Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Independence Day, was celebrated in Brussels, on Wednesday, during an event in front of the Manneken Pis, the iconic statue-symbol of Brussels, which was dressed with the traditional Cypriot vraka.

The event, held during early afternoon on Wednesday in Brussels, drew a large crowd of Cypriots. The Republic of Cyprus and its Permanent Representation to the EU were represented by Ambassador Petros Mavrikios, Head of the Cyprus Mission to the EU’s Political and Security Committee (PSC). The City of Brussels was represented by Karin Lalieux, City Councillor responsible for Culture. Also present were members of the Order of Friends of Manneken Pis, as well as Nicolas Edelman, the Official Dresser of the statue.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mavrikios thanked the City of Brussels for its warm welcome and hospitality.

“Today, we celebrate independence, but we also remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to make this goal a reality,” Mavrikios said.

He added that despite the challenges of occupation, Cyprus has worked to build a modern, vibrant, and prosperous nation, with the remarkable achievement of EU accession in 2004 as a testament to its commitment to the values at the heart of the European project, respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

“Cyprus is proud to be a member of the European family, working closely with the other member states to improve our societies, protect our citizens, and fulfil our potential,” he underlined.

Karin Lalieux, Brussels’ Municipal Councilor for Culture, highlighted that Manneken Pis is a symbol of Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and that today’s event, dressing the statue in Cyprus’ national costume, is a sign of the city’s friendship with Cyprus.

For his part, Nicolas Edelman, who has exclusively dressed Manneken Pis since 2014, told CNA that while the vraka was a bit more challenging to fit compared to other costumes, he was prepared for the task. “It’s was a bit more difficult, but I’ve been dressing Manneken Pis since 2014, and I’m ready for all challenges,” he noted.

The national costume, featuring the vraka, was donated to the City of Brussels by the Cypriot Embassy in 2010 ahead of Cyprus Independence Day and is displayed in the museum’s “Manneken Pis, a Very European Brussels Resident” exhibit alongside other EU national costumes.

Ireland supports all efforts to seek a resolution of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the original UN resolutions and processes, which would bring immense benefits to Cyprus, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Thomas Byrne, told CNA on Tuesday, in the context of his recent three-day visit to Cyprus, as Ireland will succeed Cyprus at the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.

He also highlighted the need for the EU to understand the specificities of all Member States in terms of security and defence, while strengthening relations with key trade partners and at the same time diversifying its trade strategies.

Asked about the significance of his visit to Cyprus, the Irish Minister of State said it is a very important visit, particularly with Cyprus taking on the presidency of the Council of the European Union next year, adding that it is always good to visit Cyprus as the two countries are so close on many issues, ‘sharing so much in our history and in our modern day attitude to the world as well’.

He further noted that Ireland has a big connection with Cyprus through its involvement with the United Nations and he himself met some of Irish police officers stationed in Cyprus.

He added that his schedule included meetings with the Committee of Missing Persons, UN officials, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Haris Georgiades, as well as a meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, who, he said, knows well from his time as Foreign Minister and his participation at the Council of EU Ministers and with whom he had some very good engagements.

Asked about Ireland’s priorities as it will be taking over from Cyprus in view of the next EU Presidency Trio, Byrne referred first to the Multiannual Financial Framework, which, as he said, is going to be a major focus of their work.

‘It is going to be a big feature of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and indeed of our own Presidency as well because that is the timeline for the negotiation. It means there is a lot of work to do during that time. For us in Ireland to advance our own national interests before we take on the Presidency I think is important and we did make some of those points to Minister Raouna this morning, but it is a big piece of work so there is a major priority to achieve that’, he explained.

Security and defence in all its facets is obviously a major European priority, a major priority of the Member States as well, he continued, adding that ‘it is very important from an Irish point of view and indeed from a Presidency point of view to understand the specificities of all the Member States’.

