Category: Cyprus News Agency

A strategic partnership placing Cyprus at the forefront of Europe’s AI and open hardware innovation, driving sovereign computing and sustainable technology development.

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tenstorrent, a global leader in AI hardware and open computing solutions based on RISC-V architecture. This MoU will significantly strengthen Cyprus’s position in the fields of AI, high-performance computing, and digital sovereignty.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace on Friday 17, October, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou, and Deputy Minister to the President, Mrs. Irene Piki. The signing ceremony followed a high-profile meeting between H.E President Nicos Christodoulides and Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation, and Mr. Jim Keller, Chief Executive Officer of Tenstorrent.

The MoU is significant because it establishes a strategic partnership between Cyprus and Tenstorrent that will strengthen the nation’s capacity in four key areas:

Advancing AI and semiconductor design capabilities, enabling Cyprus to participate in Europe’s growing open hardware and RISC-V ecosystem.

Building sovereign compute infrastructure that supports digital independence and compliance with the EU AI Act.

Promoting academic collaboration and workforce development to nurture new talent in AI, microelectronics, and high-performance computing.

Expanding public-private cooperation to accelerate innovation and commercialisation across sectors such as energy, health, maritime, and defence.

Tenstorrent is an AI chip and systems innovator delivering open-source, cost-effective alternatives to major GPU providers, and is the first AI chip company with world class capabilities that will be opening an office in Cyprus in 2026. This collaboration reinforces Cyprus’s strategic goal to become a regional leader in AI innovation, digital sovereignty, and sustainable technology development, while aligning with European initiatives such as the EuroHPC and Chips Joint Undertakings.

In his statement, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, noted: ‘When we met at the Tenstorrent HQ in Santa Clara during the visit of President Christodoulides to the US last April, we spoke about two things: ambition and opportunity. The ambition of Tenstorrent to build the next generation of open-source, highly efficient semiconductors to power our AI future; our ambition to build the ‘next generation’ of a technology and innovation hub, not only regionally but globally, building on our country’s many advantages and strengths. And the opportunity to develop sovereign AI capabilities in Cyprus through collaboration and a joined co-innovation platform. The Memorandum of Understanding being signed today stands as testament to our commitment to that very opportunity. I thank Tenstorrent for its trust and decision to invest with us in this shared vision.’

Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, stated: ‘This collaboration with Tenstorrent represents a defining step in Cyprus’s technological journey and is a result of tech innovation diplomacy. It reflects our shared commitment to openness, excellence, and innovation that serves society. Tenstorrent’s arrival sends a message that Cyprus’s growing AI innovation ecosystem is now composed of a cutting-edge AI chiplet company with world class capabilities, and with AI, researchers, and more than 100 AI startups , technology companies and customers adopting AI as a strategic advantage’.

Mr. Skourides added, ‘Although this is the beginning of the journey, together, we are strengthening our national capacity in AI and semiconductor design, developing our ability to design and develop sovereign ai solutions – transforming Cyprus into a trusted node in Europe’s technology landscape. Tenstorrent’s arrival completes a major part of the capabilities required to create a competitive AI innovation ecosystem, enabling stakeholders to design and develop everything AI including sovereign AI platforms and autonomous solutions. This development is a game-changer that creates synergies with the world’s most advanced organisation that is entrusting Cyprus’ talent and R and D capabilities.’

Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent, added: ‘We are excited to collaborate with Cyprus, a country that shares our belief in open computing, innovation, and technological independence. This partnership opens the door to new opportunities for research, education, and the co-development of advanced AI and compute technologies that will benefit not just Cyprus, but the broader region and Europe.’

Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman of Invest Cyprus, added: ‘Tenstorrent is the first AI Chip company establishing a presence in Cyprus since President Nicos Christodoulides’ visit in Silicon Valley last April, and the third company from the United States that is entrusting Cyprus as a base for AI in Europe. Having an AI hardware player in Cyprus strengthens Cyprus’ role as a tech hub and acts as talent attraction creating a brain gain effect.’

