Cyprus News Agency – Page 67 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

PRESS RELEASE – CUT

CUT and Tsientang University Strengthen Cooperation in Digital Cultural Heritage

Tsientang University is a privately funded, nonprofit research university being developed in Hangzhou, China, through the philanthropic commitment of entrepreneur Zhong Shanshan. The Tsientang Institute for Advanced Study (TIAS) serves as its preparatory body and existing academic base. Bringing together the physical and life sciences, artificial intelligence and informatics, and the humanities and social sciences, the university aims to expand the frontiers of knowledge and advance technological innovation through interdisciplinary research and education. The Institute has been represented by its President Prof. Enge Wang (former President of the University of Peking and Vice-Chair of the Chinese Academy of Science together with Dr. Zilong Zheng Head of the International Affairs.

The visit to Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), in Limassol, Cyprus last week (17-19/9/2026) and in particular to the UNESCO Chair and Research Center MNEMOSYNE affirmed the strong complementarity of our institutional strengths and our shared commitment to developing long-term academic and research cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provides an important framework for strengthening academic, scientific, and technological collaboration between the two institutions. CUT was represented by Prof. Nicolaos Tsapatsulis Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Prof. Vangelis Vice Rector of Finances as well with Dr. Athos Agapiou, Acting Director of the Research center MNEMOSYNE as well as the Director of the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage, Dr. Marinos Ioannides.

Our discussions identified opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions through joint research, education and training, staff and student exchanges, and the sharing of expertise and research resources. Areas of shared interest include cultural heritage research and conservation, digital cultural heritage, and related international standards. We also explored the potential establishment of research workstations and, in the longer term, an international joint laboratory to support sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Particular emphasis was placed on the opportunity to combine the Partner Institute’s expertise in ancient materials, ceramics, archaeology, conservation, and related fields with CUT’s internationally recognised expertise in Digital Cultural Heritage, including its EU ERA Chair in Digital Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage, as well as its specialised research infrastructure within the Research Center MNEMOSYNE and wide international network.

Within the framework of this cooperation, CUT will provide, to the extent possible, scientific expertise, technical know-how, advice, training, and support in the broad domain of Digital Cultural Heritage, covering education, research, innovation, technology development, capacity building, and policy. CUT will actively seek to support the Partner Institute in addressing challenges related to the digital documentation, interpretation, preservation, monitoring, management, and long-term accessibility of digital cultural heritage.

Particular attention will be given to the exchange of knowledge concerning the different types of ancient materials, artefacts, monuments, and archaeological remains and their specific physical, material, structural, and conservation conditions, with the objective of identifying and applying appropriate methodologies for their accurate, precise, scientifically validated, and holistic digital documentation. This cooperation may encompass advanced 3D digitisation, photogrammetry, laser scanning, remote sensing, digital reconstruction, artificial intelligence, Digital Twins, MemoryTwin methodologies, HBIM/HHBIM, databases and knowledge graphs, as well as other emerging technologies relevant to cultural heritage.

The two institutions will also explore opportunities for sharing expertise, research infrastructure, datasets, scientific resources, methodologies, and best practices, while developing joint research and training activities. These activities may include joint workshops, seminars, conferences (such as the upcoming www.EuroMed2026.eu) courses, staff and student exchanges, scientific missions, joint publications, research proposals, and participation in European and international research and innovation programmes.

Through this collaboration, CUT will endeavour to make its available know-how, expertise, research experience, technological infrastructure, and international networks accessible to the Partner Institute, wherever appropriate and feasible. At the same time, the Partner Institute’s specialised knowledge of ancient materials, ceramics, conservation, archaeological contexts, and associated cultural heritage will provide an important complementary dimension to CUT’s digital expertise.

The overall objective is to establish a sustainable and mutually beneficial framework for interdisciplinary cooperation, bringing together archaeology, conservation, materials science, digital technologies, digital cultural heritage management, education, research, innovation, and policy. Such cooperation will contribute not only to the development of new scientific and technological solutions, but also to a deeper understanding, documentation, preservation, and transmission of cultural heritage and the memory associated with it for future generations.

