Category: Cyprus News Agency

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 24/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 25/10/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is starting to affect the area. The weather will be mainly fine, with locally increased cloud at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to North 2 to 3, locally at first West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

Morning

Variable 2 to 3, gradually Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

South Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3 to 4, later 2 to 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 2 to 3, soon locally West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight

East Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 3, gradually Variable

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3, initially offshore West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight, initially offshore Slight

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally at first South to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4, locally near the coast 3 to 4

Slight

The Nicosia Assize Court ruled on Friday that property developer Simon Aykut, a person of Israeli, Portuguese and Turkish citizenship, must serve an immediate five-year prison sentence, for offenses related to the usurpation of real estate of Greek Cypriot refugee-owners in the Turkish occupied territories of Cyprus.

On October 24, 2025, the Assize Court of Nicosia imposed an immediate five-year prison sentence, to be served concurrently, for each of the 40 counts of fraudulent transaction in which the person was found guilty following an admission of guilt during an intermediate hearing, for offenses related to the usurpation of real estate of Greek Cypriot refugee-owners in the occupied territories.

The convicted has actively participated in the ‘Afik’ group that operated in the Turkish-occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus between 2014 and 2024, constructing and offering for sale residential units in six tourist complexes, on plots of land belonging to Greek Cypriot refugees, without direct or indirect consent for the use and exploitation of the land by the legal owners.

In total, 40 plots of land, worth approximately pound 38.9 million and with a total area of 394,969 sq m, were used illegally.

The Law Office of the Republic says in a press release that the crime of fraudulent transactions in real estate, of which the defendant was found guilty, upon his own admission, is a very serious one, since it contains the element of deceiving other persons, in order to serve selfish purposes, undermining financial transactions.

The Court, citing the rich case law of the Courts of the Republic and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, ruled among others that the defendant’s actions constituted a serious violation of the rights of the legal owners and reinforce illegal acts committed in the Turkish-occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus. Such crimes are showing an alarming increase and require deterrent sentences, the Court stressed.

The Court’s long decision was read out by President of the three-member Court, Christiana Parpotta, who said that based on article 117 of Chapter 155, the sentences are valid from 19.06.2024.

She noted that the accused was also facing a number of other charges, which, however, after his admission to the charges mentioned above, were suspended by the Attorney General.

Parpotta also referred to the risk of creating further illegal faits accomplis on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, in relation to the property rights of displaced persons.

She pointed out that offences of this nature, against properties belonging to Cypriots, displaced persons, have unfortunately taken on worrying proportions in recent years. She noted that the Courts, which are the guardians of legality, must deal with the perpetrators by imposing strict, deterrent sentences.

The Courts, she said, must, with the penalties they impose, assist the state in its efforts to stop such actions, with the aim of protecting the property rights of citizens.

She noted that the increase of such offenses, but especially offenses involving fraudulent transactions in relation to real estate belonging to another person, and which is located in areas not controlled by the Republic, is an additional reason, which, combined with their seriousness, requires them to be dealt with with deterrent penalties, she stressed.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2024, is divided following the Turkish invasion of 1974.

At the initiative of Cyprus and a group of other EU member states, a reference has been added to the European Council Conclusions calling for a review of the framework governing the new EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2) for road transport and building heating. Stressing the need for a balance between climate goals and competitiveness, Nicosia is seeking a more flexible and socially fair approach for small and island states, as well as a postponement of ETS2’s implementation until 2030.

Cyprus, already heavily burdened by the existing emissions trading system for industry and energy due to its reliance on fossil fuels, is expected to face additional pressure with the launch of ETS2, which extends the scheme to road transport and heating from 2027.

Following the intervention of the group of member states including Cyprus, the Council Conclusions now call on the European Commission to propose additional measures to stabilize prices, taking into account the social and economic impact.

Under ETS2, fuel companies will also be required to purchase CO2 emission allowances. The price of these allowances will be determined through market auctions, and the cost is likely to be passed on to consumers.

According to government sources, the core issue for Cyprus is striking a balance between the EU’s climate ambitions and economic competitiveness.

The Republic of Cyprus, the same sources noted, supports the transition to a green economy, but ‘with realism and social fairness.’ It does not question the ambition of the targets but calls for a more flexible and practical approach, particularly for small, island, and peripheral states such as Cyprus.

Cyprus believes that the planned launch of ETS2 in 2027 should be reconsidered. Together with other countries – including Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Estonia – it proposes suspending or delaying the system’s implementation until 2030. This would allow time for technical improvements to the mechanism, for the Social Climate Plans to be implemented in advance to support vulnerable households, and for energy prices and inflation to stabilize.