The signing ceremony represents the culmination of an extensive series of high-level engagements between Cyprus and Tenstorrent – a collaboration that originated from H.E. President Nikos Christodoulides’s official visit to the United States, where he met Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller in California. Following that meeting, Tenstorrent’s leadership team undertook a series of visits to Cyprus throughout 2024 and 2025, led and coordinated by Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, and supported by the Deputy Ministry of Digital Policy, Research and Innovation, and the CEO of Invest Cyprus, Mr. Marios Tannousis.

Meetings were held with Deputy Minister to the President, Mrs. Irene Piki; Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Nicodemos Damianou; and the Research and Innovation Foundation, as well as Invest Cyprus, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), leading universities, and Centres of Excellence such as the KIOS Research and Innovation Center, CYENS, and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI).

The signing ceremony was also attended by officials, ambassadors, distinguished guests, rectors and academics from Cyprus’s leading universities, and representatives from the country’s research excellence centres. Their presence underscored the national importance of this strategic partnership and its potential to strengthen Cyprus’s position in the global AI and semiconductor ecosystem.

Tenstorrent stands apart through its open-source hardware design based on RISC-V architecture, positioning it among the world’s most innovative AI and semiconductor companies. Its technology enables democratised access to high-performance computing, making it a natural partner in Cyprus’s vision for AI sovereignty, digital independence, and sustainable technological growth. Jim Keller is a world-renowned microprocessor engineer and technology leader, known for his pivotal role in designing the chips that power the iPhone and iPad at Apple, the groundbreaking processors at AMD, and the advanced hardware platforms at Tesla.

The strategic MoU supports and enhances the implementation of the President’s ‘Vision 2035’ for the Republic of Cyprus, the National AI Strategy, and the Minds in Cyprus initiative, which together aim to transform national research excellence into innovation-driven growth and global impact.

Cyprus aims to strengthen its position in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and digital sovereignty through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday between the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and Tenstorrent Inc., a global leader in AI and RISC-V-based computing solutions.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Dr. Nicodemos Damianou and Deputy Minister to the President Irini Piki, following a meeting between Tenstorrent executives and President Nikos Christodoulides. The MoU was signed by Chief Scientist Dr. Demetris Skourides, in his capacity as RIF Chairman, and Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller.

According to the RIF, the agreement marks a milestone in Cyprus’ technological development, establishing a long-term partnership to enhance the country’s capacity in four key areas: AI and semiconductor design, integrating Cyprus into Europe’s open-source and RISC-V ecosystem, sovereign computing infrastructure supporting the EU’s AI regulatory framework, academic collaboration and talent development in AI, microelectronics, and high-performance computing and public-private partnerships driving innovation in sectors such as energy, health, shipping, and defence.

Deputy Minister Damianou described the MoU as ‘a tangible demonstration of Cyprus’ ambition to build the next generation of a technology and innovation hub, both regionally and globally.’ Dr. Skourides said the collaboration represents ‘a defining step in Cyprus’ technological journey,’ reflecting the nation’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller praised Cyprus as ‘a country that shares our vision for open computing, innovation, and technological independence,’ adding that the company plans to open offices in Cyprus in 2026, creating new opportunities for research, education, and AI development.

It is noted that Tenstorrent is a leading innovator in open hardware design and AI chips based on RISC-V architecture, offering open-source alternatives to major GPU providers. The agreement aligns with Cyprus’ Vision 2035, its National AI Strategy, and the Minds in Cyprus initiative, reinforcing the island’s emergence as a regional innovation hub, the announcement concludes.

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, held a telephone conversation on Friday with the President of the European Council, António Costa, ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting scheduled for October 23. During the call, the two leaders exchanged views on the items on the meeting’s agenda.

According to a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides provided a detailed overview of recent developments in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of the agreement concerning Gaza and the need for its immediate and comprehensive implementation, in line with the 20-point plan presented by the President of the United States.