‘There are different issues on the Russian border, which is obviously a grave threat from Russia really to all of us in many respects, but also you have your own circumstances here on the Eastern Mediterranean too. We have to be cognisant of all the circumstances that Member States face and we will certainly endeavour to do that during our Presidency’, he further stressed, adding that notwithstanding the fact that Ireland is not a member of NATO, it will ‘certainly be acting as an honest broker and pushing forward the agenda of the Member States who quite simply want to protect their citizens’.

Asked whether Ireland is planning to take advantage of the SAFE initiative, Byrne said that is a possibility, however at this moment Ireland is not taking loans.

‘We may do some cooperation but we do not at this point in time need to take loans. We are increasing our defence spending significantly anyway from our own resources and we want more interconnection, more interoperability with other European Defence Forces’, he noted.

‘We already have that in some of the peacekeeping missions that we undertake and we work closely through Partnership for Peace and are deeply cognisant of what Member States are going through. There is a threat from Russia that we face ourselves, not in the context of a land invasion but in the context of threats to cables and threats to the information space and to the public sphere. We have to be cognisant of that and take action at a European level’, he further explained.

‘I think the concept of defence needs to be quite broad. There is defence material that people need to have and to build up their stocks of, we absolutely accept and understand that and we are doing that ourselves, but we have to think more as well about the whole area of cyber security, the whole area of the resilience of our citizens in the face of crisis that can be caused by adverse actors , the issue of the cables as well and the information space, so that is really important’, he stressed in that regard.

Asked whether there a message by the Irish government concerning the efforts to resume the negotiations process on the Cyprus problem at the United Nations level, Byrne said that the Irish government supports all efforts to seek a resolution to the issue, in accordance with the original UN resolutions and processes.

‘I think that is very important and certainly a message that I gave to the President and the Minister when I met them, it is mainly a UN process. I think if the issues can be resolved in accordance with what we know to be the will of the global community, that would bring immense benefits to Cyprus and I have no doubt about that’, he noted.

Asked about recent developments in the Middle East, the Irish Minister of State said that the American peace proposal has been released and there was an initial welcoming reaction from the Irish government but also from some Arab and Islamic countries.

‘I think that is very important and it is very important that Hamas signs up to this. This is too important to allow an organisation like Hamas to stop it. We must look at all genuine peace efforts, no peace process will be perfect, we know that in Ireland more than anybody, but we must give peace and people a chance and ultimately our belief and our faith is in a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine’, he underlined.

He remined that Ireland was the first Western country to advocate for that back in 1980. ‘It has been a long-standing principle of Irish foreign policy that Israel and Palestine should be allowed to live side by side in peace and in security and that the people of Israel and the people of Palestine can have futures and protection in those futures. So we certainly support any efforts to secure peace and President Trump’s efforts are very welcome’, he added.

Asked whether he is worried about the way trade relations or trade competition could affect the European economy as a whole, Byne said that uncertainty is the enemy of economic development, therefore anything that brings certainty is welcome.

‘We welcomed the agreement reached between the European Union and the United States which is holding and that has given some certainty. Ireland is very much an export-led economy and we need that certainty in our relations with the rest of the world’, he said.

He added that at the same time, it is important that Europe diversifies its trade strategies too and work with Southeast Asian countries and other friends, including in Africa and South America, as best it can to ensure that European products can have the widest possible markets, with Canada being another country with which a trade agreement was concluded and implemented and Europe can do a lot more business with.

‘These are important countries but America is a very important country too and we certainly place great store in really positive relations with the United States. We want to see relations with Britain normalised as much as possible and that process has accelerated under the Starmer administration and this (European) Commission. We welcome that and certainly we expect during the Cyprus Presidency and the Presidency of Ireland of the Council of the EU that relations with the UK would be a big feature and we certainly encourage the work of the European Commission in this respect’, he stressed on the issue.

Asked about the relationship with the UK and what Ireland’s experience with Brexit has been so far, the Irish Minister of State said that the experience since the Keir Starmer government came in has been positive.

