Category: Cyprus News Agency

Shipping, and safeguarding the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness in the global market will be amongst the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU that will begin in January, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said Monday, in his opening address at the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’ Conference that began in Limassol.

“Shipping, and safeguarding the EU’s maritime transport competitiveness in the global market is an indispensable component of our efforts to strengthen the Union’s competitiveness and will be amongst the priorities of our Presidency” the President stressed.

He noted that this year’s theme of Maritime Cyprus 2025 is ‘Unlocking the Future of Shipping’, and “captures the moment we are in – one of complex challenges. And yet, it also aptly captures this resilient industry’s constant, timeless drive to transform the moment into opportunity. You have all proven, time and again, that no matter how daunting the task, you can rise to the task – you adapt, you create, you thrive”.

Referring to Cyprus, he said that it has one of the largest fleets in the world and a dynamic maritime cluster, hosting hundreds of companies, engaging in the full range of maritime and maritime-related activities.

Over the last two years, he noted, the exposure of Cyprus shipping, has grown impressively, the Cyprus Ship Registry, has increased by 20% in terms of gross tonnage, reaching the highest point of the last 20 years, the number of companies registered in the Cyprus Tonnage Tax System has increased by 15%, and the ship management sector’s contribution to the GDP of Cyprus, increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024.

He noted that it is a priority for the Government to further enhance the competitiveness of Cyprus shipping.

“We are fully committed to continue upgrading and strengthening the framework that governs the services provided by the Shipping Ministry. In this context and within the framework of our commitment to digital transition, the digitalization of the services of the Shipping Deputy Ministry is constantly progressing” the President said.

He announced that “we are ready to launch the first services next week”.

Additionally, he said that the Government, recognizing the great potential and promising future of the cruise sector, has taken decisive measures by approving the National Strategy for Cruise Tourism last October. The first stage of the implementation of the strategy, he continued, has been completed and soon a targeted Action Plan will be developed. Our goal is to boost Cyprus’s footprint as an attractive and competitive cruise destination.

The number of unemployed persons, registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of September 2025, reached 7,624, down by 6.4% compared to September 2024, the Statistical Service said in a statement today.

Based on the seasonally adjusted data which reflect the trend of unemployment, the number of registered unemployed for September 2025 decreased to 9,711 persons, in comparison to 10,053 in the previous month.

It is added that in comparison with September 2024, a decrease of 518 persons or 6.4% was recorded, a decrease mainly attributed to the sectors of trade, construction, financial and insurance activities, manufacturing, as well as to the decrease recorded for newcomers in the labour market.

The Cyprus Shipping Industry remains a cornerstone of our economy, President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber Andreas Neophytou, has said.

In his address at a Reception hosted by the Chamber on Sunday evening in Limassol ahead of the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025’ Conference, he said that despite global challenges, it continues to thrive.

A press release by the Chamber says that the reception attracted a remarkable turnout of over 800 distinguished representatives. The event, it adds, brought together Ministers, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, State Officials, representatives of professional organisations, as well as senior executives from the Cyprus and Global Shipping Industry, highlighting the respect and prestige the Chamber enjoys both locally and abroad.

In his address, Neophytou, welcomed the attendees and emphasised the pivotal role of Cyprus Shipping in the national economy and global trade and said that ‘the Cyprus Shipping Industry remains a cornerstone of our economy, driving trade, supporting other sectors, and ensuring the continuous flow of essential goods globally”.

“Despite global challenges, it continues to thrive, with a strong merchant fleet and a reputation for excellence in shipowning, ship management and shipping related services. Cyprus has become a trusted international Shipping hub, as reflected in the more than 200 shipowning, shipmanagement, and shipping-related companies operating from Cyprus, managing and providing services to over 2,800 ships with approximately 80,000 seafarers onboard at any given time” he pointed out.

The prestige and international recognition enjoyed by the Maritime Cyprus Conference are tangible proof of this trust and success, he concluded.

The press release says that since the very first edition of the Maritime Cyprus Conference in 1989, the same year the Chamber was established, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber has consistently supported this important forum, contributing substantially to its success and international reputation.

