Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus’ Defence Ministry on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors on emergency preparedness, focusing on crisis management, the protection of critical infrastructure, and enhancing the resilience of the Republic of Cyprus.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation under the Central Civil Emergency Planning Section (CCEPS).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas said that the MoU establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the OEB and the CCEPS, with the objective of ensuring optimal coordination between the state and the private sector during times of crisis.

Palmas explained that the MoU provides for closer collaboration in supporting emergency planning, strengthening the contribution of OEB members in assisting the security forces during crises, delivering training and professional development for personnel, encouraging businesses to participate in the implementation of the CCEPS’s emergency plans, and promoting joint initiatives, studies and research aimed at improving the resilience of both businesses and the Republic.

For his part, OEB President George Pantelides described the MoU as a significant initiative for coordination and preparedness in an area of growing importance: strengthening the country’s resilience to crises, threats and emergency situations.

He said that the private sector is not merely an observer but a vital partner of the state, noting that Cypriot businesses possess infrastructure, services, expertise, skilled personnel and production capabilities which, through appropriate planning, can make a decisive contribution to crisis management and to maintaining the operational continuity of both the state and the economy.

CCEPS Director, Brigadier Iacovos Mikellides, said that cooperation with the OEB began in 2024. He noted that the Ministry of Defence, adopting modern practices already implemented in other countries, had moved to formalise this cooperation through the signing of the MoU.

He explained that CCEPS is the competent state authority responsible for national emergency planning, coordination and oversight of crisis and emergency management. Its mission is to ensure effective cooperation across the state apparatus and to support the security forces, with the aim of strengthening the defence capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus, he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus condemns the signing of the illegal ”memorandum of understanding” between Trkiye and the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, for the development of an undersea natural gas pipeline which will connect Trkiye with the occupied areas.

In a statement, the Ministry stresses that “the ‘memorandum’ in question, which was signed during the illegal visit of the Vice President of Trkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus, constitutes yet another manifestation of Trkiye’s revisionist policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and is part of the ongoing efforts to consolidate faits accomplis of the occupation and the further integration of the occupied areas with Trkiye.”

It recalls that under International Law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the unilateral development of energy infrastructure and the promotion of projects of strategic importance, both on the territory and in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus, without the permission of the Republic of Cyprus, constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Trkiye, it adds, as the occupying power, “bears full responsibility for the activities taking place in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.”

The statement says that the Republic of Cyprus denounces Trkiye’s latest illegal activities and will continue to do so in international fora, demanding that Trkiye finally demonstrates respect for International Law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

“The Republic of Cyprus will continue to defend its legitimate rights, intensifying its efforts at a legal, political and diplomatic level, on the basis of International and European Union Law, in all competent Organizations, including the European Union,” it concludes.

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.

An illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally, on November 15, 1983, in the areas under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void.

Upgrading children’s healthcare, with a particular focus on paediatric cancer care, remains a priority for the Ministry of Health, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said on Friday during a ceremony marking the handover of medical equipment to the Paediatric Oncology Ward at Archbishop Makarios III Hospital.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Lions Club of Limassol Aphrodite for its donation to the Paediatric Oncology Ward at Archbishop Makarios III Hospital,” the Minister said.

He said the donation would strengthen a department that provides daily care to children and their families during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

According to Charalambides, the vital signs monitoring equipment will help ensure the continuous monitoring of young patients and support the work of healthcare professionals.

He reiterated that upgrading paediatric and paediatric oncology care services remains a priority for the Ministry of Health.

“In this context, we will also proceed with the construction of a new paediatric oncology clinic adjacent to Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, with the cost to be covered by the Cleanthous Foundation,” he added.

Commission preliminarily finds the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook in breach of the Digital Services Act

Today, the European Commission preliminarily found Meta in breach of the Digital Services Act for the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook. The investigation focuses on features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the platforms’ highly personalised recommender systems.

Risk assessment

The Commission’s investigation indicates that Meta did not adequately assess the risks of its addictive design on the physical and mental wellbeing of users, including minors and vulnerable adults.

For example, Meta did not consider certain design features of Instagram and Facebook, such as highly personalised recommendations, autoplay and infinite scroll, which constantly show users new content. These features fuel the user’s urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain into ‘autopilot mode’, contributing to unhealthy habits and compulsive use.