According to the same sources, as an island state, Cyprus places particular emphasis on the need for energy storage capacity, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapting to green requirements, stronger energy interconnections with the European grid, and the development of renewable energy within the island’s geographical constraints.

At the same time, Cyprus is calling for references to the specific challenges faced by islands, such as increased emissions caused by natural disasters and limited CO2 absorption capacity due to small forest coverage.

Position on the 2040 Emissions Target

——————————————

Cyprus supports setting a quantified emissions reduction target for 2040, provided that it is realistic and achievable, based on detailed impact assessments for each member state and accompanied by support and funding mechanisms.

‘Cyprus’s approach is practical: to advance the green transition, but in a way that does not overburden citizens or undermine the competitiveness of the European and Cypriot economy,’ the sources said.

The EU has established the Social Climate Fund, which will finance energy-efficient home renovations, clean transport, and subsidies for the energy transition of vulnerable households.

Cyprus stresses that the fund must become operational first so that the introduction of ETS2 does not burden households and small businesses without adequate preparation.

The Central Bank of Cyprus held Friday its first focus session on the digital euro with payment service providers, namely banks, payment institutions, and electronic money institutions.

In a press release, CBC notes that the welcoming speech on behalf of the Governor, Christodoulos Patsalides, was delivered by the Executive Director, George Karatzias, who stated that the session takes place at a momentous juncture, heralded on one hand by the preparations for the digital euro only five days before the Governing Council of the ECB decides on the project’s next steps, and on the other hand amidst intense legislative negotiations in Brussels for the ‘Single Currency Package’.

The Governor’s key message focused on the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience, and in specific on reducing the full dependency of consumers and businesses in Cyprus on non-European payment service providers. The Governor encouraged payment service providers to become well-versed with the ‘Digital Euro Rulebook’ and to assess how it impacts the broader context of their digitalisation, innovation, and business models. Another equally important call from the Governor related to the wider participation of the Cypriot market in the second round of experimentation activities on the European Central Bank’s innovation platform.

The Director General of the Directorate General Payments, Stelios Georgakis, together with the Head of Policy and Oversight of Payment Systems Section, Stella Ioannidou, jointly presented the project status update and the forthcoming decisions, as well as key provisions of the ‘Single Currency Package,’ which are of interest for payment service providers as future distributors and acquirers of the digital euro. According to the press release, among the main messages that were conveyed was the use of the digital euro infrastructure rails to ensure that any private payment solutions considered by the Cypriot market gain a pan-European rather than solely national scope.

A keynote presentation was made by the representative of the European Central Bank, Patrick Papsdorf, Rulebook Development Manager, with respect to the establishment of a unified set of standards, procedures, and rules for digital euro payments across the euro area, in line with the provisions of the legislation currently under negotiation in Brussels. Papsdorf highlighted general aspects of the ongoing work of the Rulebook Development Group (RDG) and informed payment service providers about their participation in the digital euro scheme.

In particular, reference was made to the eligibility criteria, the onboarding process, the resulting obligations, the terms and conditions for termination or suspension of participation, as well as the procedures that are activated in the case of breaches. While a new version of the draft rulebook was delivered to the RDG it was clarified that it is sufficiently flexible to accommodate for changes arising from the legislative discussions on the draft digital euro regulation.

According to CBC, an important area of the presentation related to the rulebook structure and coverage of digital euro services, these being the management of access, liquidity, and transactions in digital euro. Highlighted were also the draft minimum user experience, illustrative user journeys and end to end flows. Papsdorf emphasised to the Cypriot market that adherence to the rulebook would ensure a standardised, secure, and high-quality user experience for all parties involved, while fostering innovation and competition across the euro area.

A panel discussion followed, in which representatives from the Central Banks of Greece, Estonia, Austria, and Cyprus took part. In particular, Sissy Papagiannidou, Rainer Olt, Asen Naydenov, and Stelios Georgakis examined a series of issues related to costs, network effects, where the value and usefulness of a payment system increase as more users get on board, perceived risks, resilience, and the path towards market readiness for the adoption of the digital euro. “These topics are important not only from a technical perspective but also hold strategic significance for Europe’s future”, CBC notes.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides will participate in a video conference of the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine, scheduled for 1700 Cyprus time.

The meeting, in London, convened by British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, takes place a day after the EU Summit in Brussels, which was attended by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Prime Ministers of Denmark, the Netherlands and the Secretary General of NATO are expected in London for the meeting while other twenty leaders are set to participate in the talks via video calls.