“The highly successful Reception served as a prelude to a week of meaningful dialogue, collaboration and exchange of ideas in the framework of the ‘Maritime Cyprus’ Conference, which once again brings together leading global shipping executives and stakeholders, continuing to highlight Cyprus’ strategic importance on the global maritime map,” the press release concludes.

Department of Meteorology

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

Date 06/10/2025

The European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe have signed a new protocol to continue their 40-year-old partnership on fisheries.

The new four-year protocol will allow EU vessels to fish around 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters.

Increased EU financial support will also foster the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe. The EU contribution over four years will amount to pound 3.3 million, i.e. pound 825,000 per year. pound 500,000 will be dedicated every year to support São Tomé and Príncipe’s sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, artisanal fishing and local fishing communities.

In addition to EU funding, EU shipowners will pay São Tomé and Príncipe a licensing and catch fee of pound 85 per ton of fish caught to operate in the country’s waters.

The new protocol includes provisions to enhance working conditions for fishers employed on EU vessels, ensuring safer and fairer labour practices.

Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said: ‘Today marks a significant milestone as we have a new implementing protocol to our Fishery Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe. This protocol reinforces our shared commitment to responsible, sustainable fisheries and shows the power of cooperation in preserving the ocean. Together we secure the future of our shared resources, supporting local communities and ecosystems. Our collaboration sets a model for sustainable fishing that benefits all and fosters long-term ecological and economic resilience’.

The new protocol will apply provisionally as of 6 October 2025 and will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed. On the EU side, this requires the consent of the European Parliament.

You can find more information on the renewed sustainable fisheries partnership online.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 2 2996 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel: +32 2 28 20 54)

Creative Europe reinforces support for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors

The European Union continues its support for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors with the selection of four new large projects, bringing Creative Europe funding for Ukraine to pound 7 million in 2024-2025. These projects are ZMINA Resilience, Culture Helps, Culture Horizons, and UkrAinian cultural eXchange with the European Union (UAxEU).

In October 2024, the European Commission published a special call under Creative Europe to support the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors with an initial budget of pound 5 million. At the Ukrainian Recovery Conference in July 2025, Commissioner Glenn Micallef announced a pound 2 million top-up as part of the Team Europe approach for Cultural Heritage in Ukraine, raising total financial support to pound 7 million.

Through this funding, the EU supports Ukrainian cultural and creative organisations, as well as professionals and artists addressing the ongoing and future consequences of Russia’s war of aggression, in cooperation with organisations from other Creative Europe countries. The funding supports cultural heritage preservation and artistic performances both inside and outside of Ukraine.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport said: “Europe stands steadfast with Ukraine. Culture plays a vital role in preserving unity and building resilience, especially in times of war. I’ve said this several times: to destroy a nation, you target its culture. This is why we have increased our financial support under the Creative Europe call for Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors. I warmly congratulate the projects selected under the 2025 call, which will contribute to strengthen the resilience and post-war recovery of Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors.”

Find out more about the selected projects online.

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

EU and Japan to strengthen research ties with Horizon Europe deal by end-2025

The EU and Japan have agreed to deepen cooperation in research and innovation, with negotiations on Japan’s association to Horizon Europe set to conclude by the end of 2025.

Meeting in Kyoto, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Japanese State Minister for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi underlined the importance of working together to tackle global challenges and drive competitiveness.

The agreement would open the door for Japanese researchers to join EU partners on equal terms in the 2026/2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme, especially under Pillar II, which funds projects on climate, energy, mobility, digital, industry, space, and health.

Commissioner Zaharieva said: ‘Europe and Japan have the talent and the technology, but we need to use them together. Horizon Europe association will make that possible, giving our researchers the chance to deliver breakthroughs that people will see in their hospitals, in their energy bills, and in the technologies they use every day. This is cooperation in action.’

The two sides also welcomed a new report from the EU-Japan Expert Group on Advanced Materials, highlighting shared needs in construction, energy, mobility, electronics, and data-driven research. These priorities will guide future projects and policy dialogues.