Moreover, Meta disregarded available information about the time minors spend on Instagram or Facebook at night and how the optimisation of its different formats – such as reels and stories – could lead to excessive or compulsive use of the services.

Risk mitigation measures

Evidence also shows that Meta’s current mitigation measures failed to effectively tackle the risks stemming from its addictive design.

For example, Instagram’s and Facebook’s time management tools, including those activated by default for teens, can be easily dismissed and do not lead to a meaningful reduction and control of the usage of the service.

Moreover, the Commission considers that Meta’s parental controls are only effective if parents and guardians possess adequate technical expertise, as well as devote effort and time to understand them effectively. This undermines the efficiency of such measures in addressing the inherent risks posed by Instagram and Facebook’s addictive design.

Meta’s awareness-raising measures, such as tips and links to mental health resources available via a separate ‘safety centre’ page, do not seem to sufficiently mitigate the risk of addictive design on Facebook and Instagram.

At this stage of the investigation, the Commission considers that Meta needs to implement design changes to both Instagram and Facebook. For instance, by disabling key addictive features such as ‘autoplay’ and ‘infinite scroll’ by default, implementing effective ‘screen time breaks’, and adapting its recommender system to make it less engagement-oriented.

These preliminary findings do not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.

Next steps

Meta now has the possibility to exercise its right to defence. It may examine the documents in the Commission’s investigation files and reply in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted.

If the Commission’s views are ultimately confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, which can trigger a fine proportionate to the nature, gravity, recurrence and duration of the infringement, capped at 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider.

Background

The Commission’s preliminary findings today are part of its formal proceedings to investigate Meta’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, launched on 16 May 2024.

The Commission’s preliminary views are based on an in-depth investigation that included an analysis of Meta’s risk assessments reports, internal data and documents and Meta’s responses to multiple requests for information, a review of the extensive scientific research on this topic, and interviews with experts in multiple fields, including behavioural addiction.

This investigation also covers concerns about the age assurance measures Meta has put in place for minors below 13 years old, for which preliminary findings were adopted on 29 April 2026. Separately, the Commission continues its investigation into so-called ‘rabbit hole’ effects caused by the design of Facebook’s and Instagram’s recommender systems, which may exploit minors’ vulnerabilities and inexperience.

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Protecting the physical and mental health of Europeans must be a priority for social media platforms. The Digital Services Act provides a clear framework to hold platforms accountable for the addictive design and effects of their services. We are fully committed to enforcing our legislation in Europe.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

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

Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, further strengthening protection of EU funds

Today, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), following Hungary’s request to join it in May 2026. With today’s decision, Hungary will now be the 25th Member State to join the EPPO, reflecting its renewed commitment to restoring the rule of law in the country. The EPPO will now have a permanent presence in Hungary to protect EU funds from financial crime.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is in charge of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes involving the EU budget. It significantly contributes to a stronger protection of the Union budget.

President von der Leyen said: ‘Today brings good news for Hungary. This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.’

The decision today has important implications, as the EPPO Regulation will cease to be an act under enhanced cooperation and become fully part of the EU acquis. This means that any new Members joining the European Union in the future will be required to join the EPPO.

Next steps

The Commission’s decision will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. Hungarian authorities will now need to propose 3 candidates for the post of European Prosecutor in Hungary. The Council of the EU will appoint one of them, after considering the opinion of an independent panel. The panel is composed of one former member each of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Court of Auditors, and Eurojust, as well as other high-level justice professionals. Hungary will also need to propose candidates for the posts of European Delegated Prosecutors to the European Chief Prosecutor.

The Hungarian authorities will have to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the EPPO can be fully operational in Hungary. This includes providing sufficient material and human resources.

The EPPO will be able to start its work twenty days after the Council appoints the European Prosecutor in Hungary. It will be competent to investigate and prosecute crimes involving EU funds committed in Hungary after 1 June 2021, retroactively, when EPPO started its operations.

Background

EPPO was established in 2021 by, and operates under, the EPPO Regulation. By the end of December 2025, it was dealing with more than 3,600 cases.