In this context, President Christodoulides informed Costa of the six-point proposal put forward by the Republic of Cyprus, which he initially presented at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and more recently shared with the President of the European Commission. As Letymbiotis noted, the Cypriot initiative focuses on three key pillars, the humanitarian dimension, security, and reconstruction. It offers a complementary framework for implementing specific aspects of the US President’s 20-point plan.

President Christodoulides also stated his intention to present the Cypriot initiative in detail to the EU Heads of State or Government during the European Council meeting, stressing that the EU’s active involvement in the next phase of the agreement’s implementation is of critical importance.

Furthermore, President Christodoulides expressed the view that the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, during the first half of 2026, could serve as a vehicle to further elevate the Union’s role in the region, particularly in matters of peace, stability, and reconstruction.

The Government Spokesperson also said that President Christodoulides welcomed the convening of the first EU-Egypt Summit on the sidelines of the European Council meeting. He underscored Egypt’s role as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and emphasized that strengthening EU cooperation with Egypt, as well as with other regional actors, is essential for advancing regional peace and security.

The Republic of Cyprus will assume for a second time the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1st, 2026, for a period of six months, as part of a Trio Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.

Finally, President Christodoulides stressed the urgent need to proceed with the disbursement of the second financial assistance package to Egypt, noting that this support is vital for maintaining stability in the EU’s southern neighbourhood.

European Union annual inflation was 2.6% in September 2025, up from 2.4% in August, according to data released on Friday by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Cyprus is the only member state with zero annual inflation.

According to Eurostat, the euro area recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.2%, up from 2.0% in August 2025 and 1.7% in September 2024. The EU, on the other hand, reached 2.6%, compared to 2.4% the previous month and 2.1% year-on-year. The highest inflation rates were recorded in Romania at 8.6%, followed by Estonia at 5.3%, and both Croatia and Slovakia at 4.6%. Conversely, the lowest rates were observed in France at 1.1%, Italy and Greece at 1.8%, while Cyprus remained at 0%.

Regarding Cyprus, annual inflation remained at 0%, unchanged from August 2025, with a slightly negative monthly trend of -0.4%. This was particularly notable, as one year earlier, inflation in Cyprus stood at 1.6%, while in other countries such as Romania and Estonia, prices showed a strong upward trend.

The main contributors to inflation in the euro area were services, with a contribution of 1.49%, followed by food, alcohol, and tobacco at 0.58%, and non-energy industrial goods at 0.20%. In contrast, energy had a negative contribution of -0.03%, slightly reducing overall inflation.

Commission welcomes political agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), a key instrument to support common procurement and industrial ramp-up, as well as to implement the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the proposed Defence Readiness Flagships.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘I welcome the agreement on the European Defence Industry Programme. pound 1.5 billion to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, support Ukraine and ensure we are defence-ready by 2030, in line with our ‘Preserving Peace’ roadmap. Because when we invest in readiness, we invest in peace. Congratulations to the Danish Presidency for seeing this crucial programme through.”

With a budget of pound 1.5 billion for 2025-2027, EDIP introduces targeted measures to address the main challenges faced by Europe’s defence industry, including industrialisation of defence products, industrial ramp-up, support to European supply chains and SMEs, and the development of Ukraine’s defence technological and industrial base.

A press release is available online.

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

Commission specifies details of active account requirements

The European Commission has specified the details of the active account requirement for certain counterparties introduced under the recent amendments to the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (‘EMIR 3’). EMIR 3 enables central counterparties (CCPs) to bring new products to the EU market faster, making EU clearing services more attractive while preserving financial stability. It also addresses the financial stability risks associated with excessive exposures to systemically important third-country CCPs by requiring certain counterparties to clear a number of key derivative transactions in the EU – the so-called active account requirements.

CCPs stand between the two counterparties (such as banks) in a derivatives contract, acting as buyer to the seller, and as seller to the buyer of the contract. Their main purpose is to manage the risk that could arise if one of the counterparties defaults on the obligations arising from that contract.