Japan has been a strategic partner for the EU in science and innovation for more than two decades. Formal negotiations on Horizon Europe association began in November 2024.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)

EU and Morocco reach agreement to extend preferential tariff treatment to Western Sahara

The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have reached an agreement to extend preferential tariff treatment to the territory of Western Sahara. The agreement provisionally applies as of 3 of October 2025, ensuring continuity and certainty for traders.

The agreement ensures that proofs of origin and labelling of products indicate the region of production (Dakhla and Laayoune), and further ensures that advantages will be granted to the concerned beneficiaries.

This agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. Discussions with the Council of the EU and in the European Parliament will take place in the coming weeks and months, and their consent will be needed for the agreement to be concluded.

Over the years, the European Union and Morocco have established a profound friendship and a solid and multi-faceted cooperation. Both parties look forward to taking this cooperation to the next level in the coming months, by concluding a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

The full text of the Agreement and Declaration is available online.

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

Statement by High Representative/Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on Georgia

On the occasion of the elections held in Georgia, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos have issued the following statement:

‘This Saturday in Georgia was the day of local elections, amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.

Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favouring the ruling party, drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low.

In addition, the refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring. Domestic organisations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.

Large numbers of people constantly protested the repressive policies of the governing party, Georgian Dream. We call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.

We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence.

Finally, the European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia and denounces the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.’

(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 229-85691; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 229-80564)

Dr. Kezban AKANSOY

Press Officer / Political Reporter

European Commission

Representation in Cyprus

EU House, 30 Byron Avenue, 1096 Nicosia

Tel: +357 22817770 or 22817837 (direct)

Mobile: +90 533 8672030 or +357 99689521

kezban.akansoy@ec.europa.eu

https://cyprus.representation.ec.europa.eu

On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, Eurydice-the European organization providing analysis and information on education systems and policies in Europe-presented an updated interactive platform mapping the salaries of teachers and school heads across 37 European countries.

The data, collected in collaboration with the OECD and national experts, offer a comprehensive and comparative overview of all education levels, from pre-primary to upper secondary.

Regarding Cyprus, although starting salaries for teachers are slightly above the median at pound 26,600 per year (2023/2024 data), Cypriot teachers show an impressively strong salary progression. After 15 years of service, they have the third-highest earnings among the countries, at pound 50,576 per year, and by the end of their career, they reach pound 66,323, surpassed only by Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The European Commission’s platform does not merely present numbers but delves into critical questions about Europe’s education systems, such as how teachers’ and school heads’ salaries compare across countries, how salaries evolve with experience and over time, and how school heads’ earnings are affected by school size and administrative responsibilities.

The tool stands out for its flexibility and detail, allowing users to explore both salaries and allowances, filter data by education level, qualifications, and school size, and track the progression of earnings throughout a teacher’s career. Additionally, the platform enables the export of visuals and the download of datasets for further analysis, making it a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and educators.

Press service

European Parliament

Press release

06-10-2025

2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: ten finalists shortlisted

The jury of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism has shortlisted ten investigations for the fifth edition of the award.

European missile group MBDA selling parts for bombs that have killed children in Gaza

Disclose, The Guardian, Follow the Money

The Forever Lobbying Project

Le Monde and various media outlets

Les forçats du cybercrime (Cyberslaves)

Paris Match

Wide-angle frame of death (part 1 and part 2)

Novosti

Dirty Payments

Mediapart, European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) and 20 media outlets

The Viktoriia Project

Forbidden Stories and various media outlets

‘Make a Molotov Cocktail’: How Europeans are recruited through Telegram to commit sabotage, arson and murder

Delfi, OCCRP, Paper Trail Media, Der Standard, Tamedia, ZDF, Re:Baltica

Ecocide in Iraq: How big oil companies are turning marshlands into deserts

IrpiMedia, JournalismFund Europe, IJ4EU

The Shadow Fleet Secrets

Follow the Money and various media outlets

Die unsichtbare Front

Missy Magazine

More information about each finalist here.

