Category: Cyprus News Agency

Department of Meteorology

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 08/10/2025

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties, participating at the monthly bicommunal meetings that take place at Ledra Palace Hotel under the auspices of the Slovak Embassy, pay tribute to Katie Clerides who was a long standing and dedicated member of our forum and to express their deep sadness for her loss.

?atie Clerides passed away two days ago aged 76. She served, among other posts, as an MP of DISY.

In a joint Communiqué of the leaders and representatives of the parties, it is noted that “Katie had earned the respect of Cypriots in both communities for her sincere concern and continuous efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem and for building trust between the two communities.”

“In the words of one of our members, ”Cyprus has lost a great treasure”. We all offer our condolences to her family and loved ones”, the joint statement reads.

The tax reform bills are expected to be completed within the next few days, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Wednesday evening, noting that they are currently at the Law Office.

In his statements after a meeting he had with the Tax Commissioner and the General Secretariat of SEK trade union, Keravnos said that they had a ‘very productive discussion’ on the tax reform.

In the meeting, SEK submitted their supplementary proposals on the tax reform. The Finance Minister said that ‘a lot of clarifications were given’ both from the government side to the union and from the union to the government side, ‘which, I think help everyone move forward and to complete the tax reform package in a timely and comprehensive manner, and to table it to Parliament.’

Asked where the bills were now, the Minister said they are with the Law Office (for legal vetting) and that, it is expected that ‘within the next, few days, they will be completed.’

Asked whether amendments could therefore be made, Keravnos said that ‘amendments are always made until the last minute.’ He said that the main philosophy of the tax reform, ‘remains the same’, but that, there could be some changes to secondary issues, through consultations.

SEK Secretary General Andreas Matsas thanked the Finance Minister for a “substantive, fruitful and productive meeting” which gave them the opportunity to put forward additional proposals “in an effort to have as much is it is possible a balanced, comprehensive and socially just tax reform.” He also welcomed the fact that particular priority is placed in combatting tax evasion.

Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou, announced on Wednesday that the Council of Ministers approved a new co-financed project, with a funding of 10 million euros, entitled “New Network of Social Integration Services for People with Disabilities”.

Evangelou also announced that the Council of Ministers decided to appoint Elena Pericleous as Commissioner for the Protection of Children’s Rights.

Referring to the scheme, she said it will contribute significantly to the upgrading of services for the empowerment and support of people with disabilities and is part of the major reform being promoted for people with disabilities.

The Deputy Minister said that the Cabinet decided to approve the introduction and expansion of a total of 8 services. Those services are decision support consultants, trainers for people with disabilities, personal work assistants, work integration professionals, social aides, Cypriot sign language interpreters, providers of supported living service programmes and early family support psychologists.

She added that the the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled will be responsible for the decision support consultant services throughout Cyprus, adding that 80 consultants will be gradually recruited to support approximately 4,000 adults with disabilities.

‘Today’s decision to introduce and expand services for people with disabilities is part of a broader reform. The disability law is a major reform,” the Deputy Minister pointed out.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides stressed on Wednesday the decisive role played by outgoing Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, in enhancing Cyprus’ deterrent capability and broadening the Guard’s international presence, during a farewell meeting before the conclusion of his term.

The President warmly thanked Tsitsikostas for his service, noting his contribution to the strengthening of the Republic’s defensive capacity.

‘I personally requested this meeting because I wanted to thank you for everything you have done during your service as Chief of the National Guard,’ Christodoulides said, stressing that Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas had been pivotal in advancing the Guard’s outward-looking approach through cooperation with regional partners as well as with the United States.

‘This is a relationship we had long sought to build, and your role was decisive,’ the President added, noting that Tsitsikostas’ efforts served a priority goal of his administration.

On his part, Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas expressed gratitude to the President, noting that from the very first day he assumed his duties, he placed discipline and the prevention of accidents at the top of his agenda.

He further underlined that the National Guard had expanded its international outreach through contacts and cooperation with many countries, a development which, as he said, had transformed its profile.

Marios Charalambides was appointed, on Wednesday, by the Council of Ministers, as the first Patient Ombudsman.

In statements at the Presidential Palace after the Cabinet meeting, Health Minister Michael Damianos told the press that this “is a historic day for the health system in Cyprus.”

He said that with the appointment “every citizen in Cyprus now has a voice, power and feels protected.”

The Minister said that this is a step that enhances the transparency and credibility of the system, but also an act of respect for the patients.

Damianos said that the decision constitutes a significant development for organised patients and for the health system, adding that the appointment of an Ombudsman has been a permanent request of the Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations.

He went on to say that organised patients were demanding an independent body capable of effectively defending their rights and contributing substantially to the improvement of the health system.

Federation of Cyprus Patients’ Associations welcomed the appointment and expressed its gratitude to the President of the Republic for his long-standing support.