The requirement to hold an active account with an EU CCP has been applicable since December 2024 and the requirement to clear a representative number of transactions in that account applies since June 2025. Today’s delegated act provides additional clarity on how counterparties are expected to comply with the new requirements, and on how competent authorities are expected to enforce those requirements. In particular, the delegated act specifies the number of representative transactions that counterparties subject to these requirements are expected to clear in EU CCPs. It also defines when they should do so.

Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luis Albuquerque, said: ‘Central clearing is a process that is vital for well-functioning EU capital markets. EMIR 3 requires certain counterparties to hold active accounts and clear a number of transactions at Union CCPs., With this technical standard we are providing the market with the clarity it needs to apply the new rules effectively. I trust that the European Parliament and the Council will endorse it swiftly, allowing the new regime to take full effect.’

The delegated act will be sent to the European Parliament and the Council who have 3 months to scrutinise it. Once endorsed, it will be published in the Official Journal and enter into force 20 days after its publication.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

EU and Polish scientists team up to tackle energy, digital and sustainability challenges

Today, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Poland’s Lukasiewicz Research Network have launched a new partnership to strengthen scientific cooperation in key areas such as advanced materials, sustainable chemistry, energy transition, digitalisation, and the circular economy.

This new Memorandum of Understanding will deepen Poland’s contribution to European research and innovation while helping translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for citizens and businesses. By pooling expertise and resources, the JRC and Lukasiewicz aim to accelerate the development of technologies that support Europe’s green and digital transitions.

The five-year Memorandum of Understanding, signed today in Warsaw, will promote joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for Lukasiewicz laboratories to support JRC research. The agreement was signed by JRC Director-General Bernard Magenhann and Lukasiewicz President Hubert Cichocki, in the presence of Poland’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Minister Marcin Kulasek.

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

Commission launches survey on European Child Guarantee

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the European Commission has launched a survey to hear from children, young people, their parents and guardians about their views on the European Child Guarantee.

This initiative aims to provide all children in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion with access to vital services, including early childhood education and care, education, nutrition, healthcare, and housing. The survey’s findings will help identify effective strategies, areas for improvement, and methods to better incorporate children’s voice into EU policy making.

The online survey will remain open for 7 weeks, until 8 December 2025. It is run via the EU Children’s Participation Platform and is part of the Commission’s wider commitment to tackling poverty and supporting social inclusion across Europe.

The feedback will contribute to the upcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy, which has a separate public consultation open until 24 October.

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, said: ‘Every child deserves a fair start in life. Yet, one in four children in Europe face poverty or social exclusion. Since the European Child Guarantee was launched in 2021, we have made progress, but we still need to do more. The EU already makes a real difference in lifting children out of poverty. The European Social Fund Plus provides crucial support for children in poverty, for example through school food programmes, early childhood education and care initiatives. Hearing from children and young people directly is essential to help us make the Child Guarantee stronger so that we ensure that no child in Europe is left behind.’

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)

Applications open for hosting new EU Customs Authority

The European Commission has launched a call for applications for Member States to express their interest in hosting the future EU Customs Authority (EUCA). The newly established EUCA will support the Member States’ customs authorities in simplifying customs for businesses, ensuring the effective collection of duties and taxes for both EU and national budgets, and contributing to enhancing protection of the Single Market against unsafe or illicit products. The call for application builds on the criteria as agreed by the European Parliament and the Council.

Member States are encouraged to submit their applications within six weeks of the launch. All received applications will undergo a general assessment by the Commission and will be made publicly available on a dedicated website. The final decision will be made by the co-legislators based on a transparent application process to be concluded before the end of the legislative procedure.

As part of its core mandate, the EUCA will operate the EU Customs Data Hub, a digital platform intended to centralise and manage all EU customs data. It will gradually replace the existing fragmented national IT systems, enabling a unified, data-driven EU approach to risk management and customs processes across the Union.

The creation of the EUCA is crucial in the context of the EU Customs Reform package, presented by the Commission in May 2023, which aims to modernise the overall functioning of the EU Customs Union. On 27 June 2025, the Council adopted its negotiating mandate on a core element to reform the EU Customs Code (UCC).

