Category: Cyprus News Agency

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 12/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 13/05/2026

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 mainly fine but early morning increased low cloud and local mist may form locally. Dust in suspension.

Visibility: Good, at times moderate

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southeast to South 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Afternoon Southeast to South 4, later West to Northwest 3 to 4 Slight

Night Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Slight

South Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight, gradually Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, later Northwest 3 Slight, later Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, later Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3, at times offshore Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times offshore Slight

Specifically, Cyprus recorded 10,630 returns in 2025, compared with 8,910 in 2024, marking an annual increase. At the same time, 1,145 persons were refused entry into the Republic of Cyprus, a figure higher than in 2024, when 800 persons were denied entry.

At EU level, 132,600 third-country nationals were refused entry into EU territory at external borders in 2025, up 7.1% compared with 2024 (123,835).

Meanwhile, the number of third-country nationals found to be staying illegally in Member States decreased to 719,395 in 2025, compared with 918,525 in 2024 (-21.7%).

In the same year, 491,950 third-country nationals were issued with an order to leave EU territory, an increase of 5.8% compared with 2024 (464,985).

Correspondingly, 135,460 persons were removed to non-EU countries following such an order, recording an increase of 20.9% compared with 112,040 in 2024.

At Member State level, Germany recorded the highest number of returns with 29,295 cases, followed by France (14,940) and Sweden (11,250).

Among third-country nationals returned to a non-EU country, the largest groups were from Trkiye (13,405), Georgia (10,475), Syria (8,370) and Albania (8,020).

The energy autonomy and resilience of the European Union, strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness, and accelerating the implementation of a true Energy Union will be at the center of the informal meeting of EU Energy Ministers, which will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at the “Filoxenia” Conference Centre in Nicosia, as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The meeting will be chaired by the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianos.

According to the Secretariat of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency, the Ministers are expected to arrive at 8:30 a.m., with possible statements to the press.

At 9:00 a.m., the meeting will begin, with the first session focusing on the Energy Union. At 11:00 a.m., the second session will follow, focusing on energy storage. During a working lunch with heads of delegations, energy security will also be discussed. At 1:30 p.m., a press conference will take place.

‘These sessions aim to promote political dialogue and strengthen cooperation among member states. By advancing these discussions, the Cypriot Presidency seeks to enhance Europe’s energy autonomy and resilience, strengthen the Union’s global competitiveness, and accelerate the implementation of a genuine Energy Union,’ the Secretariat said in its announcement.

Representatives from the European Free Trade Association and other trusted partners will also participate in the meeting.

Discussions will cover the Union’s energy system, sectoral challenges, and strategic cooperation.

Affordable, sustainable and social housing, as well as emerging trends in the housing market, will be at the centre of the Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Housing, which is taking place in Nicosia on Tuesday, under the Cyprus Presidency of the EU.

The meeting, chaired by the Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, ‘provides a framework for open dialogue on affordable, sustainable and social housing, as well as on emerging trends in the housing market, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and shaping a more inclusive and resilient housing future at Member State level,’ according to a press releaase by the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU.

EU Ministers responsible for housing matters, representatives of the European institutions and key stakeholders from the housing sector will take part. ‘The meeting reflects the commitment of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU to place affordable, sustainable and decent housing high on the European agenda,’ the press release said.

At a time when housing systems across the European Union are facing increasing pressure due to rising costs, structural shortages and demographic challenges, the meeting aims to promote dialogue, strengthen cooperation and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and resilient housing landscape across all member states, it added.

The proceedings of the informal meeting will take place at the Filoxenia Conference Centre. From 9:00am to 9:15 am local time Cyprus’ Interior Minister will welcome the Ministers and heads of delegation, after which the meeting proceedings will begin immediately. A press conference will be held at 3:00 pm.

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

MEETING DATE: 12/05/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE: 319.730,93

INDEX VALUE % DIFF. VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20 174,400 -1,670 303.171,590

MAIN MARKET INDEX 234,230 -2,440 225.059,420

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX 3.024,240 -0,320 59.726,280

CSE GENERAL INDEX 291,600 -2,270 303.358,230

HOTELS INDEX 1.855,220 -4,390 45.206,100

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX 1.916,570 -1,110 82.573,380

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

The two-day meeting of the EU Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council concluded on Tuesday in Brussels, with discussions focusing on the promotion of key European initiatives in the fields of culture and sport.