‘They have a new openness they want to do things that will benefit them and ultimately benefit all of us. We have always said that we need the closest possible relations with the UK, that is the position, we maintain that bilaterally as well. We have our own summit with the UK and our own arrangements under the Good Friday Agreement as well with this cross-border cooperation and east-west cooperation’, he explained.

‘Any move towards bringing the European Union closer to the UK would be welcomed by us and that has happened in the area of security and defence, which we very much welcome, and we certainly hope that either during Cyprus’s Presidency or Ireland’s Presidency that a an SPS agreement, as envisaged by the recent EU-UK agreement, can in fact be put together and finalised and that I think would bring would bring great benefits to all of us’, he concluded.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI)1, which is constructed and estimated by the Economics Research Centre (CypERC) of the University of Cyprus, recorded a year-over-year increase of 1.8% in September2 2025.

According to a press release, issued by the Economic Research Centre of the University of Cyprus, this increase follows year-over-year increases of 2.1% in August and 2.2% in July 2025, according to the most recently revised data.

The year-over-year CCLEI growth slowed slightly in September, reflecting developments in both domestic and international leading indicators.

Specifically, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) in the euro area, the temperature-adjusted volume of electricity production, as well as property sales contracts contributed to the slowdown in the rise of the CCLEI in recent months.

On the contrary, the positive development of the other leading indicators that make up the CCLEI, such as tourist arrivals and retail trade, combined with the fall in the weekly price of Brent crude oil, partially offset the negative pressures and strengthened the overall growth of the CCLEI.

In summary, the CypERC said, “the slowdown in the year-over-year growth of the CCLEI in September suggests that the growth momentum of the Cypriot economy which despite maintained positive course, remains vulnerable to geopolitical developments and prevailing economic uncertainty.”

Ukraine receives further pound 4 billion from EU’s contribution to G7 Loan

The European Commission has disbursed the ninth tranche of its exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, worth pound 4 billion, further reinforcing the EU’s role as the largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with overall support approaching pound 178 billion.

In total, the MFA amounts to pound 18.1 billion and represents the EU’s contribution to the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans initiative, which collectively aims to provide approximately pound 45 billion in financial support to Ukraine. With this payment, the Commission’s total support to Ukraine under this MFA reaches pound 14 billion since the beginning of 2025.

This significant disbursement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and follows President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent announcement, in her State of the Union speech, of a pound 6 billion frontload of the EU’s contribution to the ERA loans initiative. This announcement is in line with the call by European leaders at the Special European Council in March to frontload financing to Ukraine. The process is now underway, with this pound 4 billion disbursement comprising an initial pound 3 billion frontload, in addition to the pound 1 billion already scheduled for this period. This support will help Ukraine meet its growing financing needs, including in the defence sector. Specifically, pound 2 billion of today’s disbursement will be allocated for drones, in line with a mutual agreement between the EU and Ukraine.

The ERA loans from G7 partners as well as the EU’s MFA loan are being repaid using proceeds from immobilised Russian State assets held in the EU.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)

EU seizes counterfeit items worth pound 3.8 bn in 2024 amid rising e-commerce threats

EU customs and market surveillance authorities intercepted 112 million counterfeit goods valued at pound 3.8 billion in 2024, the second-highest haul on record, per a report from the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

Despite the decline of the overall volume from 2023’s peak (152 million), the value surged due to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and pricier items such as software and luxury goods. The report warns that e-commerce growth and geopolitical shifts strain enforcement systems, stressing the need for enhanced customs controls and stronger intellectual property verification to safeguard consumers and EU industries from intellectual property infringements.

The Customs Reform, presented by the Commission in 2023, will play a key role in addressing current challenges by introducing a data-driven, AI-powered Customs Data Hub to track supply chains in real-time and identify high-risk shipments. The report on the value of counterfeit items seized by the EU is available online.