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

Statement by the Commission on current discussions on the MFF proposal

The proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, presented by the Commission on 16 July, puts forward a significantly streamlined and simplified budgetary architecture, designed to respond effectively to the Union’s new and evolving challenges.

The Commission is now engaged in constructive exchanges with the European Parliament and the Council listening to and discussing their views. These discussions will allow the institutions to examine the proposal in detail and agree on the best way forward.

At this stage, the Commission does not speculate on individual elements of the proposal or individual positions by the co-legislators. We remain focused on achieving an outcome that ensures a modern, balanced, and future-oriented EU budget serving the interests of all Europeans.

Commission approves pound 63 million Greek State aid for the development of a soil-free tomato facility

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, over pound 63 million in aid to support the construction of a cutting-edge, Ultra-Clima hydroponic plant for the production of tomatoes in the town of Ptolemaida. The facility, operated by Wonderplant S.A., will grow the tomatoes without soil, allowing for an efficient and sustainable way to grow fresh tomatoes year-round.

The aid will be paid in the form of a direct grant and will cover 50% of the total amount of the project investment costs. The investment will support the local and national economy by fostering a sustainable, resilient and competitive tomato sector. It will also create approximately 150 new jobs in the region. The aid will be financed by the Just Transition Fund.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission found that the aid is necessary and appropriate to encourage the relevant investment. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Greek aid under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.118977 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides presented on Friday the Cypriot initiative concerning the implementation of the Gaza Agreement during a videoconference of the heads of state and government of the European People’s Party (EPP), which also included the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament. The meeting was held ahead of the European Council summit scheduled for October 23.

According to a written statement by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the discussion focused on the issues on the agenda of the upcoming European Council, including the latest regional developments. Emphasis was placed on the agreement reached on Gaza and its signing at the Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as on matters of European defence, security and competitiveness.

President Christodoulides gave an overview of the recent developments in the Middle East, underlining the importance of the Gaza Agreement and the need for its swift and full implementation, based on the 20-point plan presented by the President of the United States.

He also outlined Cyprus’s six-point initiative, proposed by the Republic of Cyprus during the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit and previously shared with the President of the European Commission during a telephone conversation on October 12.

The President of the European Commission thanked the Republic of Cyprus for the document outlining the Cypriot initiative and expressed her intention to include it on the agenda of the upcoming MED9 Summit, which will take place in Slovenia on October 20, it is added.

The six points of the Cypriot initiative are structured around three dimensions – humanitarian aspect, security, and reconstruction – and are designed to contribute to the implementation of specific aspects of the US President’s 20-point plan, the statement reads.

President Christodoulides said he would present the Cypriot initiative to the leaders of the EU member states at the European Council meeting, pointing out the key role the European Union must play in the next phase of the Agreement’s implementation. He also expressed confidence that the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, during the first half of 2026, can substantially contribute to strengthening the EU’s role in the region, including the implementation of the Agreement.

On the topic of EU defence and security, the President welcomed the initiatives already undertaken and stressed the importance of further targeted actions. He underlined that strengthening defence and security is a national priority for the Republic of Cyprus, noting the significant initiatives already underway using EU instruments and programmes, such as the SAFE Mechanism. He added that Cyprus is taking all necessary steps to fully utilise the funds secured under the programme.

Regarding competitiveness, President Christodoulides welcomed the European Commission’s simplification packages, which will be a focus of work during the Cypriot EU Presidency.

He also referred to the housing issue, which affects all EU member states and has been identified as a national priority for Cyprus. He informed participants about the initiatives already implemented at the national level and announced Nicosia’s intention to convene an informal Council of Ministers in Cyprus dedicated specifically to this issue during the Cypriot Presidency.