During a press conference following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, described the Council sessions as particularly productive, noting that they led to the implementation of key commitments of the Cypriot Presidency.

Kassianidou stressed that the Cypriot Presidency set as a core priority the advancement of funding programmes such as Erasmus+ and AgoraEU, as well as other initiatives in the fields of education, culture, youth and sport.

Particular emphasis was placed on the agreement on the AgoraEU programme, which the Deputy Minister described as a significant step forward for the cultural and creative sectors, the media, and civil society.

She noted that the programme aims to support artists, journalists, cultural organisations and citizens, contributing to democratic resilience, social cohesion and civic participation. At the same time, she added, it strengthens the dissemination of Europe’s cultural diversity and cultural heritage.

Referring to the EU Work Plan for Culture 2027-2030, Kassianidou said the Ministers’ discussion offered a constructive opportunity to define the future direction of European cultural policy.

She noted that it represented a substantial step towards the preparation and adoption of the Work Plan by the end of the year.

She explained that this work is complementary to the ‘Culture Compass’ initiative, which provides a strategic framework to guide the future of European cultural policy while maintaining the necessary flexibility to adapt to new developments.

She also stated that the objective is to complete the relevant negotiations and sign the joint declaration ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’ in June next year, under the Cypriot Presidency.

During the Council, Ministers also adopted conclusions on sport tourism as a driver of sustainable development, with Kassianidou stressing that this represents another important achievement of the Cypriot Presidency.

At the same time, within the discussions, the issue of mental health in sport was raised, with emphasis on the need for more comprehensive, preventive policies.

She stressed the importance of ensuring more preventive, inclusive and cross-sectoral approaches, including stronger safeguarding mechanisms, education and awareness-raising, as well as enhanced cooperation between sport, health and education policies.

The Deputy Minister concluded that the Council reflects the contribution of the Cypriot Presidency towards a more inclusive and resilient Europe, with emphasis on investment in people, social cohesion, and the safeguarding of democratic values.

With just days to go before the parliamentary elections on May 24, political tensions are rising. At the same time officials confirm that 568,587 registered voters will be eligible to cast their ballots across the island.

According to the Chief Returning Officer, a total of 1,217 polling stations will operate nationwide, covering all electoral districts. The largest share of voters is in Nicosia with 198,553, followed by Limassol (116,924), Famagusta (116,392), Larnaca (60,489), Paphos (47,384), and Kyrenia (28,845).

Authorities have also activated the ‘Where Do I Vote’ service, allowing citizens to locate their polling station through a website, SMS service, or a telephone hotline. Officials emphasized that the publication of opinion polls will be prohibited seven days before the election, meaning any new surveys must be released by midnight on May 16, 2026.

Campaigns intensify

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Political parties have stepped up campaign activities, sharpening their rhetoric in a bid to secure voter support.

The Democratic Rally (DISY) has placed strong emphasis on defence and culture. In a press release, the party argued that amid geopolitical instability, wars, hybrid threats, and challenges to sovereign rights, the Republic of Cyprus needs robust defence, strategic alliances, and a clear European and Western orientation. DISY called on Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) and newer political formations to clarify whether they support increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP and fully utilizing the European SAFE program.

In a separate announcement, DISY said the upcoming elections are not only about political representation but also about shaping a vision for Cyprus centered on artistic creation and cultural development. The party stressed that culture is not a luxury for a few but a vital social good, noting that while 35 policies and 64 projects have already been implemented in the cultural sector, further institutional support for artists remains pending.

AKEL, on its part, has focused on economic pressures and governance issues. Party leader, Stefanos Stefanou, warned that high energy costs are placing significant strain on businesses and domestic production, especially amid instability linked to developments in the Persian Gulf. He called for coordination between the state and the private sector to address these challenges.

AKEL has also renewed calls for transparency, with parliamentary spokesman, Giorgos Loukaides, demanding the submission to parliament of details regarding companies that donated to a fund linked to the President’s spouse. The party argued that the refusal to disclose such information-allegedly backed by DISY, Democratic Party (DIKO), and National Popular Front (ELAM)-raises concerns about accountability and possible cover-ups. It also called for full answers regarding the ‘videogate’ case and the reopening of the so-called ‘black van’ investigation.