President Chistodoulides told the press on Thursday, in Brussels, where he participated in the European Council, that Cyprus expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and underlined the need for countries associated with the EU not to avoid sanctions.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 24/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 25/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is starting to affect the area. The weather will be mainly fine, with locally increased cloud at times. Risk an isolated shower, over the east, in the afternoon.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 24/10/2025

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 79.463,77

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

169,460

0,060

76.684,610

MAIN MARKET INDEX

228,240

0,060

55.176,920

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.202,690

0,420

30.659,550

CSE GENERAL INDEX

279,470

0,060

79.463,770

HOTELS INDEX

1.699,320

1,790

1.935,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

1.843,190

0,170

24.286,850

Commission preliminarily finds TikTok and Meta in breach of their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act

Today, the European Commission preliminarily found both TikTok and Meta in breach of their obligation to grant researchers adequate access to public data under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission also preliminarily found Meta, for both Instagram and Facebook, in breach of its obligations to provide users simple mechanisms to notify illegal content, as well as to allow them to effectively challenge content moderation decisions.

Data access for researchers

The Commission’s preliminary findings show that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok may have put in place burdensome procedures and tools for researchers to request access to public data. This often leaves them with partial or unreliable data, impacting their ability to conduct research, such as whether users, including minors, are exposed to illegal or harmful content.

Allowing researchers access to platforms’ data is an essential transparency obligation under the DSA, as it provides public scrutiny into the potential impact of platforms on our physical and mental health.

Notice and Action mechanisms

When it comes to Meta, neither Facebook nor Instagram appear to provide a user-friendly and easily accessible ‘Notice and Action’ mechanism for users to flag illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content. The mechanisms that Meta currently applies seems to impose several unnecessary steps and additional demands on users. In addition, both Facebook and Instagram appear to use so-called ‘dark patterns’, or deceptive interface designs, when it comes to the ‘Notice and Action’ mechanisms.

Such practices can be confusing and dissuading. Meta’s mechanisms to flag and remove illegal content may therefore be ineffective. Under the DSA, ‘Notice and Action’ mechanisms are key to allowing EU users and trusted flaggers to inform online platforms that certain content does not comply with EU or national laws. Online platforms do not benefit from the DSA’s liability exemption in cases where they have not acted expeditiously after being made aware of the presence of illegal content on their services.

Content moderation appeals

The DSA also gives users in the EU the right to challenge content moderation decisions when platforms remove their content or suspend their accounts. At this stage, the decision appeal mechanisms of both Facebook and Instagram does not appear to allow users to provide explanations or supporting evidence to substantiate their appeals. This makes it difficult for users in the EU to further explain why they disagree with Meta’s content decision, limiting the effectiveness of the appeals mechanism.

The Commission’s views related to Meta’s reporting tool, dark patterns and complaint mechanism are based on an in-depth investigation, including co-operation with Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish Digital Services Coordinator.

These are preliminary findings which do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

Next steps

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok now have the possibility to examine the documents in the Commission’s investigation files and reply in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. The platforms can take measures to remedy the breaches. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted.

If the Commission’s views are ultimately confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, which can trigger a fine of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider. The Commission can also impose periodic penalty payments to compel a platform to comply.

New possibilities for researchers will open up on 29 October 2025, as the delegated act on data access comes into force. This act will grant access to non-public data from very large online platforms and search engines, aiming to enhance their accountability and identify potential risks arising from their activities.

Background

The Commission’s preliminary findings are part of the Commission’s formal proceedings launched into Meta, and formal proceedings to investigate TikTok, under the DSA. The Commission continues its investigation into other potential breaches that are part of these ongoing proceedings. These formal proceedings under the DSA are distinct from ongoing investigations against Facebook, Instagram and TikTok concerning compliance with other relevant EU law.

Quote(s)

Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny. The DSA makes this a duty, not a choice. With today’s actions, we have now issued preliminary findings on researchers’ access to data to four platforms. We are making sure platforms are accountable for their services, as ensured by EU law, towards users and society.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

President von der Leyen participates in Nordic Council meeting, Sweden

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be in Sweden on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October 2025 for her first ever participation in a Nordic Council meeting. This visit will be an opportunity to engage with the region’s leaders on competitiveness, defence readiness and the Arctic.

On Monday evening, President von der Leyen will participate in a working dinner with business leaders and Swedish ministers hosted by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson.