It said in an announcement that the Patient Ombudsman comes to fill an existing gap and the institution will be an independent body to which patients can turn when their rights are violated or when they encounter problems in healthcare services.

Charalambides, the organised patients said, was one of the individuals officially nominated by their association, in the context of the procedure provided for by the relevant legislation.

He has deep knowledge of health issues and the challenges faced by patients, as well as many years of experience in the field of representation, serving to date as Secretary General of the Association’s Executive Committee.

The Republic of Cyprus chooses, through actions rather than words, to be a source of stability and cooperation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of air traffic and the continuation of international air connections, even in difficult times, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Wednesday in his address at the inauguration ceremony of the Nicosia Air Traffic Control Centre in Kokkinotrimithia.

According to the President of the Republic, the new Nicosia Flight Control Centre “significantly enhances flight safety, the credibility of our state, and the regional role of our country as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He added that through the use of modern equipment, advanced technologies, and highly trained personnel it is ensured that flight management complies with the highest European and international safety standards, as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the European Union, while at the same time, with the operation of the Centre, Cyprus is actively strengthening its participation in the creation of the Single European Sky, contributing significantly to the development of the European transport network and the safety of millions of passengers.

The Nicosia FIR covers a wider area of strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean, where geopolitical challenges remain intense, President Christodoulides said.

He recalled that, in the context of the negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, the Nicosia FIR was part of the difficult discussions, “because some were attempting through the negotiations to secure part of the Nicosia FIR precisely because it is an important comparative advantage for our country in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“Within this difficult context of challenges in the region, the Republic of Cyprus chooses, through actions rather than words, to be a source of stability and cooperation, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of air traffic and the continuation of international air connections, even in difficult times,” he stressed.

He added that this was also proven during the recent crises in the region, when Cyprus took on an increased flight load, always serving safely, tens of thousands of diverted flights, demonstrating the seriousness, readiness, and reliability of the Services of the Republic of Cyprus. “You understand the importance of this dimension in relation to the international standing of our country,” he noted.

He also said that at the same time, these actions add value not only to the Republic of Cyprus but also to the EU and the region, while also sending a positive message to those who have entrusted their airspace to Cyprus, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, “because there are constant challenges to the International Civil Aviation Organization,” proving in practice that “Cyprus is here as a reliable partner in the development of air transport, uniting with its strategic position, the East with the West, the North with the South, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of traffic to and from three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa – to the European network.”

He also stressed that at the same time, the modern infrastructure at the new Flight Control Centre sends a message of consistency and reliability to all, “including Turkey, which unfortunately continues to act outside the framework of cooperation provided for by international regulations.”

“The Nicosia Flight Control Centre is a symbol of a Cyprus that is evolving, investing, and proving that progress can be achieved through planning, consistency, and collective effort. It is proof that our state can, when it wants to, respond to the challenges of the times by implementing projects that enhance security, improve everyday life, and strengthen our country’s international prestige. With the operation of the Centre, our country is taking another step towards a future that is safer, more reliable, and more connected to the world. A Cyprus that is shaping its future with determination, responsibility, and vision,” he concluded.

In his own address, the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, the Centre is an important step in modernising the infrastructure and services of the Ministry, adding that it is a highly complex technical project that was implemented in accordance with the strictest international safety standards to ensure the smooth and efficient management of air traffic.

“With this project, Cyprus confirms its position as a reliable partner that responsibly fulfills its international obligations,” he stressed.

The creation of the Centre is part of the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to modernise infrastructure and strengthen Cyprus’ connectivity, he noted, adding that such projects enhance transport safety, upgrade the country’s prestige, and improve the services received by citizens.

“At a time of increasing air traffic and international challenges, the existence of a modern flight control centre is a guarantee for the safety and efficiency of flights. At the same time, it demonstrates Cyprus’ position as an active member of the European aviation family, working closely with the European Commission and Eurocontrol for the more efficient and safer operation of the European Air Network,” he concluded.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 08/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 09/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1011hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is affecting the area. Today, increased cloudiness will occur at times. Local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected, mainly over the western and northern areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 07/10/2025 UNTIL 0600 08/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1012hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be partly cloudy and at times mainly cloudy with risk of light isolated showers, mainly over the western and northern coastal areas. Tonight the weather will be mainly cloudy with local showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

Construction prices and production recorded an annual increase in the second quarter and the first half of this year according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, on Tuesday.

It says that the Index of Production in Construction during the second quarter of 2025 reached 131.38 units (base year 2021=100.00), recording an increase of 4.6% over the second quarter of 2024.

The Output Prices Index in Construction for the second quarter of 2025 reached 126.32 units (base year 2021=100,00), recording an increase of 2.1% relative to the first quarter of 2025.

Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, the Index increased by 5.4%.

During the period January-June 2025, increases relative to the corresponding period of 2024 were observed in the Index of Production in Construction (3.7%) and in the Output Prices Index in Construction (4.9%).