In another press release, AKEL rejected claims by Alma-Citizens for Cyprus leader, Odysseas Michaelides, that Stefanou was involved in the Vasiliko scandal, describing the allegation as ‘unfounded and dishonest.’

DIKO, meanwhile, urged restraint in political discourse, stressing that the children and families of public officials should not be drawn into partisan disputes. The party criticized Odysseas Michaelides, leader of the Alma movement, accusing him of attempting to reverse impressions from a recent leaders’ debate through daily personal attacks against DIKO President, Nicholas Papadopoulos. DIKO also recalled Michaelides’ previous criticism over comments concerning thePpresident’s underage children and called on him to apologize.

National Popular Front ELAM said that it will not facilitate AKEL’s return to power. In a press release, it claimed that AKEL is preoccupied with ELAM because it recognizes the party as the only political force that has neither supported nor will ever support its return as government of the country. ELAM added that its strength comes from tens of thousands of citizens through electoral processes, and claimed that it continues to grow its support within the electorate.

In a separate press release, ELAM condemned the vandalism of its campaign billboard in Strovolos, which carried the slogan: ‘No to marriage and adoption of children by same-sex couples.’

The Democratic Alignment (DIPA) expressed confidence about its electoral prospects. Party leader, Marios Karoyian, said he is optimistic that DIPA will secure representation in the new parliament, despite low polling figures. He pointed to what he described as a ‘hidden vote’ and questioned whether opinion polls accurately reflect voter sentiment.

Environmental concerns were highlighted by the Ecologists Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation, which criticized the handling of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, citing gaps in coordination, prevention, and communication with affected farmers. The movement also called for authorities to examine development plans in the abandoned village of Trozena.

Finally Alma – Citizens for Cyprus referred the project in Vassilikos and AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou, stating that ‘the alleged moral superiority of AKEL proves to be a fig leaf’. It added that citizens perceive that AKEL fights corruption basically under pretext and to the extent that its own interests are not served.

The programme aims to promote shared European values such as democracy, equality and the rule of law, as well as to strengthen cultural diversity and the cultural and creative sectors, including the audiovisual industry and the media. At the same time, it provides for support for artistic and journalistic freedom and for greater civic participation. It should be noted that the Council’s position is partial, as it does not include financial and horizontal issues, which will be addressed in the context of negotiations on the MFF.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, said that today’s agreement represents an important step towards strengthening Europe’s cultural and democratic fabric. She added that through AgoraEU, the cultural and creative sectors are being equipped with the necessary tools to develop, while safeguarding the Union’s values, from artistic freedom to active civic engagement.

AgoraEU builds on existing EU programmes such as Creative Europe and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, and is structured around three main pillars: ‘Creative Europe – Culture’, ‘MEDIA+’, and ‘CERV+’.

According to the Council’s position, the ‘Creative Europe – Culture’ strand will enhance cross-border cultural cooperation, while ‘MEDIA+’ will support the audiovisual industry, video games, and independent journalism. ‘CERV+’ will focus on promoting fundamental rights, equality and democratic participation, as well as protecting the rule of law.

The Council’s position on the AgoraEU Regulation maintains the ambitious nature of the Commission’s proposal, while providing additional clarification on key elements of the legislative text, strengthening the role of Member States, and taking into account national specificities, particularly in the audiovisual sector.

Khassim Diagne, the UNSG’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) said on Tuesday, that recent months have seen cautious but meaningful developments in the Cyprus issue.

Speaking at the EU Policy Forum, on the 20-year EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, at the Ledra Palace Hotel, in Nicosia buffer zone, Diagne said that the United Nations remain firmly committed to facilitating the Cypriot-led and Cypriot-owned process towards a comprehensive settlement.

‘In this context, recent months have seen cautious but meaningful developments. Since October 2025, we have witnessed a greater willingness and commitment by the two leaders to engage in dialogue and to reach consensus on trust-building measures and to work together on a wide range of matters cutting across the divide,’ he said.