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

Commission awards the 2025 Prizes for the most sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects under the New European Bauhaus

The European Commission has announced 22 laureates of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2025. For the fifth year in a row, the NEB prizes reward outstanding projects and initiatives that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics, demonstrating how the lives of people and communities can be enriched by bringing together culture and technology, innovation and design. The urgent need for more affordable and sustainable housing was also recognised with a special prize.

Additionally, for the first time this year, 20 small municipalities were awarded the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities. This highlights the role these communities play in shaping a future that is more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful. This new initiative is supported by a pilot project of the European Parliament.

The prizes were awarded at a ceremony on 30 September, during which the Commission also launched a student design competition for the official NEB Prizes 2026 trophy, inviting young talents to propose a symbolic object that embodies sustainability, beauty and togetherness. Students can apply by 31 January 2026.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘Every year I am impressed by the creativity in this competition. And I am really pleased with this year’s special housing prize. It will help us to think about solutions to the housing crisis in a new way. And it is an inspiration for our work on a European Housing Plan. Our goal is to make housing more affordable, sustainable, and better quality. These are also the goals of the New European Bauhaus. A home is not just walls and a roof. It is safety and belonging.’

More information on all the laureates is available in our press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

Commission opens ‘Choose Europe for Science’ call to offer researchers long-term careers in Europe

Today, the European Commission launches Choose Europe for Science – Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions with an indicative budget of pound 22.5 million offering opportunities and support in Europe to talents worldwide.

This pilot initiative is part of the pound 500 million Choose Europe: advance your research career in the EU plan for the period 2025-2027.

Organisations applying for funding through ‘Choose Europe for Science’ will not only host postdoctoral researchers, but also offer them longer term professional perspectives.

Since their creation in 1996, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have been the Union’s hallmark programme for doctoral and postdoctoral education.

‘Choose Europe for Science’ was formally launched by President Ursula von der Leyen at the Sorbonne in May this year.

President von der Leyen said: ‘ I am convinced that science remains the fuel of progress and growth for our societies. This is why Europe will always choose science. And it is why we want the best and brightest to Choose Europe’.

The programme supports at least three postdoctoral researchers per project for up to five years, with the MSCA providing funding for the initial two or three years, and host institutions continuing employment for the remaining two years.

More information on the deadlines and the applications can be found online.

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

Commissioner Šuica travels to Tunisia to reinforce cooperation and discuss the Pact for the Mediterranean

Today and tomorrow, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, is in Tunis, to discuss progress under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed two years ago between the EU and Tunisia.

There, she will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti, and the Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh. This visit will be an opportunity to discuss the upcoming Pact for the Mediterranean with the Tunisian authorities as well as the EU-Tunisia relations, and to meet with civil society representatives.

During the visit, Commissioner Šuica will announce three cooperation agreements of a total amount of pound 60 million. These agreements will support food security and the economic empowerment of women in rural areas, fund the digitalisation of the public administration, and help Tunisia take part in EU programmes like Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and Creative Europe, strengthening links between Tunisian and European researchers, students, and young people.

The Commissioner will also witness the signature of a flagship project between European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and ‘Tunisie Telecom’ to accelerate Tunisia’s digital infrastructure deployment. She will also attend the signature of an EU grant agreement of pound 12.5 million between the European Investment Bank and STEG, Tunisia’s state-owned electricity and gas operator.

Finally, Commissioner Šuica will visit the port of la Goulette, near Tunis, where the EU delivered two new boats for search and rescue to the Tunisian navy, as part of the EU-Tunisia comprehensive cooperation on migration management.

This will be the first official visit of Commissioner Šuica to the country, which is a strategic partner for the EU. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. The EU-Tunisia Association Council will take place on 28 October.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

European Cybersecurity Month 2025 kicks off with focus on phishing threats

The European Cybersecurity Month begins today. This is an annual awareness-raising campaign, offering practical guidance for EU citizens to stay safe online. This year’s focus is on combating phishing, the most common method attackers use to breach the security of digital devices.