Between 21 May and 31 July 2025, hundreds of journalists from the 27 EU countries submitted their stories for consideration. Ten out the of the 316 submissions were selected as finalists.

The winner will be announced in an award ceremony taking place on Tuesday 21 October 2025, in the evening, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room). Finalists will be present in the ceremony as well as the seminar on Press Freedom which will be organised earlier on the same day.

An invitation to accredited journalists to attend both events will follow.

Press seminar before ceremony

The media services of the European Parliament are also organising a press seminar just before the ceremony.

The seminar will analyse the role of journalists in today’s world and the threats they face. The situation of journalists in the Middle East will be at the centre of the discussion, with Palestinian and Israeli journalists sharing their firsthand experiences of this tragedy.

The seminar will be opened (online) by Italian author and journalist Roberto Saviano, and will be closed by Russian journalist and Chairwoman of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Maria Konstantinovna Pevchikh, alongside Matthew Caruana Galizia, son of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The 10 projects selected as finalists for the Prize will also be highlighted.

To help us determine how many journalists will require access to the press seminar and to arrange interviews with speakers and finalists, please register for the event and/or interviews by 16 October at 10:00 am via this link.

About the Prize

Launched in 2020, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality, who can submit in-depth pieces that have been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 EU countries. An independent jury composed of representatives of the press and civil society from the 27 member states, as well as representatives of the main European journalists’ associations, will choose the winning entry. The prize and the pound 20 000 prize money demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of a free press.

Past winners

2021 – ‘The Pegasus Project’, coordinated by the Forbidden Stories

2022 – Documentary on ‘The Central African Republic under Russian Influence’ by Clément Di Roma and Carol Valade (ARTE/France24/Le Monde)

2023 – Joint investigation on the Pylos migrant boat shipwreck (Solomon, in collaboration with Forensis, StrgF/ARD, and The Guardian)

2024 – Investigation on missing unaccompanied child migrants (Lost in Europe)

Who was Daphne Caruana Galizia?

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist who reported extensively on corruption, money laundering, organised crime, sale of citizenship and the Maltese government’s links to the Panama Papers. Following harassment and threats, she was murdered in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017. The outcry over the authorities’ handling of her murder investigation ultimately prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Critical of failings in the investigation, in December 2019, MEPs called on the European Commission to take action.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize secretariat

info@daphnejournalismprize.eu

John SCHRANZ

Press Officer (MT)

(+32) 2 28 44264 (BXL)

(+33) 3 881 74076 (STR)

(+32) 498 98 14 02

john.schranz@europarl.europa.eu

Thea PIERIDOU

Press Officer

European Parliament

Office in Cyprus

30 Vyronos Avenue – 1096 Nicosia

97 665992

22 870500 / 22 396485

thea.pieridou@ep.europa.eu

Cyprus and the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf signed on Sunday a Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of Consultations on Matters of Common Interest.

The MoU was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, who is visiting the UAE, and General Secretary of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

“It was a pleasure signing today with GCCSG Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi an MoU for the Establishment of Consultations on Matters of Common Interest between the Cyprus Government and the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf” he wrote on ‘X’.

Co-operation will be on a number of areas, Kombos added, including among others political issues and regional and international issues of mutual concern, trade, investment, industry, and other economic areas of mutual concern, education, culture and tourism, environment, agriculture.

“Reiterated our commitment to deepening Cyprus -GCC ties” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Kombos also met with Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, who is currently chairing the GCC.

The discussion focused on the further enhancement of the Cyprus – Kuwait relations, the deepening of ties between EU-GCC, the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, regional developments in the Middle East and the humanitarian aid to Gaza and Cyprus’ Amalthea maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

On the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – EU Ministerial Meeting, he held a “timely exchange with Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf. The discussion, Kombos said on ‘X’ focused on the deepening of ties and strategic partnerships between EU and GCC and the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and regional developments.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment for Cyprus Dr. Maria Panayiotou participates in the deliberations of the Conference of European Ministers of Mediterranean countries (MED9) which take place 5-7 October in Portoroz, Slovenia.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, the conference, that will be chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of Slovenia, Mateja Calušic, will focus on Sustainable Risk Management in Agriculture, thus continuing the discussion initiated under the Cyprus Presidency of the MED9, with the aim of formulating a common strategy for resilient, sustainable and fair agriculture in the countries of the European South.