Diagne added that he is particularly encouraged by the outcome of the leaders’ last meeting held last Friday, during which they reached a framework agreement on the consultative body for civil society engagement, agreed to work on a plan to improve and ensure the conduct of religious services throughout the island, to work towards a coordinated response to tackle the food and mouth disease, and to address economic-related issues, such as the designation of products as protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication.

According to Diagne, the United Nations believe that these ‘incremental steps matter and that sustained engagement is necessary for a meaningful political process.’

He also added that the Secretary General and his personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, ‘are fully invested in building on the recent positive change, steps with the goal that all parties can engage in substantive political discussions in the months to come.’

Diagne noted that the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in Cyprus will continue to work closely with the Personal Envoy and to support her critical efforts to advance the peace process. UNFICYP will also continue to work closely with the sides ‘to maintain calm and stability in and around the buffer zone and to minimize the occurrence of incidents so that developments on the ground do not detract the leaders’ attention from the broader political process,’ he said.

Referring to the celebration of Europe Day, he said that peace, reconciliation, solidarity and cooperation are values particularly meaningful in Cyprus, where the European Union project intersects directly with the search for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.

He noted that this year’s celebrations coincide with the 20th anniversary of the European Union Aid Program for the Turkish community. ‘For two decades, the Aid Program has contributed, among other activities, to improving livelihoods, strengthening civil society, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting bi-communal cooperation across the island,’ he said, adding that these efforts aligned closely with the United Nations’ own confidence-building work, recognizing that peace is sustained not only through negotiations, but through trust, opportunity, and daily cooperation among communities.

On his part, Greek Cypriot Negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou, spoke of ‘a slow, spiral path towards the consensual model’. He said that we should not underestimate the significance of what has already been done and what continues to be achieved.

‘We should constantly keep in mind and be guided by the need to effectively respond to the most pressing question that needs to be addressed, which has to do with the crucial dilemma regarding the future that we are inevitably confronted with. And it is the choice between a federal, reunited Cyprus with functional institutions of consensual governance within the European Union, or the continuation of a competitive, confrontational and conflict-driven paradigm which will subject Cyprus to a problematic future,’ he said.

Reflecting on the experience of efforts to achieve a political settlement from 2004 until today, which, as he said, have led to the accomplishment of what is described as the key of previous negotiations, namely the convergences that have been achieved across core chapters, and by observing the dynamics developing at the grassroots level within the society itself, Menelaou pointed that he believes that ‘we are, however utopian it may sound to some, on a slow, spiral path towards the consensual model, which, of course, needs to become more coherent and more concrete.’

On the 20-year anniversary of the implementation of the European Union financial aid regulation for the Turkish Cypriot community, Menelaou stressed Cyprus’ capacity as a member state of the European Union. He expressed doubt whether after the unsuccessful attempts thus far for a comprehensive settlement, the prospect of reunification would have still been alive today without the dimension provided by Cyprus’ membership in the European Union. ‘This capacity led the foundation not only for a framework of policies, of financial support and participation for the Turkish Cypriot community, but also for the development of cooperation, interaction, shared activities among the people in their everyday lives,’ he said.

Noting that there will always be room and opportunities to do more, he said that the more that is done, the better it will be for the efforts for reunification.

On his part, Turkish Cypriot Special Representative, Mehmet Dana, said, among others, that over the past 20 years, the EU aid programme has made an important contribution, through support for infrastructure, education, and environmental protection, public health, cultural heritage, capacity building, civil society, and confidence-building initiatives, and it has also helped establish and maintain the connection between the Turkish Cyprus and the European Union. He added that it has also financed communal endeavors such as the work of the Committee on Missing Persons and the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.

He also said that this anniversary offers an opportunity to reconsider how the international community in general, and the European Union in particular, can contribute more effectively to building trust between the two sides, paving the way for finally achieving a settlement in Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format that was expected to take place before the end of 2025, is yet to be announced. María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

‘We have to make it more attractive,’ Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, said about the prospect of increasing the number of investments in affordable housing, responding to a question regarding EU-wide measures and initiatives at a Press conference following the Informal Ministerial Meeting for Housing in Nicosia, within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Both Minister Ioannou and European Commissioner for housing, Dan Jorgensen, laid out in their statements the steps and initiatives that will hopefully pave the way towards an increase in affordable housing investments. These span from mobilization of funds to the simplification of issuing building permits, and even to limiting the negative effects from the increasing number of short-term rentals.