Currently, 60% of cyberattacks begin with phishing, an attempt to steal information or access systems through deceptive messages or fraudulent websites. Phishing takes many forms, from e-mails that trick users into giving away sensitive data to fake websites designed to capture login details. This campaign places a strong focus on building citizens’ knowledge to counter these attacks, helping ensure they fail before they can cause harm.

Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: ‘Cybersecurity is not just about technology, it is a critical condition for all sectors of society and a shared responsibility. Phishing attacks and other cyber threats can have devastating consequences, disrupting our critical infrastructure and businesses, and undermining our trust in the digital world. By staying vigilant and taking simple steps to protect ourselves online, we can all play our role in fighting against cyber threats while helping to build a safer, more secure digital future for everyone.’

Organised by the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), with support from various organisations across Europe, the initiative also promotes cybersecurity careers and supports the European cyber workforce, at a time when the EU’s skills gap is more critical than ever.

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

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 01/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 02/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

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

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. Today, locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times while isolated rain showers are likely, mainly over the northern, western and eastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 27°C

Warnings: NIL

The President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, concluded on Sunday his visit to Cyprus, with a visit to the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, according to a press release issued by the Hellenic Parliament.

During his, Kaklamanis held a series of meetings, among others with the President of the Republic and the President of the House of Representatives, while he also addressed the House of Representatives in a special session on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, the President of the Hellenic Parliament watched the military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, from where he conveyed a message of unity between Greece and Cyprus in the struggle for liberation.

Subsequently, he met with Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios.

Before departing for Athens, he visited the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, where, in an atmosphere of deep emotion, he laid a wreath at the Fallen Heroes’ Memorial of those who died during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and was also given a tour of the on-site museum.

We must invest in our defence and strategic alliances, House President, Annita Demetriou, said on Wednesday, following the military parade for Cyprus’ Independence Day, in Nicosia. She noted that this is a matter of national survival for Greek Cypriots.

Demetriou said that Cyprus’ ties with Greece are a foundation of stability and cannot be shuddered.

She welcomed the presence of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, at the parade, saying that it sends her own essential political message.

Demetriou also said that our independence was earned through hard work and sacrifice. She warmly congratulated the participants in the parade, saying that today’s military parade fills us with national pride.

There is a window of hope today for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday in a televised address on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, stressing that the wall of the occupation of is not impenetrable.

“We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort,” he noted.

‘With feelings of pride, today we honour the 65th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus, as a result of getting rid of the colonial yoke after the unparalleled struggle of our people for freedom,’ the President said at the beginning of his address.

He noted that independence was a milestone in Cyprus’ long history, while the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes the people’s greatest achievement, which we must safeguard.

Unfortunately, he continued, today’s anniversary finds our homeland territorially and administratively amputated, due to the continuing 51-year presence of the Turkish occupying army following the illegal invasion of 1974, under the pretext of the Junta’s treacherous coup to overthrow President Makarios.

“Fifty one years later, the barbed wire of occupation keeps our country divided and prevents its lawful residents from moving freely, living peacefully, and creating under conditions of security and prosperity throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, as they deserve and as they are entitled to,’ he said.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Cypriot people stood firm ‘and with the Republic of Cyprus as their shield succeeded in rebuilding the state and the economy under the difficult and tragic conditions of occupation. On the foundation of international legitimacy, the Republic of Cyprus evolved into a modern state, and in 2004, 30 years after the 1974 tragedy, joined the great European family. This important transformation, the greatest diplomatic success since independence, has changed our country’s fate for the better and laid the foundations for a sustainable future for our people,’ he stressed.

President Christodoulides underlined that from the first day his assumed his duties, he set as his highest goal the resumption of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem from the point where they were interrupted in the summer of 2017 in Crans-Montana. ‘It was not easy, after so many years of deadlock and lack of movement, to once again activate the international factor, especially amid two wars which are still shocking the international community,’ he said.