The Ministers of the nine Mediterranean countries are expected to adopt a Joint Declaration of the MED9, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the resilience of agriculture given the growing challenges, and in view of the legislative proposals for the new CAP 2028-2034.

In the context of the deliberations, the Cypriot Minister will emphasize the need for preventive and coordinated political action, with an emphasis on financial adequacy, rapid compensation of producers and the sustainability of agricultural holdings, the press release says.

Panayiotou will then travel to Ireland on October 7, for an official two day visit, following an invitation of the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Maritime Affairs, Martin Heydon.

They will discuss about the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU as well as issues of coordination and smooth transition to the next, Presidency which is Ireland. In addition, they will discuss about policies for the new CAP after 2027, focusing on research, innovation and technology in the agri-food sector.

She will also visit Ireland’s national research and advisory organisation for agriculture, as well as model agricultural and livestock units.

“We’re looking to have a just and equitable transition in shipping. We can only do that if we come together at IMO. And we focus not only on the green environmental agenda than normally hit the headlines. We focus on safety, which is one of the core areas”, International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said Monday, addressing the ‘Maritime Cyprus 2025′ Conference taking place in the coastal town of Limassol.

Shipping will continue to grow by around 2% for the next 5 years, according to the United Nations Trade and Development Maritime Review, he said and referred to additional challenges to which the response is working for global implementations of regulations.

Addressing the participants Dominguez called on them to work together in moving forward “with a global regulation that is going to allow us to maintain the global sector when it comes to shipping”.

“I have made it very clear that I’m not in favour of regional measures. I have spoken constantly to the European Union, and I will repeat my message. Once adopted then we expect that the European Union and any other country that have regional or national measures would then only align to the global regulations that IMO”, he stressed.

IMO SG referred to the meetings he had in Cyprus in the framework of the Conference, noting that “we improve by listening, by sharing and by adapting”.

Dominguez also hailed President Christodoulides’ continued commitment in supporting the maritime sector. The IMO SG spoke of decisions and improvements that continue to shape the shipping sector in Cyprus, which are demonstrated very tangibly by the resource and their linked to the work of IMO.

“When it comes to incentives, you also introduced green incentives in line with the recommendations of IMO, and you offer up to 30% reductions when it comes to registration. Your compliance with IMO instrument is also represented in the increase of 20% of the registry in the last 2 years. You are a centre for ship management. You are improving important infrastructure and you are an active member in the negotiations at the IMO and I look forward to maintain that strong cooperation”, he noted.

In her address Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis noted that the success story of Cyprus shipping is rooted in the close collaboration between the public and private sectors, working together to enhance competitiveness and quality.

She said that partnerships with the Cyprus Union of Shipowners and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, together with a powerful industry, exemplify this productive collaboration, demonstrating that collective effort and mutual respect, are the cornerstones of enduring success.

“Cyprus shipping is not only about fleets or vessels. Cyprus shipping is, about the people. The most valuable and strongest component of Cyprus shipping. Our talented, dedicated, and professional workforce, which define the strength of our industry. Our protagonists and ambassadors”, the Deputy Minister went on to say.

Addressing the participants Hadjimanolis called on them to continue to innovate, collaborate and invest in the future of shipping, ensuring that shipping will remain competitive and resilient.

The “Maritime Cyprus” Conference is organised every two years by the Shipping Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Union of Shipowners. It was first established in 1989 and since then, has grown into one of the world’s most significant and most attended shipping conferences. Its status now gives it a prominent position in the calendar of many shipping executives, including owners and managers as well as those in charge of organisations with shipping related activities. The “Maritime Cyprus” Conference attracts to Cyprus approximately 800 shipping executives from around the globe.

Distinguished guests and world class experts analyze and discuss specialised issues of concern to the shipping industry.