Denmark and Ireland have opted out of the area of freedom, security and justice under the Treaties. On this basis, they do not participate in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The EPPO was established through the mechanism of so-called enhanced cooperation, which allows a group of at least nine Member States to integrate more closely in a particular EU policy. When all Member States of the EU participate in a law established under this mechanism, that law becomes part of the ‘acquis communautaire’ and is no longer considered to operate under the category of enhanced cooperation. With 25 Member States now part of the EPPO, and the two remaining Member States subject to an opt-out, the EPPO Regulation becomes henceforth part of the EU acquis.

For more information

EPPO Regulation

European Public Prosecutor’s Office (the EPPO) – European Commission

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Today brings good news for Hungary. This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Hungary joining the EPPO is yet another fundamental step for rule of law in Hungary and for the fight against misuse of taxpayer’s money. From now on, Hungarians know there will be an independent, European, public prosecutor ensuring that the EU’s funding goes where it is meant to go. The rule of law and the fight against corruption in Hungary have just gotten stronger.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Today is a historic day both for Hungary and the EU. Protecting our budget is not optional. Every euro safeguarded is a euro that goes back to citizens. The EPPO is a central actor in the fight against fraud in the EU, as shown by every investigation it launches, every successful prosecution it secures and every asset frozen.

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)

50 years after the Seveso chemical disaster, the EU continues to work on preventing industrial incidents

On 10 July 1976, a major industrial accident in Seveso, Italy led to thousands of people and vast areas being exposed to a cloud of toxic dioxin – a persistent environmental pollutant. Following this incident, the EU took decisive steps to prevent and control such accidents by adopting the Seveso Directive, which entered into force in 1982. This groundbreaking law led to a significant reduction of risk of major accidents in the EU, reducing harm to people, property and nature, and inspired similar laws and safety standards worldwide.

Today, the Seveso Directive remains the backbone of the EU’s industrial safety framework, providing stricter risk assessments, safer land-use planning, stronger safety management and better emergency preparedness. It covers around 11,000 industrial sites across the EU, such as chemical and petrochemical plants as well as oil refineries. Concretely, companies must prevent major accidents and limit their consequences, while authorities ensure oversight and public safety.

Despite these positive trends, risks persist. Recent disasters – such as the 2019 Lubrizol fire in Rouen (France) and the 2021 chemical factories explosion in Leverkusen (Germany) – highlight the need for continuous action, constant oversight and robust safety measures. The Commission will continue working with Member States, industry, emergency services, and civil society to ensure that the Seveso framework remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving industrial, environmental and security context. The EU’s broader Preparedness Strategy reinforces this approach, promoting comprehensive risk assessment across sectors to improve crisis prevention, preparedness and response.

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘Fifty years after Seveso, the lesson remains clear: prevention saves lives. The Seveso Directive has helped make Europe one of the safest places in the world for industrial activity, but we cannot be complacent. As climate risks intensify and new technologies offer transformation of our societies and economies, we must continue to be consciously alert and anticipate emerging threats, stay agile and strengthen our preparedness. Protecting people, communities and the environment goes hand in hand with building a resilient and competitive European industry.’

You can find more information online

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

New survey finds Europeans believe vocational education and training leads to good jobs and pay

In an era of rapidly changing work environments, Europeans view vocational education and training (VET) as a fast track to attractive and well-remunerated job opportunities. A special Eurobarometer survey reveals that 85% of Europeans agree that VET provides technical skills relevant for jobs. Most respondents also believe VET leads to actual job opportunities (82%) which are well-paid (66%). Over half say the top reason people choose VET is to start working and earning money sooner.

VET combines practical and theoretical learning to equip learners with hands-on skills and qualifications needed on the labour market. The survey shows that 73% of Europeans see VET as offering high-quality learning, delivered by competent teachers (79%) and supported by modern infrastructure (78%). Opportunities for progression to higher education (67%) and programmes for studying abroad (64%) further enhance VET’s appeal.

Europeans choose VET influenced by factors such as job opportunities and potential earnings (53%), family advice (35%) and advice from teachers or counsellors (28%).

However, according to the respondents, VET cannot compensate for general skills that are typically acquired in school. Half of respondents believe VET programmes fall short in teaching basic skills, such as literacy and digital literacy, or transversal skills like communication and critical thinking. Gender stereotypes also constrain the potential of VET, as 71% agree women are often encouraged to choose general education over technical subjects.

