Cyprus News Agency – Page 506 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Cyprus League Matchday 8 concludes with Omonoia’s victory and an AEK-APOEL draw

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.

Cyprus Minister asks EU Council for adequate funding for farmers’ climate crisis adaptation

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou called for adequate funding to support farmers in adapting to the climate crisis and to promote generational renewal in the agricultural sector, during her remarks at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on Monday.

In her statement ahead of the Council, the Minister highlighted three critical issues affecting the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Cyprus. She began by addressing the discussion on the “green architecture” of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. “The climate crisis is already upon us, and its effects are being experienced throughout the food production chain. That is why today’s discussion on the green architecture for the new CAP after 2027 is very important,” she said.

She noted that while the Commission’s proposal includes positive elements, such as the flexibility for member states to adapt their programs to local specificities, “in order to address climate change and the effects of climate change, we need adequate funding.” The Minister also recalled that the Ministers of Agriculture have already jointly expressed their objection to the Commission’s proposal to remove the two pillars and merge the CAP budget with other funds, stating, that “the CAP must maintain its two pillars and an independent budget with an independent funding framework.”

The second issue raised by the Minister concerned “the market situation and the adverse effects on the primary sector in Cyprus due to the prolonged drought, which has affected the entire food production chain.” She requested “adequate and satisfactory support from the Commission,” noting that discussions on this issue are already underway.

Finally, the Minister addressed the “generational renewal strategy” in the agricultural sector, which was presented by the Commissioner. “It is a very important strategy, as we know that the number of young people entering the primary sector across Europe is extremely low-around 12% of those under 40,” she stressed. To make the primary sector attractive to young farmers, “adequate funding is essential,” she concluded, emphasizing that this will be Cyprus’ main request during the discussions. The Minister also underscored the importance of a successful generational renewal strategy for safeguarding food security and maintaining the social cohesion of rural areas.

France determined to assist Cyprus for a successful EU presidency, says Minister delegate for European Affairs [VIDEO]

France is determined to assist Cyprus in any way to make its EU Presidency a successful one said Minister delegate for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, who is visiting Cyprus on Monday.

Haddad met with Cyprus Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Marilena Raouna who spoke of an upgrade of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

In press statements before the meeting, Raouna pointed out that Cyprus and France share a longstanding, excellent partnership.

“We are working upon instructions from our Presidents to upgrade this strategic partnership,” she noted.

Today’s agenda included issues related to the steadfast support to Ukraine. Raouna said that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is a European issue, “is an issue that pertains to the European architecture, and this resonates very strongly here in the European Union’s last member state under military occupation”.

They also discussed the negotiations for the new multi-annual financial framework security and defence, which will be a core priority of the Cyprus presidency and enlargement.

Haddad in his statements noted that the aim of the visit is to continue to deepen and upgrade the very strong relationship between France and Cyprus.

“And we will be finalizing a document which will lead the way to a strategic partnership on all areas encompassing industrial, economic cooperation, energy, and strategic matters to really deepen our partnership,” he said.

As regards the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the French Minister noted that we indeed have very important challenges in front of us.

“The support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, the competitiveness agenda where we need to accelerate the implementation of the Draghi report and data reforms by simplifying our rules, by supporting investment and innovation, by deepening the single market, by protecting our industry against unfair competition and the pressure from abroad”, he said.

Haddad also spoke of the need to upgrade the European industrial defence base at a time when we need to reduce our dependencies on external actors and we are facing geopolitical challenges.

“On all these areas, Cyprus can count on France as a strong, steadfast ally and friend, (something) which is also embodied by the relationship of respect and friendship between our two Presidents. And we’ll be here also preparing an upcoming visit from President Macron”, he said in his press statements.

Haddad was also received later on by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

PRESS RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA

On 30 and 31 October 2025, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs (CCEIA), and the Department of Politics and Governance of the University of Nicosia will hold a high-level conference in Nicosia to discuss the priorities of the Cypriot Council Presidency. The Conference is supported by the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the Cyprus Forum.

On 1 January 2026, Cyprus will succeed Denmark in holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union. With the rise of Russia’s hybrid threats in Europe and a tumultuous relationship with the United States, the EU’s path towards strategic resilience and preparedness needs to be strengthened.

The Cypriot Pre-Presidency Conference (PPC) will be an opportunity to assess how the current global landscape affects both Europe and Cyprus itself, particularly as the island stands at the crossroads of regional tensions. Several policymakers, key figures from academia and civil society from Cyprus and other countries will participate. These include Nikolas A. Ioannidis, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, Theodoros Gkotsis, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Ambassadors of France and Greece to Cyprus.

‘Cyprus will assume the Council Presidency amid heightened geopolitical tensions and fundamental debates about the EU’s future. As security concerns dominate the European agenda, the continued Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus must not be overlooked. Furthermore, at a time when democratic erosion and Euroscepticism threaten the European project, this Conference offers an essential forum for examining how Cyprus can strengthen European security, stability, and prosperity’ states Andreas Theophanous, President of CCEIA.

Commenting on the significance of the Cypriot Presidency, TEPSA’s Executive Director, Mariam Khotenashvili, said ‘The Cypriot Presidency of the Council will need to strive not only for EU unity, but also for sufficient and timely action: on Palestine, on additional EU support to Ukraine, on competitiveness. The challenge is not only to find compromises, but to do what is needed so that EU values and interests are defended.’

The Conference will feature the following panels: ‘TEPSA’s recommendations and perspectives on the objectives of the Trio Presidency (Poland – Denmark – Cyprus)’; ‘The EU as a global power?’; ‘European Security Challenges’; ‘Perspectives on EU enlargement’; ‘Democracy and the role of European citizens’; ‘What socioeconomic paradigm for Europe?’; ‘Energy challenges and green development/transition’, and concluding remarks.

Notes to editors

The ‘Pre-Presidency Conference’ is a flagship initiative of the Trans European Policy Studies Association. These high-level discussions have become a staple of the European political year ever since the first one ahead of the Irish Presidency in 1975.

The Cypriot PPC will take place on 30-31 October at the UNESCO Amphitheatre of the University of Nicosia (Makedonitissis 46).

The conference is co-organised by TEPSA, CCEIA, and the Department of Politics and Governance of the University of Nicosia, and supported by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), the Cyprus Forum, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

Registrations for the conference are open at the following link. An agenda of the conference can be found here. All panel discussions will be livestreamed on TEPSA’s YouTube channel.

For press enquiries and interview requests, please contact Barbara Vanotti (+32493290659), TEPSA’s Communications Manager.

France determined to assist Cyprus for a successful EU presidency, says Minister delegate for European Affairs (2)