Category: Cyprus News Agency

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 14/07/2026 UNTIL 0600 15/07/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1005hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but overnight and early morning locally increased low cloud coverage will be present at times, with risk of local mist and/or fog patches.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 27°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

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

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3, locally Northwest to Northeast Smooth to Slight

South Coast

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

Afternoon Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

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

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

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

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

#CT#General/CT#

Cyprus is among the euro area countries where the pilot programme for the digital euro will take place, according to an announcement by the European Central Bank published on Tuesday.

According to the ECB, the pilot programme will take place at the Bank itself and at 19 Eurosystem national central banks, including in Cyprus, with the aim of testing the functionalities of the digital euro.

The ECB announced that it had selected 36 payment service providers from across the euro area to participate in the pilot programme. The exercise is described as crucial for testing the technical functionality and operational processes of the digital euro, as well as for improving the user experience.

The pilot programme aims to support the ongoing preparatory work for the potential issuance of a digital euro and is expected to start in the second half of 2027, for a period of 12 months.

How the tests will be carried out

The pilot programme will involve staff from the ECB and the participating national central banks, as well as e-commerce merchants and merchants offering everyday services on their premises, such as cafeterias and restaurants.

Staff at the participating central banks will be able to make test payments in digital euro from person to person, both online and offline, as well as from person to business, at physical points of sale and via e-commerce, including mobile payments.

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union has significantly contributed to the promotion of important legislative files in the areas of economy and fiscal affairs, enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy, modernising the customs union, integrating capital markets, fostering tax cooperation, and supporting Ukraine, said Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Tuesday, presenting the outcomes of the Cyprus Presidency in his area of responsibility.

During a press conference in Nicosia, Keravnos described the six-month Presidency as a particularly demanding yet highly productive period, noting that Cyprus took the helm of the Council at a time of intense geopolitical upheaval, with the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, developments in the Middle East, and their impacts on the European economy and energy security.

As he pointed out, these conditions necessitated decisions that would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the European Union, with the Cypriot Presidency focusing on policies that promote sustainable development, fiscal stability, and the enhancement of the Union’s strategic autonomy at the Council of Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN).

The Minister said that during the Cypriot Presidency, he chaired five ECOFIN meetings, a General Affairs Council on cohesion policy issues, as well as informal meetings of EU Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors and Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy that were hosted in Cyprus.

He further pointed out that a central goal of the Presidency was to strengthen the financial autonomy of the European Union and create conditions for greater productivity and competitiveness of the European economy.

Keravnos made particular reference to the work on the Union of Savings and Investments, describing it as a key pillar of European competitiveness. At the same time, he noted that the Council reached agreements on a series of legislative proposals concerning supplementary pensions and specifically the revision of the pan-European personal pension product (PEPP), to make it more attractive, accessible, and financially sustainable.

Referring to the first pillar of the Presidency, the Minister emphasised the implementation of the new EU economic governance framework agreed upon in 2024, as well as the coordination of member states’ economic policies through the European Semester. He also said that the Cypriot Presidency contributed to resolving outstanding issues that delayed the implementation of a decision to grant a loan of 90 billion euros to Ukraine.

Keravnos also referred, among other things, to the progress made on the European budget and the new Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028-2034. Regarding taxation, he said that new rules were agreed upon for more effective combating of VAT fraud, through enhanced cooperation between member states, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). He also spoke of the reform of the Union Customs Code, which he described as the most significant since the establishment of the customs union in 1968.

“Cyprus has proven that it has the human resources that can not only address national issues but also design and implement European policies,” he said, adding that the successful completion of the Presidency enhanced the voice and credibility of the country in European institutions.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos travels to London on Tuesday, where he is scheduled to hold meetings with UK officials and deliver an address at the UK Parliament.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday Kombos will meet with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, as well as Minister of State for Europe and North America Stephen Doughty.

During his visit, the Foreign Minister will also address an event organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus at the UK Parliament, on Tuesday, on “Cyprus’ Geostrategic Role: Prospects and Challenges.”

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

MEETING DATE: 14/07/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

146.045,98

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

182,500

-0,400

128.343,630

MAIN MARKET INDEX

247,240

-0,520

116.915,220

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.021,980

0,320

34.843,750

CSE GENERAL INDEX

310,410

-0,410

129.170,860

HOTELS INDEX

1.957,430

-0,380

698,330

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2.055,030

0,060

12.255,640

The Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) highlighted the link between Cyprus’ cultural heritage, standardisation and innovation while strengthening European cooperation during the CEN and CENELEC Annual Meeting 2026.

According to a CYS press release, the high-level meetings provided opportunities to develop bilateral cooperation and advance Memoranda of Understanding between CYS and partner organisations, as well as among other national standardisation bodies at bilateral and regional level.

The contacts enchased CYS’ position as an active and trusted partner in the European standardisation community and demonstrated its capacity to contribute to strategic cooperation and institutional dialogue, it said.

The meeting also provided a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among European and international stakeholders, facilitating the sharing of good practices and cooperation in addressing emerging regulatory, technological and market challenges.