These findings underscore the relevance of the 2020 Council Recommendation on VET. A new report published today highlights VET’s role in tackling labour shortages and skills gaps, as well as measures implemented by Member States. It shows the EU has met two key targets: 66% of recent VET graduates have gained work-based learning (exceeding the 60% goal), while 80.2% of VET graduates are employed (close to the 82% target). To fully realise the potential of VET and meet growing demand for VET-trained workers, the report calls for expanding teacher training, deepening business collaboration, increasing learning mobility for VET learners, and addressing skills gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as basic competencies.

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu welcomes the findings: “This survey confirms what we have long known: VET works. Europeans see it as a route to well-paid jobs and future-proof careers – and the data backs them up, with strong employment outcomes for VET graduates. Our upcoming VET Strategy will build on these foundations to drive Europe’s competitiveness and open doors for learners across the continent.”

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

Commission’s annual report on taxation shows a shift in the EU tax mix

The Commission’s annual report on taxation, published today, offers a detailed overview of taxation policies in all Member States, assesses recent trends in EU tax systems and identifies ways to enhance compliance.

The report shows that over the past decade the tax mix has gradually shifted away from consumption-based taxes towards capital-based taxes, while the share of labour taxes has increased among countries pursuing fiscal consolidation. Looking into specific tax types, corporate income tax and personal income tax have gained weight in the tax mix, while environmental and property taxes have receded. Furthermore, Member States have reported a total of 399 tax reforms for 2025.

The report shows that the EU’s overall tax-to-GDP ratio increased to 39.4% in 2024, a slight increase from the decade-low dip of 2023, with 22 Member States recording an increase in the ratio. It also shows that labour taxes – including social contributions – remain the main source of revenue, accounting for 51.5% of total tax receipts, followed by consumption taxes (26.8%) and capital taxes (21.6%).

The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) supported Member States’ efforts to modernise tax administrations and improve compliance, with 22 % of TSI projects focusing on improving tax compliance and 21 % on digitalisation of revenue administration, the report found.

At a time when Europe needs to channel resources into new strategic priorities, such as competitiveness and security, the report highlights that tax policy remains central to the EU economic and political agenda. Well-designed tax systems can support employment, guide investment, foster innovation, and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable society.

The full report and all its details is available online.

(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 229-69776; Bridget Moylan – Tel.: +32 229-82844)

Joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kos on the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

Tomorrow, Europe pays its tribute to the memory of over 8,300 Bosniak men and boys who were killed in the Srebrenica genocide 31 years ago. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of the genocide. We share the grief of those who endure the anguish of uncertainty about their missing loved ones, and we continue to stand by the survivors whose lives were upended in July 1995.

The Srebrenica genocide is among the darkest episodes in Europe’s history.

It reminds us of our obligation to build peaceful societies, protect human lives and dignity, and to defend the fundamental values upon which the European Union is founded.

We honour the victims by upholding historical truth, preserving their memory, and ensuring that the lessons of Srebrenica endure for future generations. This was the intention of the United Nations General Assembly when two years ago it declared the 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.

There is no place in Europe for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of convicted war criminals.

We call on leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the region to choose responsibility over division, dialogue over confrontation, and to support the process of finding and identifying the remaining victims.

Healing the wounds of the past requires courage, sincere engagement, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation.

The European Union remains firmly committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future as a sovereign, united, multiethnic and democratic country.

(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16)

The EU co-host the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group

On Monday 13 July, the EU and the Palestinian Authority will co-chair the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) in Brussels. Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica will co-chair, alongside Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa.

Building on the successful first meeting in November 2025, as well as on the meetings of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee and the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the second meeting of the PDG will showcase the reforms the Palestinian Authority has undertaken since last November and its need for further financial support. As such, the PDG also aims to contribute to coordinating international efforts and support the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and coordinate international efforts for early recovery in Gaza.

Ahead of the meeting, the Commission and partners will showcase their support to the Palestinian Authority through a signing ceremony for agreements under PEGASE, the EU’s mechanism for financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

The European Commission will also launch a ‘Team Gaza Initiative’ that will bring together EU Member States and like-minded partners to coordinate and leverage ongoing and planned early recovery funding for Gaza. The event will be transmitted on EBS around 16:00 CEST.