On Tuesday morning, President von der Leyen will participate in a joint meeting with the Nordic Prime Ministers – Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark; Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway; Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland; Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland; Katrin Sjögren, Premier of Åland; Aksel V. Johannesen, Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands; and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Prime Minister of Greenland, together with Karen Elleman, Secretary-General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. A press conference is foreseen after the meeting, around 10:45 CET. It will be broadcast live on EBS. The President will then attend a lunch hosted by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf at the Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, President von der Leyen will head to Riksdagen, the Swedish Parliament, to deliver a keynote speech at the Nordic Council’s 77th session, on the theme ‘The Nordics together – Nordic value and cohesion in troubled times.’ Follow the speech live on EBS as of 14:00 CET.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66)

Commissioner Jørgensen in Romania and Bulgaria for key discussions on interconnectivity, energy security and prices

On 27-28 October, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will be in Romania to co-host the Ministerial meeting of the High-Level Group on Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) and in Bulgaria to visit the Vertical Gas Corridor.

On Monday, Commissioner Jørgensen will co-host the CESEC Ministerial with the Romanian Energy Minister, Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, where discussions will focus on delivering REPowerEU objectives as the EU advances its negotiations to gradually phase out fossil fuel imports from Russia. Discussions will also touch upon how to make energy prices more affordable via stronger interconnectivity, market integration and diversification. The discussion will build on the set of actions to lower energy prices outlined by the Commission earlier this week, including an upcoming gas demand aggregation exercise for interested parties in the region. At around 10:45 CEST, the Commissioner will hold a joint press point with the Romanian Energy Minister that you can follow live on EBS.

Commissioner Jørgensen will meet with the Romanian Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, and hold a series of bilateral meetings with Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, Romanian Energy Minister; George Niculescu, President of the National Regulator Authority; and Ion Sterian, General Director of the national gas transmission system operator (TSO) Transgaz. In the afternoon, he will visit the National Energy Dispatch Centre, managed by Transelectrica power TSO.

On Tuesday, in Bulgaria, Commissioner Jørgensen and Ministers of the respective European countries involved in the Vertical Gas Corridor will visit the facilities under construction. They will address the press on the importance to enhancing energy security and diversifying gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe, which plays a key role in phasing out Russian gas imports.

Audiovisual coverage of the Commissioner’s CESEC participation and visits will be available on EBS.

Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Cyprus, Abdallah Attari, has called on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

In a press release, he says that “we followed with great satisfaction the statement of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, on Euronews, in which he highlighted the contribution of the Cypriot Government to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as the six-point plan of the Republic of Cyprus for Gaza. Initiatives such as these strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and reinforce the role of the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the United Nations and UNRWA”.

He adds that “in response to a journalist’s question regarding the two-state solution, at a time when the United States and Israel oppose it, President Christodoulides replied with clarity and determination: there is no other viable solution than the two-state solution. He further stressed that without a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question, based on this principle, there can be no stability or peace throughout the region.”

Finally, the Ambassador says that “we call on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza”.

“At the same time, we urge those states that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so without delay, thereby strengthening the prospects for peace, justice, and international legitimacy” he concludes.

Courtesy Meeting between the School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology and Neapolis University Pafos and American University of Beirut (Mediterraneo)

The School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) held a courtesy meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with representatives from Neapolis University Pafos and the American University of Beirut. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaborative ties and explore prospects for joint initiatives in tourism education and research.

The meeting took place in a spirit of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, highlighting the importance of cooperation among academic institutions in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region for the promotion of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.

Representing the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) were Professor Nikolas Tsapatsoulis, Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, and Professor Evangelos Akylas, Vice-Rector of Financial Planning and Development.

From the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Associate Professor Antonis Theocharous, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Assistant Professor Elias Hadjielias, representing the Department of Management Entrepreneurship and Digital Business participated in the meeting.

From Neapolis University Pafos, the delegation included Professor Pantelis Sklias, Rector, Professor Savvas Chatzittofis, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and the Chair of the Department of Communication and Creativity. The representatives of Neapolis University emphasized the importance of fostering synergies that will enhance educational experience and research activity in the fields of tourism, communication, and the creative industries.

Representing the American University of Beirut were Professor Alain Daou, Dean of the School of Management, and Professor Mallek Tabbal, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who expressed their appreciation for the invitation and their interest in developing collaborations with Cypriot academic institutions in areas such as tourism management, sustainability, and hospitality education.

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for joint research programs, student and staff exchanges, as well as organizing conferences and scientific events focusing on tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all participants committing to continue dialogue and strengthen their collaboration through specific initiatives aimed at advancing tourism education and research in Pafos and the wider region.