We greatly appreciated the openness, and constructive spirit of our guests at our University and we are looking forward to transforming these shared interests and complementary strengths into concrete joint projects, research activities, educational initiatives, staff and students exchanges, and long-term institutional cooperation, benefiting both institutions and contributing to the international understanding, preservation, and sustainable use of cultural heritage.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 02/10/2026 UNTIL 1800 03/10/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

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

Low pressure and unstable airmass are affecting the area. Tonight and tomorrow morning, isolated showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected mainly over the west and the north. Tomorrow evening, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected over the west, the north and the east. IN STORM AREA WIND MAY BE VARIABLE STRENGTHENING TO 5-6 BEAUFORT WITH STRONGER GUSTS.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 27°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4

Slight, gradually near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, soon South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Slight

South Coast

Night

South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast West to Northwest 3

Slight, gradually near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning

South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually locally 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

East Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3, at times 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to South 3 to 4

Slight, later near the coast Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually South to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4, at times Variable

Slight

House President stresses Greek Cypriot side’s commitment to resumption of substantive negotiations

President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, has stressed the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue within the agreed framework of the United Nations and the importance of the EU’s more active involvement.

Demetriou was addressing on Friday a working lunch hosted by the Ambassador of Ireland to Cyprus, Sarah Hamilton, for the heads of diplomatic missions of the European Union member states in the context of the current Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

According to a press release issued by the Parliament, Demetriou stressed the particular importance for Cyprus of the commitment of the President of the European Commission to defend every inch of European territory.

She recalled that more than 52 years after the Turkish invasion against Cyprus, part of the Republic of Cyprus is still under occupation, while Turkey insists on promoting a two-state solution, in violation of the international law and the agreed framework for a solution.

Moreover, Demetriou stressed the importance of the more active involvement of the EU and the role of the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, in support of the process of resolving the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the United Nations.

She also referred to the efforts made on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly in New York to hold a trilateral meeting between the UN Secretary General and the two leaders, which, were unsuccessful due to Turkey’s refusal, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution within the agreed framework of the United Nations.

As regards the deepening of EU-Turkey relations, including the update of the Customs Union and cooperation in the fields of security, defence and industry, Demetriou underlined that it cannot be disconnected from the fulfillment of Turkey’s obligations towards Cyprus.

Referring to energy security, Demetriou highlighted the strategic importance of the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection through the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) for lifting Cyprus’ energy isolation and strengthening security of supply, and underlined the need for European support for the implementation of the project.

The House Speaker welcomed the priorities of the Irish EU Presidency in the areas of competitiveness, values and security, noting that they are interrelated goals that serve European integration, international law and multilateralism.

Furthermore, she referred to challenges such as AI, and underlined that the EU must strengthen investment and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence and address the risks arising from its rapid development. In this context, she referred to the impact of social media on public debate, placing particular emphasis on sexist attacks and the online targeting of women participating in political life.

Concluding, Demetriou highlighted the need to find effective responses to the daily concerns of European citizens.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Kombos holds farewell meeting with Israeli Ambassador

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, held a farewell meeting with the Ambassador of Israel, Oren Anolik, upon the conclusion of the latter’s tenure in Cyprus.

According to a post by the Foreign Ministry on X on Friday, the Minister thanked Ambassador Anolik for his dedication and valuable contribution to promoting Cyprus-Israel strategic partnership over the past five years, wishing him every success in the future.

Retail trade records strong growth in August, rising 9.3% in value and 7% in volume

Retail trade in Cyprus recorded strong growth in August 2026, with the turnover value index for retail trade excluding motor vehicles rising by 9.3% year-on-year, while the volume index increased by 7.0%, according to data released Friday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

During the January-August 2026 period, the value index increased by 8.1%, while the volume index rose by 6.4% compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

The August data show broad-based growth in retail trade, with particularly strong performances recorded in information and communications equipment, clothing and footwear, as well as fuel in terms of value.