After the meeting, a press conference with Commissioner Šuica and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mustafa will take place around 18:30. It will be transmitted live on EBS.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in UNESCO meeting on fostering education at global level

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, will deliver a speech at the UNESCO hosted Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 High-Level Steering Committee Leaders Meeting, taking place in xx. Her intervention will focus on education system resilience across three pillars, including the teaching profession, foundational and lifelong learning and inclusive digital transformation. The meetings also aim to give political direction to the post-2030 global education agenda process.

The Executive Vice-President’s presence reaffirms the European Union commitment to UN SDG which aim to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Moreover, she will speak at the Transforming Education Summit (TES) +4 which is designed to take stock of achievements four years after the Summit.

In the four years since the TES, the EU has continued to invest at scale. Through international partnerships and Global Gateway, the EU is investing around pound 6 billion in education between 2021 and 2027. 44% of EU education funding is committed to fragile contexts, helping to safeguard learning where it is most under threat.

The Executive Vice-President will also have bilateral engagements with UNESCO Director-General, Dr Khaled El-Enany and the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the African Union, Gaspard Banyankimbona.

Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu said: ‘Education and training are a strategic investment in resilience, in skills, and in the social cohesion that holds our societies together. Governments that protect education budgets are not being generous. They are being rational and forward-looking. This also means investing in people, our educators and teachers.’

Invest Cyprus honoured international companies, acknowledging their contribution to the growth of the Cypriot economy, the strengthening of the country’s international outlook and the continued positioning of Cyprus as a trusted investment destination, at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards, in an awards ceremony on Thursday, in Nicosia.

The event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who addressed the investors. The President of the Republic highlighted that the country’s direction is built around ‘stability, perspective, development and security’, noting that investment decisions ultimately depend on trust in a country’s institutions, people and long-term prospects.

The companies recognised at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards are Accor, a leading international hospitality group with a presence in more than 110 countries, strengthening its presence in Cyprus with four hotels in Larnaca and Nicosia, Coral S.A. – Coral Cyprus, the official licensee of the Shell trademark in Cyprus, that has been operating in the country since 2017 with a network of 42 Shell service stations and significant investments in infrastructure and services, Hartmann Group, an independent family-owned shipping group with a fleet of approximately 100 vessels, that selected Cyprus as its headquarters, taking advantage of the country’s strategic location and maritime ecosystem.

Furthermore, Kraken, a Payward company, one of the most established international digital financial services platforms, that established operations in Cyprus in 2025, recognising the country’s strong regulatory framework and access to European markets, Premium Access Cyprus developing the Palm Beach Resort in Larnaca, an investment exceeding pound 110 million, combining luxury hospitality, residences and high-quality facilities, Reconiq Software Ltd, Member of the Plath Group, that has been operating in Cyprus since 2016, developing high-performance software and artificial intelligence solutions for specialised defence and security systems and SayGames, an international mobile game developer and publisher, that selected Cyprus as its global headquarters in 2020, with a portfolio of more than 200 games and over 8 billion downloads, were also recognised.

“Through their activities and investments, this year’s award recipients reflect Cyprus’ growing strength as an international business and investment destination. Their presence in the country contributes to employment, knowledge transfer, innovation, international outreach and the connection of the Cypriot economy with global markets,” Invest Cyprus notes in a press release on Friday.

On the occasion of this year’s ceremony, the Chairman of Invest Cyprus, Evgenios Evgeniou, thanked investors for their trust in Cyprus and noted that the companies honoured had contributed far more than capital, with their impact reflected in the jobs they created, the innovation they supported, the sectors they developed and the international links they built.

He also stated that foreign direct investment had contributed to establishing technology as one of the country’s main growth sectors, while Cyprus’ economic performance continued to compare favourably with that of much of Europe.

He also linked the country’s investment appeal to Cyprus’ new international positioning, ‘Stability with Perspective’, which presents Cyprus as a European hub with a global outlook and as a trusted partner in an increasingly complex region. At a time when investors are becoming more selective, they are seeking stability, predictability and trusted partnerships, all of which Cyprus can offer.

