Health programme. To support patients and their families at every stage of this difficult journey. To prevent cancer, to detect it early, to improve diagnostics and treatments.

The good news is that today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. And we must help them live beyond it. That is why we have built a Europe-wide network of young cancer patients and survivors. Because for young people, this battle is often particularly hard. And it cannot be that former cancer patients pay higher insurance premiums. Or struggle to get mortgages. That is why the right to be forgotten is so important. I welcome the progress made by our member states on this. And we will not relent in our efforts at the EU level. To support patients and families through the disease. And to support survivors through the rest of their lives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

That is what this Congress is about. Ensuring that all patients and all survivors can live their lives to the fullest. Lives of dignity, joy and opportunity. I thank you for this vital work. And I wish you a successful and inspiring congress.

Greece and Cyprus are currently facing common international challenges, but the greatest and ongoing challenge is the Turkish occupation, and Greece is a steadfast ally and supporter of the effort to end it, Ambassador of Greece Konstantinos Kollias said on Tuesday.

Delivering a speech at the Doxology for October 28 “OXI” National Day at Apostle Barnabas Cathedral in Nicosia, the Ambassador said that Cyprus has Greece’s unwavering support for the national goal, adding that in this common effort Greece is “a steadfast ally, a sincere and selfless supporter”.

He went on to say that unbreakable national unity and consensus is undoubtedly the most important weapon we have.

Ambassador Kollias noted that Greece supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the Cyprus Government to resume negotiations from were they left off for a just, sustainable and functional solution.

The Ambassador assured that Greece is working alongside the Republic of Cyprus and the common effort for the Cyprus issue is ongoing and will remain unwavering as long as the occupation continues.

Kollias praised the Greek resistance in 1940, pointing out that today’s National Anniversary serves as a lighthouse and a thread that connects the past with the present.

He also referred to the heavy, national contribution of Cyprus to the struggle in 1940, saying that the Greeks of Cyprus, defying the colonial regime that prevailed on the island, poured into the streets with blue and white flags, singing our national anthem and more than 20,000 joined the army while hundreds were killed in battlefields, fighting for freedom and human dignity.

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.