Beyond its institutional role, the event promoted Cyprus’ cultural identity and heritage. Its official logo was inspired by the cross-shaped symbol of Pomos, an ancient Cypriot emblem associated with friendship, hospitality and the island’s long history and cultural wealth.

During the four-day programme, CYS worked with the Cyprus Handicraft Centre to host artisans who gave live demonstrations of traditional crafts, including Lefkaritika lace and Phythkiotika weaving.

Both forms of traditional craftsmanship are safeguarded through national Cypriot standards developed by CYS, the press release said.

Emphasis was also placed on passing traditional skills to younger generations. Students from Agios Neophytos Lyceum in Paphos presented contemporary uses of Phythkiotika textiles, demonstrating how tradition can inspire modern creative expression.

The programme also featured the first Cypriot standard in the field of historical and cultural heritage, concerning an ancient copper ingot from Marion. The presentation was accompanied by a live demonstration by a master coppersmith.

According to CYS, the activity offered delegates an insight into Cyprus’ centuries-old metallurgical and artisanal tradition, while illustrating the historical roots of standardisation on the island.

‘Cypriot standardisation is not only about technical alignment, but also about preserving tradition, fostering innovation and connecting cultural heritage with modern industry and design,’ CYS said.

It added that the parallel programme highlighted the close relationship between standardisation, culture and creativity, reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a country bridging tradition and innovation within Europe.

In 2025, the share of the population in Cyprus living in housing in which energy efficiency had been improved in the previous five years stood at 28%, according to data published on Tuesday by Eurostat.

According to the same data, in Cyprus the gap between people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and those not at such risk was among the most pronounced in the EU. Specifically, 16.7% of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion lived in a dwelling with improved energy efficiency, compared with 30.3% among those not at such risk.

At European Union level, 23.9% of the population lived in 2025 in a dwelling in which energy efficiency had been improved in the previous five years.

Eurostat also reports that, overall in the EU, people at risk of poverty or social exclusion were less likely to say that they lived in dwellings with improved energy efficiency. The rate for these people stood at 17.4%, compared with 25.6% for people not at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

The EU is ready to do its utmost to support the UN’s efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on social media after a meeting she held with the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, in Paris on the sidelines of the July 14 celebrations in the French capital.

‘The EU is ready to do its utmost to support the UN’s efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, within the UN framework and in line with the principles, values and legislation of the EU,” she noted.

On Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto’s designation as special representative for Cyprus issue, von Der Leyen underlined that “there is real momentum to move forward. The EU is fully engaged. Together, we will work to seize this opportunity.”

The new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Cyprus, Yang Yundong, reiterated China’s long-standing principled position in favour of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus during his meeting on Tuesday with House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou.

According to a House of Representatives press release, Yang expressed his country’s appreciation for Cyprus’ ongoing support for the principle of “One China” as well as for its contribution to enhancing dialogue and cooperation between China and the EU. He also noted that, despite the geographical distance, his country attaches particular importance to bilateral relations with Cyprus.

The House President expressed sincere appreciation for China’s principled positions and its longstanding support, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, regarding the Cyprus issue and the efforts for a resolution, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. She also reaffirmed Cyprus’ consistent position in favour of the principle of “One China.”

In regards with relations between the European Union and China, Demetriou stressed that Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union, will continue to constructively contribute to promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two.

The House President noted the excellent level of relations between Cyprus and China, highlighting that the two countries are connected by bonds of sincere friendship and mutual trust. Demetriou said that China is an important partner for Cyprus and expressed confidence that the very good cooperation between the House of Representatives and the Chinese Embassy will continue.

During the meeting, both parts underscored the significant momentum for exchanges and cooperation on all levels between Cyprus and China in recent years, as well as the possibilities for further strengthening bilateral affairs, particularly in the fields of trade, tourism, and culture, with an emphasis on the education sector. Both parts also noted the mutual willingness to deepen relations and exchanges between the House and the National People’s Congress.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, in Paris for the Bastille Day celebrations, will meet with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and foreign leaders.

President Christodoulides arrived in the French capital on Monday, responding to an invitation from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to attend the military parade of the French Armed Forces, which will take place on the Champs-Élysées on the occasion of France’s National Day.

Yesterday in Paris, the President of the Republic met with the National Guard personnel who will take part in today’s parade of the French Armed Forces for France’s National Day, following an invitation from the French Armed Forces.

Addressing the members of the elite unit in the presence of the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou, President Christodoulides said that the honorary invitation to parade with the flag of the Republic of Cyprus on the Champs-Élysées before heads of state and government, beyond its high symbolism, reflects, among other things, the importance of the Cyprus-France strategic cooperation, with relations between the two countries being at the highest possible level.

He also congratulated the National Guard personnel who worthily represent, he said, Cyprus in international missions and various bodies, while assuring them of the Government’s ongoing interest in the continuous upgrading of the defense capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus.

The President of the Republic, who will return to Cyprus late this afternoon, is accompanied in Paris by Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou and other officials.