“This year’s event confirmed that Cyprus continues to attract companies with an international outlook, strategic planning and a meaningful contribution to the economy. In a demanding international environment, the country maintains strong advantages, including its membership of the European Union, its stable business environment, its strategic geographical location, its highly skilled workforce and its strong professional services ecosystem,” Invest Cyprus says.

Frederick University has been ranked the leading university in Cyprus for the fourth consecutive year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings, according to a Press release by the University on Friday. In the recently announced 2026 edition, it is one of only three universities in Cyprus and Greece to be placed in the highest overall ranking band, 301-400 globally, and the only non-public university to achieve this distinction.

In the same rankings, Frederick University is placed among the top 100-200 universities globally in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Reduced Inequalities, Partnerships for the Goals

In this year’s THE Sustainability Impact Ratings, 1,646 higher education institutions from around the world were evaluated based on their performance and commitment to advancing sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This recognition highlights the University’s strong global impact through its research, teaching, institutional policies, and engagement with society, reflecting its ongoing commitment to addressing global challenges,” the stateement notes.

Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council of Frederick University, stated that “Frederick University has once again retained its position as the leading university in Cyprus in one of the world’s most significant rankings assessing universities’ contribution to sustainable development.” Professor George Demosthenous, Rector of Frederick University, added that “our outstanding performance in SDG4 – Quality Education confirms our active role in shaping responsible citizens who are capable of acting as genuine agents of change.”

Cyprus has recorded an improvement in its overall performance and a recovery across several indicators in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2026, published by the European Commission on Thursday, 9 July. The annual report assesses the performance of innovation ecosystems across Europe.

Cyprus ranks 16th among the European Union (EU) Member States, moving up one place compared with 2025.

According to the report, Cyprus remains in the “Moderate Innovators” category, but its performance is well above the average for that group, scoring 92.1% compared with the group average of 86.4%. Compared with 2025, the country’s overall score increased by 4.1 points, representing the third-largest annual improvement among EU Member States.

A particularly strong performance was recorded in the “Innovators” dimension, where Cyprus ranked 1st in the EU, a remarkable rise from 15th place in the previous year. This dimension measures the innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the introduction of innovative products and business processes.

Cyprus also performed strongly in the “Linkages” dimension, ranking 2nd among EU Member States, up from 10th place in 2025. This dimension evaluates key indicators reflecting collaboration and knowledge diffusion within the innovation ecosystem, including partnerships between innovative SMEs, public-private scientific co-publications, and the mobility of highly skilled science and technology professionals.

The country also continues to demonstrate strong research performance, ranking 5th in the EU in indicators related to international research collaboration and the quality of scientific output. Specifically, Cyprus ranks 3rd in international scientific co-publications and 6th in highly cited scientific publications.

Despite the positive results, the European Innovation Scoreboard 2026 also highlights structural challenges that continue to affect the country’s performance. These include the need to further strengthen investment in Research and Development, particularly private-sector investment-improve businesses’ access to finance and growth capital, and reinforce the country’s production base in medium- and high-technology products.

The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy stated that it continues to design and implement policies aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem. These efforts focus on creating more favourable conditions for investment in research, knowledge transfer, business innovation, and the growth of innovative enterprises, while addressing areas where further improvement is needed.

As part of this strategy, several major initiatives are underway, including the development of a new high-performance computing infrastructure in strategic partnership with NVIDIA, the Pharos-CY AI Factory Antenna, and the establishment of a Plug and Play Innovation Centre in Cyprus. These initiatives are expected to enhance the Cypriot innovation ecosystem’s access to advanced artificial intelligence technologies, international innovation networks, acceleration services, and global investment and funding opportunities.

“Research and innovation are fundamental pillars of the country’s development strategy. The continuous improvement of Cyprus’ performance in European innovation indicators is not an end in itself, but part of a systematic effort to build a more competitive, productive and resilient economy that creates greater opportunities for businesses, researchers and citizens,” the Deputy Ministry said in its statement.

Restoration works at the Hadjipantelis house and at the windmill in the occupied Limnia of Famagusta have been completed, according to Sotos Ktoris, Co-Chair of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.

In a Facebook post referring to the Hadjipantelis house, Ktoris said it is “a distinctive traditional house, which has been declared an ancient monument since 1971. The house, which was erected in successive phases, the first dating to the late 18th century, is a fine example of Cypriot traditional architecture”.