The Commissioner particularly expressed concerns for the increase of the number of short-term rentals. He stated that this number has almost doubled between 2018 and 2024 and that in some neighborhoods and tourism hotspots the share of short-term rentals represent up to 20% of the housing stock.

‘Our ambition to have specific efforts in stressed housing areas will unfold when we put forward our Affordable Housing Act,’ the Commissioner explained, responding to a journalist’s question, and added that the Act is ‘a combination of us dealing with short-term rentals specifically but also a broader set of tools the member states can use in order for them to actually make sure that normal people with normal jobs can actually live where they serve.’

During his statement at the Press conference, Jorgensen explained that the upcoming Affordable Housing Act will give local authorities a series of tools to limit the negative effects of short-term rentals in areas under housing stress, along with measures for fostering affordable housing in these areas.

Jorgensen also stated that another aspect of the housing crisis throughout the EU is the increase of house prices by over 60% since 2013, while average rents have risen by around 20%.

The Commissioner highlighted the importance of the simplification of bureaucracy for new housing and renovation permits, to accelerate the process for new constructions and renovations on existing buildings. Responding to the question on initiatives that may produce more investments in affordable housing, Jorgensen said that a ‘pan-European investment platform will make it possible for different actors in the market to work together and mobilize financing.’

During his initial statement, Jorgensen referred to some initiatives on the investment side, saying that pound 10 billion euro will be additionally mobilised from the EU budget this year, adding that financial institutions have pledged to mobilize pound 375 billion by 2029.

He also spoke of the state aid aspects, saying that ‘state aid rules were quite rigid and we’ve changed them so it’s possible for member states to support housing in a broader sense. This I think is an extremely important step and it’s been well received by many member states.’

‘In Europe we want a housing policy which puts people before profit, social inclusion and well-being before money-making,’ Jorgensen stated, stressing the ‘Brussels alone won’t be able to solve this crisis,’ and announcing the launch of the European Housing Alliance. ‘I want housing experts from member states, regions, cities, stakeholders and local communities not just to be heard but to shape the future of housing together,’ he said.

Incentives and cooperation between the public and private sectors key in tackling housing crisis, Ioannou says

Minister Ioannou, who chaired the Meeting’s sessions on Tuesday, stated that the discussions focused on the urgent need to increase housing supply. He noted that the decline in housing investment across Europe is driven by rising construction costs, high interest rates and economic uncertainty and added that ‘addressing these imbalances requires targeted policy interventions, stronger incentives and closer cooperation between the public and private sectors.’

He also highlighted the need to address ‘administrative complexity which continues to delay new developments and renovations,’ as he said, clarifying that ‘simplification does not mean deregulation.’

Ioannou welcomed “initiatives at the European level aimed at enhancing coordination and unlocking new financial opportunities,” highlighting the importance of mobilising investment in the housing sector.

Nevertheless, responding to a journalist’s question on ways to increase investments in housing, Ioannou noted that, beyond the European Commission’s initiatives, it is a member state responsibility to come up with individual plans for affordable housing. ‘By changing the state rules and other measures that are put forward we are provided with the tools to make it more attractive,’ he explained.

Ioannou, said that the meeting’s discussions offered the opportunity for exchanging views and best practices. He even referred to Estonia’s example, with the full digitalization of the permit issuing process. ‘At the end of the day by simplifying the permitting process you are reducing administrative costs thus making it more attractive for the private sector to invest because they save on time and cost,’ he said.

The Minister also spoke in his statement about innovative construction methods, such as modular and off-site building, along with digital tools, like building information modeling, saying that they can significantly accelerate housing delivery, reduce costs and improve transparency. ‘At the same time, investing in sustainable construction materials and integrating circular economy principles are essential to meet our climate goals,’ he noted.

Asked whether there has been any positive feedback from the industry so far, Ioannou said that it is still too soon to tell. ‘The European affordable housing plan was announced six months ago and countries are now adjusting their own housing plans,’ he said, but referred to an example from a housing scheme in Cyprus, saying that it is currently very successful and nearly 3,000 are anticipated to be added to the housing stock in the next two years.