He noted, however, that with method and determination ‘we succeeded in reactivating the international community on the Cyprus problem, as expressed through the initiative undertaken by the UN Secretary-General that is now under way. We achieved this through the clear linkage of EU-Turkey relations with progress on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations, as explicitly recorded in the European Council Conclusions,’ he said. He added that this was also achieved through the more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus problem, as expressed in the joint letter of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, as well as the appointment of the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn.

He noted that this was also achieved with the reappointment of Maria Ángela Holguín as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy.

Stating that ‘we are absolutely realistic’ and fully aware of the ‘long and difficult effort’ and the many challenges ahead, the President said that through the initiatives undertaken, ‘we have succeeded in reactivating the international factor and launching processes which we hope and work for to lead to the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and, of course, the principles and values of the European Union.’

He recalled that the initiative currently under way would have seemed inconceivable before 2023, when Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, demanded recognition of sovereign equality as a precondition even for discussions or a UN-sponsored meeting.

‘Today, however, there is a window of hope. We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort. That is why I am convinced that despite the difficulties and obstacles, the wall of occupation is not impenetrable. We only need to remain serious, persistent, methodical, and focused,’ he stressed.

‘The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing’

——————

Alongside the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, the President also referred to efforts to strengthen all the country’s levers of power, both internal and external.

Domestically, he said, there is an ongoing effort for ‘bold and continuous reforms, for the modernization of institutions, for the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the management of migration, the upgrading of our homeland’s deterrent power, investment in social welfare, and of course the consolidation of the sense of security.’

He said that the prerequisite for all this is a strong and resilient economy, built through a responsible fiscal policy that secures growth for the benefit of the people as a whole and allows the pursuit of targeted social policy.

‘I am pleased with the performance of the Cypriot economy, among the highest in Europe, and indeed in the midst of two wars. Growth rate among the highest in Europe, full employment in the labor market, a downward trajectory of public debt, and much more are the result of the responsible economic policy we follow on the basis of social liberalism. This allows us to implement targeted policies to support the vulnerable, the middle class, households, and our businesses,’ he noted.

He added that the continuous upgrades by all major credit rating agencies and praise from European and international institutions amount to a vote of confidence in the country and the Cypriot economy, ‘for which we are all entitled to be proud.’

At the international level, ‘the Republic of Cyprus walks the path of responsibility,’ the President said, noting that Cyprus is assuming an active role as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.

‘Cyprus is making use of its geographical position and turning it into a strategic advantage in a region plagued by prolonged crises. As a consistent, predictable, and responsible partner, it remains a reliable and safe harbor. Through specific initiatives, through actions and not words, our homeland is becoming a hub of stability, a transit station for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for humanitarian aid, and a beacon that illuminates the path of peace and cooperation,’ he said.

He emphasized that this is recognized worldwide, and expressed pride that Cyprus walks this ‘path of responsibility.’ ‘And we are determined to expand it – always as part of the solution and never part of the problem,’ he added.

Regarding the upcoming assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union by Cyprus, the President stressed that ‘we are fully prepared to demonstrate in practice that we can assume responsibility for Cyprus and for the European Union,’ adding that ‘I have no doubt that we will fulfill this responsibility with full awareness of today’s needs for the well-being of millions of European citizens, and the pressing need for stronger multilateralism, greater integration, and more cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world, for a stronger, safer, and more autonomous Union.’

President Christodoulides said that today fills us with pride for what our people have achieved over the past 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus’ existence.

‘Together, we give the promise that we will continue the struggle until the long-awaited day of justice, liberation, reunification. We have the capabilities, the optimism, the faith, and the will to make this land again a common homeland for all its lawful residents. We want to, and we can, have a common future with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in a united homeland, a member state of the European Union, where its principles and values will apply without exception to all,’ he said.