He noted that what makes it particularly interesting is that it incorporates in secondary use various architectural elements and stone reliefs, which likely come both from the archaeological site of Salamis and from remnants of medieval buildings, and it also includes traditional decorative stone reliefs.

Ktoris explained that the works included conservation and restoration of the masonry, the roof and the brick-built elements, preservation of the historic stone reliefs, restoration of the wooden elements and floors, as well as landscaping of the courtyard and restoration of the enclosure.

The project was funded by the European Union and implemented under the technical guidance of UNDP.

Ktoris also said that conservation works at the Limnia windmill in the same Famagusta district have been completed.

A monument, he noted, “that reminds us of the way rural people faced the hardships of the time, with simplicity and ingenuity, harnessing natural forces to secure their family’s bread. An important element of cultural heritage as well as of the history of rural life in Mesaoria”.

The conservation works were carried out with financial assistance from the European Union and technical support from UNDP

The need for concrete action in support of survivors and for ending impunity for conflict related sexual violence was underlined by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, who spoke, on Wednesday, at the UN Security Council open debate on the women, peace and security agenda. She noted that during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus hundreds of women and girls, as well as men and boys were subjected to sexual violence by Turkish troops,’ adding that ‘the suffering of those survivors remains an open wound for Cypriot society.”

Ambassador Michail congratulated the Democratic Republic of the Congo for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and expressed Cyprus’ appreciation for convening the debate. She also welcomed the participation of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, for her briefing, reiterating Cyprus’ ‘full support’ for her mandate.

She said that the UN Secretary-General’s latest report ‘once again reminds us of the alarming scale and brutality of conflict related sexual violence.”

The Permanent Representative referred to Cyprus’ own experience, saying that, ‘as a victim of foreign military invasion and ongoing occupation by Turkey for over five decades,’ the country knows ‘firsthand the devastating and long lasting consequences of conflict related sexual violence”.

‘During the 1974 Turkish invasion, hundreds of women and girls, as well as men and boys were subjected to sexual violence by Turkish troops,’ she stressed, adding that ‘the suffering of those survivors remains an open wound for Cypriot society.”

According to Ambassador Michail, this experience continues to strengthen Cyprus’ ‘unwavering commitment’ to recognition, justice, accountability and support for survivors everywhere.

She also referred to the ‘adoption of a dedicated resolution by the European Parliament condemning the sexual violence committed by the Turkish troops during the invasion, and calling for accountability and support for survivors,’ describing it as ‘an important step towards preserving historical memory and raising awareness at the European and international level”.

Ambassador Michail stressed that Cyprus ‘unequivocally condemns all forms of gender based violence online and offline, including conflict related sexual violence”.

‘These crimes continue to be used as tactics of war, terrorism, torture and political repression,’ she said, noting that they devastate lives and communities while undermining prospects for sustainable peace.

She also recalled that ‘rape and other forms of sexual violence may constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity or acts of genocide under international law,’ adding that accountability for these crimes is ‘not only a legal obligation, but also a prerequisite for prevention and lasting peace.”

Ambassador Michail highlighted three key priorities: placing survivors at the centre of all efforts, ending impunity and ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women.

‘Survivors must remain at the centre of all our efforts,’ she said, noting that women, girls, men and boys experience these crimes differently and require ‘tailored gender and age responsive, disability inclusive and trauma informed support.”

She added that survivors must have ‘safe and timely access to justice, legal assistance, health care, psychosocial services and effective reparations free from stigma and fear of reprisals”.

On accountability, Michail called on all states ‘to strengthen national capacities to investigate and prosecute conflict related sexual violence,’ while ensuring ‘victim centred justice processes”.

‘Existing Security Council sanctions regimes should also be fully utilized to reinforce accountability, deter future violations and send a clear message that perpetrators will be held responsible for their crimes,’ she stressed.

She also underlined the ‘indispensable role’ of women protection advisors and women led local organisations in prevention, early warning and survivor assistance. Their work, she said, ‘must be adequately resourced and protected, particularly during transitions or drawdowns of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

Referring to the women, peace and security agenda, Michail said that ‘sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women.”

‘The women peace and security agenda remains our strongest framework for advancing women’s leadership in conflict prevention, peace building, and recovery,’ she said.