Strong growth in electronics and clothing

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The largest annual increase in the value index in August was recorded in information and communications equipment, which rose by 15.9%, while the volume index increased by 24.8%.

Clothing and footwear also recorded significant growth, with the value index rising by 8.9% and the volume index by 16.7%.

In other household equipment, including building materials, carpets, furniture, electrical appliances and lighting equipment, the value of sales increased by 10.2%, while volume rose by 12.0%.

The value index for educational and recreational goods increased by 9.7% and the volume index by 12.7%, while pharmaceutical and orthopaedic goods and cosmetics recorded increases of 7.7% and 7.1%, respectively.

Fuel value up 21.1%

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In motor fuels, the value index increased by 21.1% in August, while the volume index fell by 1.5%.

In supermarkets, the value index rose by 8.2%, while volume increased by 5.1%. In specialised stores selling food, beverages and tobacco, the value index increased by 1.9%, while volume declined by 1.0%.

Growth also recorded in January-August

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During the January-August period, most retail categories recorded increases.

The value index rose by 11.4% for motor fuels, 11.8% for other household equipment and 10.5% for information and communications equipment.

In clothing and footwear, the value index increased by 4.2%, while volume rose by 12.0%.

Overall, excluding motor fuels, the retail trade value index increased by 8.2% in August, while the volume index rose by 7.8%. During the first eight months of the year, the corresponding increases were 7.7% and 7.1%.

Day centre for people with autism to be constructed in Strovolos

Social inclusion requires all of us to organise our society in a way that leaves no one on the margins and recognises every person’s right to live and participate safely and creatively within the community, said President, Nikos Christodoulides, addressing on Friday an event held at the Presidential Palace to present the results of the architectural competition for the construction of a Day centre for people with autism.

The new centre will be built on state-owned land in the parish of Agios Dimitrios in the Municipality of Strovolos, with a total gross floor area of up to approximately 740 square metres and the capacity to support up to 30 people.

The President recalled that the decision of the Council of Ministers of 19 November 2025 approved, firstly, the construction of the Centre, secondly, the acceptance of Eurobank’s donation of two million euro, and thirdly, the State undertaking responsibility for the furnishings, the equipment, operation and maintenance of the centre, whilst in December of the same year the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and Eurobank signed the relevant Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a clear framework for joint action.

Noting that Eurobank had undertaken to finance the study, design, construction and supervision of the project, he expressed the Government’s warm thanks to the bank and its management for this significant donation and for undertaking the supervision and management of the project’s implementation, whilst also making special mention of the members of the Selection Committee and its advisers, who, as he said, assessed 37 entries with professionalism, transparency and commitment to the terms of the competition.

He added that the Government is proceeding with the creation of a model autism centre in the district of Famagusta at a cost of 4.5 million euros, the implementation of which, he said, has already begun.

‘In our view, the quality of a society is reflected, amongst other things, in the way it cares for our fellow citizens who need greater support. The day centre currently under construction is a tangible investment in human dignity, participation and social cohesion. It is also a promise to people on the autism spectrum and their families that we do not merely see them or listen to them, but that we also respond to their needs’, he concluded.

For her part, the Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, said that the lack of suitable facilities increases the risk of inactivity, isolation and social exclusion and places a significant burden on the family environment, adding that the new centre aims to fill this gap with an additional, modern day-care facility for people over the age of 22, which will offer specialised programmes for creative activities, empowerment, skills development and gradual social integration.

She added that Eurobank had undertaken, at its own expense, to organise the open architectural competition in collaboration with ETEK, as well as to finance the design, construction and supervision of the building infrastructure, including the necessary electrical and mechanical installations and security systems, so that the centre is handed over fully ready for operation.

She further noted that, for its part, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare is responsible for providing state-owned land, determining building requirements, facilitating the necessary planning permissions and accepting the infrastructure following the required inspections, whilst, upon completion of the building, it will take charge of furnishing and equipping the centre, as well as funding its operation and maintenance.