‘We also have the diligence and humanity as a people to be a prosperous and compassionate society. The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing. Happy Independence Day, Cyprus,’ he concluded.

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.

The effort to strengthen the deterrent power of the National Guard will continue, President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, in press statements following the military parade, in Nicosia, for Cyprus’ Independence Day.

He also stressed that the struggle continues to achieve our highest goal, which is none other than the liberation of our homeland.

The President initially referred to today’s ritual because, he said, it is of particular importance for the new generations to know about it. He said that in the morning they visited the Imprisoned Graves to honor all those who fought and gave their lives for our country. EOKA anti-colonial liberation struggle heroes are buried there.

He also said that they laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace and at the Resistance Monument for those who fought against the Turkish rebellion in 1964 and in 1974 in order to defend the Republic of Cyprus. The President also said that the parade is taking place to honor those who today defend the Republic.

He went on to say that Cyprus today celebrates its 65th anniversary, adding that the country suffered as a young state, but managed thirty years later to become an EU member state, one that is constantly being upgraded.

President Christodoulides also noted that our duty today is to do everything possible to upgrade Cyprus Republic and to also achieve our highest goal which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland.

He continued by saying that at the same time, while striving for the goal of liberation, we have an obligation to strengthen with deeds and not with words all the power factors in Cyprus namely maintain a strong economy, rule of law, addressing corruption and all other challenges before us and internationally to have an open-minded foreign policy that proves that the Republic of Cyprus is part of the solutions to regional and international challenges.

He said that in this way the status of the Republic of Cyprus is further upgraded and, at the same time, we are also strengthening our negotiating status in relation to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President warmly congratulated those who participated in today’s parade, saying that we are truly proud of what we have today seen.

He noted that the strengthening of the deterrent power of the National Guard begins first and foremost with the officers and personnel of the National Guard upgrading.

He also said that today we saw some of Cyprus’ new armament programs, adding that the effort to acquire new military weapons will continue and will be strengthened even further, utilizing the means offered by the European Union and Cyprus’ collaborations with strategic partners such as the United States.

When asked about the messages sent by the presence of the Greek F-16 fighter jets, the President noted that the messages are clear about the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece, primarily for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Secondly, he said, Cyprus and Greece, as EU member states and states of the region prove in practice that they are pillars of security and stability.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus poses as an exception in Europe’s inflation trends, with its annual rate reaching 0% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s preliminary estimates. At a time when the euro area faces a moderate yet steady inflation rate of 2.2%, Cyprus stands out as the only country with no year-on-year price change, while its monthly inflation even registered a decline of -0.4%.

This contrasts sharply with broader European trends, where sectors like services (3.2% in the eurozone) and food (3%) continue to drive price pressures. In Cyprus, however, this stability may reflect a combination of domestic factors, such as relative price stability in energy and food, and external influences, including reduced import costs.

On more detail, annual inflation in the eurozone reached 2.2% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s flash estimate, marking a slight increase from August’s 2%. However, behind this average figure lie significant disparities, both among member states and across different categories of goods and services, revealing a complex economic landscape.

As for the drivers of inflation, services remain the primary inflationary pressure, with an annual rate of 3.2% (up from 3.1% in August), followed by food, alcohol, and tobacco (3%). In contrast, energy continues to act as a drag, with prices falling by -0.4%, though the decline is less steep than in previous months (when it reached -2% in August). Non-energy industrial goods remain subdued, with just a 0.8% increase, highlighting weak demand in certain sectors of the economy.

The differences between countries remain, as Estonia records the highest inflation rate (5.2%), followed by Croatia (4.6%) and Slovakia (4.6%), while France (1.1%) and Italy (1.8%) sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Greece shows a notable decline, from 3.1% in August to 1.8% in September, partly due to lower energy and food prices.

Meanwhile, countries like Ireland (2.7%) and Spain (3%) exhibit stabilization, while Cyprus (0%) stands out as the only country with zero inflation, underscoring the unique dynamics of its local economy.