Michail noted that Cyprus remains ‘firmly committed’ to advancing this agenda, both nationally and internationally. Earlier this year, she said, Cyprus adopted its second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, ‘reaffirming our commitment to the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions.”

The new action plan, she added, strengthens measures on ‘participation, protection, prevention and relief and recovery” while placing greater emphasis on ‘gender mainstreaming across national security and foreign policy”.

Beyond its national efforts, the Permanent Representative said Cyprus continues to support women and girls affected by conflict through ‘targeted humanitarian assistance and development cooperation through Cyprus aid,’ contributing to humanitarian relief and promoting ‘gender responsive approaches that address the specific needs of women and girls in crisis situations.”

Michail underlined that ‘honouring the promise of international law requires more than declarations.”

‘It requires concrete action to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, address the root causes of sexual violence, and ensure that these crimes never become an accepted consequence of conflict,” she said.

‘Cyprus stands ready to continue working with international community to strengthen the global response to conflict related sexual violence and to fully implement the women peace and security agenda,” she stressed.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Ninety-three per cent of young people in Cyprus are exposed to gambling-related content on social media, according to a survey presented by the National Betting Authority (NBA) on the relationship between social media and gambling.

The findings showed that, over the past 12 months, respondents were exposed to such content an average of 4.45 times per month. Only 7% said they had not encountered gambling-related content. Instagram is the most popular platform, with 95% of participants having an account, while 93% of those who had seen gambling-related content said they encountered it on the platform. Facebook and TikTok follow, with usage rates of 82% and 68%, respectively.

The survey, conducted by IMR/UNIC on behalf of the NBA in February and March 2026, was based on a nationwide sample of 1,000 people aged between 18 and 35.

As regards the type of content encountered, 89% of young people said they see paid advertisements from betting companies or online casinos, while 77% are exposed to posts by influencers promoting gambling. However, it was noted that such exposure is driven primarily by content-recommendation algorithms rather than active user engagement, as the majority of respondents do not follow betting company accounts or register on gambling websites after viewing such content.

At the same time, 41% of respondents said they are exposed to promotions, bonuses and free bets, while 36% see posts by friends publicising gambling winnings. This, it was said, highlights the multidimensional nature of the digital ecosystem surrounding gambling. The survey found that 63% of participants had gambled or taken part in gambling activities during the past 12 months. Of these, 78% said they gamble to win money and 65% cited entertainment as a reason. Asked whether social media had prompted them to gamble or participate in gambling activities, 44% replied ‘yes, rarely’, 37% said ‘no, never’ and 19% answered ‘yes, sometimes’.

Regarding gambling spending, young people who gamble spend an average of pound 34.2 per month. The overwhelming majority of players, 65%, spend between pound 10 and pound 50 a month, while 18% spend between pound 50.01 and pound 100. Only 15% spend less than pound 10, while a small proportion of 2% spend more than pound 100 per month.

Differences were also recorded by gender, with men spending more on gambling than women. Average monthly expenditure stood at pound 38.9 for men and pound 28 for women. In addition, those who primarily use TikTok appear to spend the highest amounts on gambling, averaging pound 36.2 per month, followed by Instagram users at pound 33.9 and Facebook users at pound 30.1.

In terms of time spent gambling, the survey indicates that gambling has a regular presence in the daily lives of young people, constituting a systematic rather than occasional activity. Players spend an average of 118.8 minutes per week gambling. Seventy-three per cent of respondents devote between one and three hours a week to gambling, while 11% spend between three and five hours. Fifteen per cent spend less than one hour a week gambling, while only 2% exceed five hours per week.

Men also recorded higher figures in this area, spending an average of 131.5 minutes per week gambling, compared with 101.9 minutes for women.

Finally, young people who primarily use Instagram spend the most time gambling, at an average of 122.8 minutes per week, followed by TikTok and Facebook users at 113.7 and 109.4 minutes, respectively.

Commenting on the results, National Betting Authority President Panagiotis Trisokkas stressed that prevention and the protection of citizens cannot be based on assumptions but must be grounded in reliable scientific evidence.

In his intervention, the President of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority Dr Christos Minas focused on the amount of time young people spend online, saying they are far exceeding the limit ‘and we are now moving into pathological, problematic internet use more broadly’.