Fiscal Council says no to across-the-board tax interventions against inflation

Fiscal policy in response to inflation should not aim to permanently contain prices through across-the-board tax interventions but should, where necessary, provide targeted and temporary protection to vulnerable groups, the Cyprus Fiscal Council (CFC) said in a presentation on inflation in Cyprus released on Friday.

The presentation, titled ‘Inflation in Cyprus 2025-2026: From the Energy Shock to a Fiscally Prudent Response’, analyses the evolution of inflation through August 2026, the contribution of energy, food and services, as well as fiscal options for temporary and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

According to the CFC, Cyprus saw a ‘sharp reversal’, moving from the lowest inflation rate in the EU in 2025 (0.8%) to the third-highest in the EU in August 2026 (5.2%). It notes that the speed of this shift highlights ‘Cyprus’s unusually high sensitivity to the external energy shock’.

Energy drives the increase

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According to the presentation, energy triggered the rise in inflation, while pressures also broadened to services.

According to the CFC, fuel prices were affected directly, while electricity prices followed with a lag of around two months. Nevertheless, the CFC notes that petrol in Cyprus remains among the cheapest in the EU-27, weakening the case for further tax cuts.

As regards electricity, while the charge for households is close to the EU average, businesses pay the second-highest electricity prices in the EU. ‘For businesses, the high price is a competitiveness issue, not just an inflation issue,’ the CFC stressed.

‘The root of the problem is structural,’ the CFC said, noting that Cyprus imports 88% of its energy, almost entirely petroleum products, with import dependence in 2024 standing at 88%, compared with 57% in the EU. As it notes, energy dependence increases exposure to international disruptions. Every rise in Brent prices feeds through into fuel, electricity generation and transport costs, with the impact being greater on lower-income households and energy-intensive sectors such as hotels and transport.

Furthermore, it added, without interconnection, storage and natural gas, the economy cannot quickly switch to alternative energy sources.

Across-the-board tax cuts are costly

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Across-the-board tax cuts are costly, untargeted, temporarily conceal inflation and tend to become permanent, the CFC stresses, noting that energy costs cannot be permanently addressed through tax interventions. ‘More domestic energy is needed, which can be stored. Priority should be given to storage, grids and the energy upgrading of households, which permanently reduce exposure to oil and ETS costs,’ it said.

According to the CFC, 2026 saw a repeat of ‘the 2022 recipe’, with successive extensions of across-the-board tax cuts affecting excise duty, VAT on electricity and VAT on certain products, with existing measures exceeding pound 200 million.

‘Tax cuts ‘hide’ inflation today and bring it back when they expire,’ the CFC warned, stressing that if tax cuts are used in response to an exceptional shock, they should be temporary, time-limited and reversible.

It also said that a ‘normal’ inflation reference price should be established to distinguish an extreme shock from normal fluctuations. Specifically, it proposed using the average of the previous 36 months at current prices, deflated using the underlying Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, with a ‘tolerance band’ of ±15%.

‘The deviation from the normal price can determine when, how much and for how long support is provided,’ the CFC noted. As an example, it said that deviations of up to 15% should trigger no intervention, while deviations above 15% lasting less than 12 months should be considered a ‘temporary shock’, with support provided only to vulnerable households. A deviation of more than 15% lasting longer than 12 months could be considered a ‘potential new level’, with support withdrawn gradually over six months.

Under this methodology, according to the CFC, only the period 2022-23 constituted a ‘new level’, while in 2026 all deviations are considered a ‘temporary shock’.

Moreover, according to the CFC, permanently containing prices delays the necessary adjustment of the economy, creates misguided incentives by encouraging greater consumption of imported energy and slowing the shift towards renewables and energy efficiency, increases fiscal costs without a predetermined limit, and turns temporary measures into permanent obligations.

For this reason, it proposed the gradual withdrawal of support, announced in advance with a clear timetable, smoothing the impact only for vulnerable groups and for a limited period, and investing the fiscal space released in storage, grids and the energy upgrading of homes.