University of Nicosia Medical School hosts multi-disciplinary Mental Health Conference on World Mental Health Day

The University of Nicosia Medical School, the Committee for the Supervision and Protection of the Rights of Mental Health Patients, and the Cyprus Psychiatric Society jointly organised a conference titled: ‘Access to Mental Health Services for People Exposed to Disasters and Other Emergencies’ on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at the UNESCO Amphitheatre, University of Nicosia.

The conference, which was held on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, brought together over 65 participants from various disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, and psychotherapy.

Through a series of roundtable discussions and presentations, the event explored critical topics such as forensic psychiatry, interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health care, and access to services for individuals affected by disasters.

The conference concluded with an engaging session on the future role of artificial intelligence in psychiatry, fostering dialogue and collaboration among professionals dedicated to advancing mental health services in Cyprus.

An annual increase of 12% was recorded in September as regards the number of tourist arrivals to Cyprus.

According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the arrivals of tourists reached 570,635 in September 2025 compared to 509,463 in September 2024, recording an increase of 12%.

For the period of January – September 2025, arrivals of tourists totaled 3,604,790 compared to 3,268,090 in the corresponding period of 2024, recording an increase of 10.3%.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for September 2025, with a share of 31.4% (179,293) of total arrivals, followed by Israel with 14% (80,115), Poland with 7.9% (45,019), Germany with 6% (34,348), Sweden with 3.6% (20,570), Romania with 3.1% (17,975) and Greece with 3% (17,217).

For a percentage of 84.8% of tourists, the purpose of their trip in September 2025 was holidays, for 10.1% visit to friends and relatives and for 5% business. Respectively, in September 2024, 85.1% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, 9.6% visited friends or relatives and 5.2% visited Cyprus for business reasons.

Returns of Residents of Cyprus

Meanwhile, the Statistical Service says that a total number of 166,129 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in September 2025 compared to 156,153 in the corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 6.4%.

The main countries from which residents of Cyprus returned in September 2025 were Greece with a share of 35.8% (59,514), Russia with 6.6% (10,987), the United Kingdom with 6.6% (10,964) and Italy with 5.2% (8,711).

The purpose of travel for the residents of Cyprus in September 2025 was mainly holidays, with a percentage of 76.1%, whilst business reasons held a percentage of 21%, studies 1.6% and other reasons 1.3%.

In a key debate on Tuesday morning, MEPs and Commission representatives will discuss the recent Middle East peace agreement and the role of the EU.

Parliament’s priorities for the October European Council

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Stepping up funding for Ukraine and using frozen Russian assets

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Modernising the EU driving licence

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2025 Sakharov Prize laureate to be revealed on Wednesday

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ing all Russian energy imports

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Belarus: Sergey Tihanovski and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to address MEPs

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EU priorities for 2026: MEPs to grill Commission on work programme

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Allegations of Hungarian espionage

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Combating violence against women and girls

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Taking stock of the seasonal clock change

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Google: Parliament to debate abusive behaviour against backdrop of media freedom

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COP30: MEP demands ahead of this year’s global climate negotiations

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Daphne Caruana Galizia murder: Parliament to discuss delayed justice in Malta

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2026 EU budget: MEPs to vote on their position

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Serbia: polarisation and increased repression

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Monitoring the state of EU forests: MEPs to vote on two laws

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Revised rules for European political parties and foundations

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Chemicals: vote on simpler and more transparent assessment rules

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Protection of the EU film industry and relations with the US

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CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (D)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0000 18/10/2025 UNTIL 2400 18/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure starts affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night Northwest to Northeast 3, at times 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning West to Northwest 3, locally at first Variable Smooth to Slight

Afternoon West to Northwest 4, gradually locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, gradually locally Slight

Tonight Northwest to North 3, locally at first West to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

South Coast

Night Northwest to North 3, locally Variable 2 to 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4, gradually locally West 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate, gradually locally Slight

Tonight West to Northwest 3, locally at first West 4 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

East Coast

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning West to Northwest 3, later South to Southwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 3 to 4, later Southwest to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Tonight West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, gradually West to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Tonight Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight, locally offshore Slight