In conclusion, the CFC stressed that fiscal policy in response to inflation should not aim to permanently contain prices through across-the-board tax interventions. It should distinguish temporary shocks from permanent changes in relative prices, allow the economy to make the necessary adjustment and, where required, provide targeted and temporary protection to vulnerable groups.

House President pays official visit to Slovakia

President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou will travel to Slovakia on Sunday, October 4, for an official visit at the invitation of President of the country’s National Council Richard Rasi.

According to a House of Representatives press release, during her stay in Bratislava, Demetriou will be received by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and will hold separate meetings with National Council President Richard Rasi and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak.

As part of her visit, Demetriou, accompanied by Slovak Health Minister Kamil Sasko, will visit the Children’s Cancer Centre of the National Institute of Children’s Diseases, which operates under the auspices of Pellegrini.

The House President will also visit sites of historical and cultural interest.

Demetriou will return to Cyprus on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 6.

Charalambides takes part in EU Health Ministers’ Informal Meeting

Cyprus’ Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides, participated in the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers of the European Union (EU), which took place between September 30 and October 1, 2026, in Dublin, under the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.

The Ministry of Health said in a press release on Friday that “the discussions focused on enhancing innovation in Life Sciences, addressing challenges posed by chronic diseases and the ageing population, as well as improving access to medicines.”

“Particular emphasis was placed on the faster utilisation of innovation for the benefit of patients, in the European Health Data Space, on prevention and early diagnosis within the framework of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, as well as on strengthening the resilience of medicine supply chains,” it added.

“In his intervention, the Minister of Health emphasised the importance of timely and equitable access for patients to quality health services and innovative treatments, stressing the need for European cooperation mechanisms that take into account the specificities of smaller member states and contribute to reducing inequalities,” the press release concluded.

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

EP Newsletter – 5-8 October 2026 – Strasbourg plenary session

Press service

European Parliament

02-10-2026

Plenary session

Briefing

Newsletter – 5-8 October 2026 – Strasbourg plenary session

Parliament’s priorities for the October European Council

On Tuesday morning, MEPs will look ahead to the 15 – 16 October EU summit in a debate with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Irish Presidency.

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MEPs to insist on Parliament’s priorities for the EU’s long-term budget

On Wednesday, Parliament will discuss developments in the negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget since MEPs tabled their demands last April.

AGILE: Parliament set to approve new EU defence innovation programme

The programme responds to the new security environment shaped by Russia’s war on Ukraine, where fast and low-cost defence innovation cycles are critical.

Combating the cost-of-living crisis and soaring housing prices

On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss ways to make housing affordable, followed on Wednesday by a debate with Commission and Council representatives on the current cost-of-living crisis.

Parliament set to denounce Russian elections and assess situation in Ukraine

On Tuesday, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will discuss the undemocratic parliamentary elections that took place in Russia on 18-20 September.

EU-China political relations

With geopolitical and economic tensions rising, MEPs will discuss the EU´s policy towards Beijing on Tuesday and vote on an accompanying resolution on Wednesday.

‘This is Europe’ debate with Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro

On Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, will address Parliament and debate with MEPs.

Empowering children in the digital world

MEPs will discuss recent Commission proposals to delay social media access and ensure platforms provide safe and age-appropriate services.

Exposure to dangerous chemicals: improving worker protection

On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to approve new rules to improve EU standards protecting workers from exposure to certain dangerous substances.

Falsified medicines: protecting patients from health risks

In a Monday evening debate, MEPs will set out their plans for protecting citizens from illegal and falsified medicines sold online.

Parliament’s proposals to step up the fight against corruption in the EU

On Wednesday, MEPs will quiz the Commission, and present their own ideas, on the first EU anti-corruption strategy, to be unveiled before the end of 2026.

EU support for workers in Belgium, Spain and Finland

On Wednesday, Parliament is expected to back the disbursement of pound 6.91 million to help workers laid off in Belgium, Spain and Finland find new jobs.

Countering Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network

Parliament will hold a debate on Wednesday on the need for an EU strategy to protect the European way of life.

Resolutions on human rights and democracy

Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy and rule of law topics on Wednesday afternoon, followed by votes on Thursday.